NOVI, MI – “Obviously putting is the key out there,” said Jack Nicklaus at the beginning of last week’s U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. Reflecting on his victory in 1962 when he defeated Arnold Palmer in a playoff at the iconic course, he continued, “You had to figure these greens out and not let them get to you. And be patient.“ Patience was the operative word on Sunday as the 125th U.S. Open came to a wild and chaotic, weather delayed finish.
Two South African 2Thumb grip players were in the hunt as they teed up in the final round.
The 28-year-old player from Kempton Park, South Africa who turned pro in 2014 and gained his PGA Tour card in 2025, recorded an impressive three-under-par 67 in the first round. With subsequent rounds of 74, 70 and 75, he finished at six over along with six others including major champions Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and Adam Scott.
The South African plays 2THUMB’s OG Taper Lite 43 putting grip. The OG Taper Lite 43 is based on the original 2THUMB grips specifically developed with a flat surface on top to keep the shoulders aligned while reducing grip tension in the stroke. The tapered design stays true to 2THUMB’s classic range of grips which promote even grip pressure across both hands reducing potential wrist action.
Additionally in the group tied for 12th was a three-time champion on the DP World Tour, runner up at the 2024 American Express, 2024 Olympic competitor and another 2Thumb grip player from South Africa. The 30-year-old had his best year on the PGA TOUR in 2024 finishing Top 30 in the FedExCup standings. Playing with 2Thumb’s SNUG2 30 grip, the South African vaulted to fourth in total putting last year.
2THUMB was founded in the U.K. in 2004 and continues to have great success on the DP World and PGA Tours. The grips accommodate all of today’s putting grip styles, from Conventional, Claw, Left hand low, Prayer etc.
For more information, go to www.usa.twothumbgrip.com.
About 2THUMB Grips
Designed by 2Thumb USA President Darin Dingman, the visionary and former co-owner of SuperStroke putting grips, 2THUMB offers a range of ergonomically designed putter grips that aid in grip alignment, help prevent grip twist, and promote a consistent, confident putting stroke. 2THUMB’s exclusive Dimax technology runs down both sides of the grip to ensure traction and less grip pressure, keeping the hands more relaxed throughout the stroke.
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