When you think of putter grips, there are brands that pop into your head, visions of products and even quite a bit of advertising. Yet some golfers have never really tried an alternative to what comes standard on their putter. While Garsen Golf Grips continues to grow both at the highest level, and in the minds of consumers, there are millions that still don’t know the name, but should.
In what might be the most fascinating backstory in a THP Brand Story to date, the history behind Garsen Golf Grips, and more importantly Bernerd Garsen, is straight out of a Hollywood script.

Bernerd Garsen grew up in California playing golf with his father. He had a passion for it, that despite the twists and turns of his career, never wavered. As he became an adult, his path took him towards modeling and it went global. Hired by international fashion and lifestyle brands throughout Europe, Garsen found himself traveling between Germany, France, Greece and South Africa, while making his residence in Barcelona, Spain. This lasted for over a decade and the brands are a who’s who of products that you probably saw throughout the time period. From BMW Motorcycles to Giorgio Armani and everything in between, the tenure was successful.
Coming back to the US in 1995, Garsen relocated to Miami, FL. The modeling career pursuit did not slow down, working with national brands such as Master Card, Hilton Hotels and many others. Like many that traveled for work, that all came crashing down on September 11th, 2001. We won’t relive that day for the purpose of the piece, but for Bernard Garsen, that meant employment came to a literal halt.
What does a model do? Researching this, sadly I have flashbacks of the comedy Zoolander and that doesn’t help anybody. Garsen went back to his roots and love of the game of golf. He found employment at Doral Resort and Spa, working outside, which allowed him to continue to hone his craft as a golfer.
If you are waiting for grip talk, it’s coming, we swear.

From there, Bernerd Garsen put his teaching skills to the test, becoming assistant pro at the Links at Fisher Island. Those that know the area, know that it is extremely affluent, and the golf craving never stoped. This is where the research began. Having the ability to work with students at every imaginable skill level, Garsen learned quite a bit. Yet one glaring item stood out over every other aspect of the game. Every golfer struggled with the same universal issue…PUTTING!
The amount of difficulty that exists for proper setup and consistent stroke spanned across everybody that Garsen was working with. This gave him the idea behind the idea so to speak. What would become the Edge, the first Garsen Golf putter grip.
If you have followed our Brand Story features in the past, you have learned that creating prototypes is never as glamorous as it sounds. Cut, paste, weld, glue, draw, we have seen it all. Rather than try to detail what went into the first Edge putter grip, here is Bernerd Garsen to explain.

“To create the prototype, I cut up several rubber grips and glued the pieces together with shoe glue to form and sculpt what eventually evolved into my brand’s first putter grip, the Edge.
Unlike the traditional putter grip, the Edge forces your thumbs onto either side of the top ridge, so the palms open up, face each other and the wrists settle into a neutral position. It turns your elbows into your body and sets your shoulders back. This relieves arm and shoulder tension, and inhibits wrist action, which takes “the hands out of the putting” and promotes shoulder rotation, creating a solid putting stroke, which gives you a one-piece feel, leading to a more consistent stroke.
I took the prototypes out on the putting green to test them out and get feedback from my eager clients. But the first time I put a prototype on a shaft, it was pretty funny, the solvent dissolved the glue and I had to tape the pieces back together to continue testing!”
In our Brand Story features, we like to keep a solid timeline, so to have an idea, we are in the 2012-2013 time frame.
Taped up and ready to roll, it was time to get approval from the governing body. Garsen believed he had created a better device, and that it would become successful at every level of the game and that means the USGA needs to see it. In 2013, it was proven to conform to the rules of golf. Now we are onto something, but nobody really knows about it yet.
Bernerd Garsen did what any entrepreneur would do and hit social media. Wait, no, that isn’t right, social media was not the marketing tool it is in its current form. Let’s just say Garsen was ahead of the curve by a huge margin.

Kicking off the www.GarsenGolf.com website during this time, Bernerd Garsen took to the platform YouTube to demonstrate hand placement and how unique the Edge design was. Sales began to grow. Enough that by 2014, Garsen was headed out to Tour for some testing. Bernerd Garsen explains the first visit.
“The first PGA Tour event I attended was the Honda Classic in 2014. PGA Tour players were intrigued with the design, but more so with how quickly they saw the grip improve their putting. Renowned putting coach, Mike Shannon, believed in the grip wholeheartedly and was highly instrumental in creating a buzz for the Edge among his clients and other coaches.
In 2015, J.B. Holmes put the Garsen Edge grip into play. He hadn’t won a tournament since the FBR Open in 2008. Within months of using the Edge, Holmes won the Wells Fargo Championship solidifying his status on the PGA Tour for another two years, then added another win for the Garsen putter grip brand using the Edge at the Shell Houston Open in 2019.”
As success on tour grew, the next plan of action was getting it into the hands of golfers. When you believe in your product, putting it in the hands of golfers can still be a challenge, because there is only so much retail space available. Media reviews were coming out, including this one on this very website back in 2014, and that led to some stores taking a chance on them. Garsen started by approaching small outlets and success started to mount.
Within the last few years, that growth is really in place. Garsen Putter Grips can now be purchased at retailers across the country including PGA Tour Superstore, Edwin Watts and fitting studios such as Club Champion. While floor space will always be a challenge for smaller brands due to the shelf space mentioned earlier, the momentum has continued, including being a custom option in a number of brands such as SeeMore Putters and L.A.B as well as industry giant, Odyssey.
As Brand Stories go, this one sounds complete, right? It isn’t. Since the launch of the Garsen Edge, the company has brought out more designs. Bernerd Garsen shares the details.
“Being able to spend time on tour and interacting directly with PGA pros and instructors, it gave me privileged access and insight to learn more about top golfer’s needs. This led me to develop other designs which were not just based on the putting stroke. The subsequent putter grip designs and shapes were also influenced by different putter head styles used by pros as well as the various ways in which different players each hold a putter grip. The Edge grip has evolved into the “Max” grip which is a larger and a different texture version of the Edge. We also have the Quad Tour line and the Ultimate. The Quad Tour was born out of players wanting a more traditional style grip but maintaining several of the design characteristics of the Max. The Quad Tour line has become our most popular and best selling grip with its unique trapezoid shape available in various textures and tapers. The Ultimate was originally designed to suit claw style grips but has since become our most versatile grip. It can be comfortably used for every type of grip style.”
Products take off for various reasons. Some of it is because they just work. Some because a flash of brilliant performance/advertising rolled up into a ball and the next thing you know, its everywhere. Choosing a putter grip is personal. When Jason Dufner won the PGA Championship with a SuperStroke putter grip, the world immediately took notice. It wasn’t a tech story or an ad, it was a lightning in a bottle moment. Garsen Golf has had their own moments and we firmly believe there are a number of more still coming.

The first was Henrik Stenson winning the 2016 Open Championship. The putting display done by Stenson during that final round was legendary and he was using the Garsen MAX grip. It was this explosion that set the stage on the international scene, and sales exploded. How much? During the first night, it crashed the website and Stenson has gone on to win multiple tournaments with Garsen on his putter.
There have been others, and for a small company more than you would imagine. Same day back to back has such an incredible ring to it and that hit Garsen Golf Grips in 2022. Bernerd Garsen explains.
“Our 2nd lighting in a bottle moment came last year (2022) with both the overall amount of tour wins plus during one Sunday. On the same day in July Brooke Henderson (Quad Tour) won her 2nd Major at the Evian Championship and Tony Finau (Ultimate) won the 3M Open both using a Garsen. We had some great press that next week. 2022 ended with 15 total tour wins for Garsen including 3 for Tony Finau, 2 for Brooke Henderson and 3 for Lydia Ko (Quad Tour). Lydia ended the season first in strokes gained putting on the LPGA Tour rising to World Number 1 and won the Race to the CME Globe.
We already have 4 Tour wins in 2023 bringing our total to 65.”
2023. That is current. In the 10 years since launch, Garsen Golf Grips has 65 Tour wins 66 Tour wins 67 Tour Wins (picked up two more wins in the last couple of weeks). Have they been successful? The measuring stick is going to be different for everybody, but if it relates to the financial side of things? Yes. Every year since launch, revenue has escalated, and with each success taking place at the highest level in the game, more find out about the Garsen products.
Corey Conners just won their 65th at the Valero Texas Open right before the 2023 Masters.

Their social media team continues to bring the brand a lot of exposure, which brings a sense of irony to what was discussed earlier in the article about how the products first got started. It’s both an easier and more challenging path for small businesses, but Garsen Golf Grips seems to be steadying the waters the right way, with the golfer first.
What does the future hold for the company? We asked Bernerd Garsen the same question we ask everybody to wrap up our Brand Stories.
“Our immediate plans include launching three new grip designs within the next few months with more to come, of course — plus I have other products in development as we continue our journey on the way to becoming the number one putter grip company in the world.
We have also started doing a lot more custom designs for various companies, players etc. These have really taken off in popularity due to our unique abilities with the overall design and textures.
We are now in talks with several OEMs to have Garsen Golf Grips become a stock grip option on their various lines of putters.

We have partnered with Tony Finau and his Finau Foundation on some custom Finau logo’d grips where a portion of proceeds are donated back to his foundation.”
From lifestyle and runway model to teaching professional to grip creator? The life and times of Bernerd Garsen are fascinating and in a lot of ways makes you realize how fast technology moves around us. With his love of the game, would he have taken that job at the golf course if Instagram influencers were a thing two decades ago? Could that have deprived us a genuinely unique and new product from being available?
It’s questions like these that raced through my head during the research portion for this article. Whatever the answer is, we are glad that Bernerd Garsen cut some grips up, did some gluing and created the first ever Edge putter grip.
For more information on any of the products discussed in this Brand Story or to learn more about Garsen Golf Grips, check out their website at www.garsengolf.com.
I’ve seen a lot of advertisements about Garsen. Never seen one in person.
Some of the best reads in all of golf are the Brand Stories. The article had some twist I never thought would be mentioned. Modeling, Zoolander, JB Holmes…. I’ll have to re-read this to tie it all back together on no sleep.
Loved reading that. I love how small companies can make a mark. Garsen will always have a special place in my heart, and your story captures exactly how that all went down and how much the company has grown. Bernerd himself was just contacting writers and media outlets back when I did that first piece. No PR or marketing team. I was, and still am, a big believer in his products.
I enjoyed reading the story behind the product.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this brand story. I’m a firm believer in Garsen Golf Grips. I’ve given quite a few of them to my friends to help with their putting all have seen an improvement.
I’ve had a few email conversations with Bernerd and he’s a genuine person. Couple that with this brand story, there’s no way you’ll take a Garsen Golf Grip off my putter, or my son’s. They are just that good and I believe in the brand…..
BRAND STORY!!!
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I really enjoyed the brand story. The fact that he went from model to grip creator means there’s still a chance for me!
Great brand story as I’m not very familiar with Garsen…
It’s amazing how products come about and the journey on how they get there.
I have a Garsen Ultimate grip coming. Interested to see if the tech works or at least helps my putting. (y)
I sound like a broken record on these but I really enjoyed the article. My putting inside ten feet has been a bit loose the last few rounds so will go looking for these later this week I think.
I always enjoy the story of how a company came to be. Love how many are second career type things, (although that’s not quite the right way to phrase it)
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11483125, member: 62865″]
I always enjoy the story of how a company came to be. Love how many are second career type things, (although that’s not quite the right way to phrase it)
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I totally get it though. I feel the same way about most of these. It was always a passion but it was not the first thing that someone did. They took a winding path to get there and eventually it happened and all of a sudden it’s a full fledged second career.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 11483048, member: 59803″]
I really enjoyed the brand story. The fact that he went from model to grip creator means there’s still a chance for me!
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Great Brand Story!
I have never seen Garsen Grips in the “Wild” and only really seen them on Tour.
Have to try one next time I’m at the PGATSS.
What a cool back story. Honestly never even heard of Garsen before now.
This might be my favorite Brand Story yet! What a journey it has been. The question of timing is huge. Things weren’t easy before social media influencing. He could’ve taken the easy way out but didn’t. I appreciate that.
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 11483319, member: 44109″]
This might be my favorite Brand Story yet! What a journey it has been. The question of timing is huge. Things weren’t easy before social media influencing. He could’ve taken the easy way out but didn’t. I appreciate that.
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Yeah it was a lot of fun to research and learn about.
Another interesting note that some might have found in the story. When we started to write it, they had 64 wins.
Then won and got to 65. It was in editing, and they hit 66, and then before publishing this week, got to 67.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11483333, member: 3″]
Yeah it was a lot of fun to research and learn about.
Another interesting note that some might have found in the story. When we started to write it, they had 64 wins.
Then won and got to 65. It was in editing, and they hit 66, and then before publishing this week, got to 67.
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I follow them on social media (Twitter). Bernerd, is very active on tour and gives some explanations as to why the putter grip was used for each person. Always great to see them get a W! While they may not be mainstream, they are outstanding grips and at tremendous value (average price), for what you get in return!
This is a fun backstory on the brand. I have never played a Garsen grip but going to give them a look soon. The tech makes sense and I want to see if it will work for me.
Was a great read and I appreciated it- when I first opened up and saw the pic with the J’s and the high socks I wasn’t quite sure what we were getting into.
I actually toyed around with a Garsen that was on a used putter in GG the last time I was in there. Was unique and felt really solid during my limited time with it. If I wasn’t so enamored with my current grip I’d definitely think about throwing one of these on. The thought process behind it makes so much sense.
Thanks for this one!!
[QUOTE=”93civiccpe, post: 11483358, member: 41068″]
This is a fun backstory on the brand. I have never played a Garsen grip but going to give them a look soon. The tech makes sense and I want to see if it will work for me.
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[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11483333, member: 3″]
Yeah it was a lot of fun to research and learn about.
Another interesting note that some might have found in the story. When we started to write it, they had 64 wins.
Then won and got to 65. It was in editing, and they hit 66, and then before publishing this week, got to 67.
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Yep. Leaving the edits in really showed how crazy good this latest run has been. Been in a Garsen wormhole all morning as a result.
I found this story fascinating. I love when people reinvent themselves.
Great write up on the Garsen brand story! After trying the Quad Tour in both the tapered and non-tapered versions, I have settled on the Ultimate. I like the rounder shape and size of the grip, which does a great job taking my hands out of the putting stroke. Not that it matters from a performance standpoint, but I bought the “Finau” branded version because I am a fan of the guy and wanted to support his foundation, which seems to do great work.
Interesting. Big putter day here. This grip gives me thought. May have to go see one in person.
I may need to grab an Edge again. I had a huge stash for awhile.
This was a great brand story. I always love hearing about the hiccups founders had to navigate to get their businesses going. I can only imagine the panic that set in when the solvent started dissolving the glue on the prototype as they were taking it out to give to clients for testing. I’ve never seen or tried a Garsen, but it sounds super interesting. I’ve seen them pop up on social media here and there, but had no clue they were getting so many wins.
Super interesting. I’ve never used their grips but from modeling to a pro on fisher island is a heck of a career leap.
What a great read! And what a story…
I’ve been looking at Garsen grips for awhile – admittedly because of Brooke and Conners. Maybe it’s time to give one a shot. I think I’d go with the QUAD TOUR, Non-tapered.
Fantastic brand story to read! Well done
[QUOTE=”YukonLiving, post: 11483838, member: 50273″]
What a great read! And what a story…
I’ve been looking at Garsen grips for awhile – admittedly because of Brooke and Conners. Maybe it’s time to give one a shot. I think I’d go with the QUAD TOUR, Non-tapered.
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I have a feeling they are going to grow in their Canadian audience. The country loves to support their own golfers.
[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] got me turned onto this grips last year and I’ve been fan. Currently have the quad pro tour in my Triple Wide, but thinking of trying the Ultimate. I have one on the way.
Also this was a great read! Had no idea of the backstory here.
Absolutely love my Quad Tour! Fits my claw style to a tee.[COLOR=rgb(40, 50, 78)] [/COLOR][COLOR=rgb(0, 0, 0)][SIZE=1](pun intended)[/SIZE][/COLOR]
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11483944, member: 3″]
I have a feeling they are going to grow in their Canadian audience. The country loves to support their own golfers.
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Absolutely! Especially because there are comparatively few Canadian golfers on the various tours.
Ok, I’m doing it. Going red too.
Glad everybody enjoyed this one. It was a ton of fun to research.
very cool and fascinating story. these grips are still on my list to try one of these days
What a fascinating story/journey for the brand! It’s so cool hearing how the first prototypes were made, which launched the whole thing. And as a fan of both, Conners and Finau both using is nice.
Man what a life! I have the Ultimate on my SeeMore MiniGiant. I really like it a lot.
Outstanding read! I tried the Edge grip several years ago and have pondered some of the current models. Looking forward to seeing the what is coming in the next few months.
Garsen QUAD TOUR, non-tapered in red headed my way. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this grip can help take the wrist and hand movements out of my putting stroke equation.
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[QUOTE=”YukonLiving, post: 11488375, member: 50273″]
Garsen QUAD TOUR, non-tapered in red headed my way. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this grip can help take the wrist and hand movements out of my putting stroke equation.
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Looking forward to your thoughts
I’ve become a huge fan of the Garsen Max, have it one my main and first back up putter.
I’ve had the Garsen Max grip on my putter for three months and am a big fan of it. I putt with my elbows against my body, and the shape of the Garsen Max helps to naturally put my shoulders/arms/hands in that position. I was previously using a SuperStroke and the biggest adaptation was placing my thumbs on either side of the front “seam” rather than on the flat front “paddle” of a SuperStroke, but it actually feels pretty natural and the transition wasn’t at all difficult. The way the thumbs kind of oppose each other on the Garsen feels more locked in and allows me to keep my putting stroke more stable.
Just put an Ultimate grip on my Seemore Nashville One SS yesterday and played 9 holes with it. Will definitely take a little getting used to…
I was between the Ultimate and Max grips and eventually chose the Ultimate. I didn’t really like the sharp edges of the Quad Tour
[QUOTE=”Looking4aPutter, post: 11829993, member: 76885″]
Just put an Ultimate grip on my Seemore Nashville One SS yesterday and played 9 holes with it. Will definitely take a little getting used to…
I was between the Ultimate and Max grips and eventually chose the Ultimate. I didn’t really like the sharp edges of the Quad Tour
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Looking forward to thoughts as you continue using it. Its a unique grip and I am with you, it takes time to get used to it.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11829996, member: 3″]
Looking forward to thoughts as you continue using it. Its a unique grip and I am with you, it takes time to get used to it.
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After some practice sessions and a few rounds, I am starting to get the feel of it and really like this grip.
I switched up my grip style from interlock with finger down the side to reverse overlap with no finger down the side. This felt best for me with this grip.
I still have my thumbs on the top of the grip as I couldn’t get a good feel for the thumbs on the side, but I have noticed my elbows are a little more tucked in than normal and feel more connected.
Let me my brother-in-law give a try on the practice green before our round today…questioned it when he first held it, rolled a few putts and then said he was surprised how well he liked it.
Overall I am pleased with the grip and plan on keeping it on for a little while.