GripSpeed, Power, and Distance Driver Expert ⏱ 2 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Grip Pressure on the Driver with Matt Collis

Name: Grip Pressure on the Driver with Matt Collis
Uploaded: 2024-10-23T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 2 min 27 s
Channel: Matt Collis
Description: Starting with a long par-5 hole at Lake Nona, Matt Collis, writing for GolfPass, tackles a common habit: gripping the club too tightly to hit the ball harder. He suggests a simple practice swing exercise that can be done both on the driving range and on the course.

Starting with a long par-5 hole at Lake Nona, Matt Collis, writing for GolfPass, tackles a common habit: gripping the club too tightly to hit the ball harder. He suggests a simple driving range swing exercise that can be done both on the driving range and on the course.

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Matt Collis · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

10 minSame problemJustin Thomas's backspin pitch: grip and handsJustin Thomas · Expert 5 minSame problemLee Trevino's Right-Hand Grip: Curve It, Keep It LowLee Trevino · Expert 2 minSame problemHank Haney's Loop Exercise to Correct a SliceHank Haney · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

When you want to hit the ball hard with the driver, you tend to grip the club so tightly that your knuckles turn white. For Matt Collis, this is exactly the opposite of what’s needed: this tension holds the club back. His exercise: take a few practice swings with the little finger of the left hand outside the club, at the end of the grip.

With this looser grip, the clubhead gets out of hand very quickly at the swing-through. This helps him relax his grip on the driver as he strikes the ball, which generates speed and distance, and it relaxes his forearms. Then he returns to his normal grip with light pressure, just like during practice swings, and feels the club accelerate into the ball effortlessly.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Grip the club with your left pinky finger extended off the club, at the end of the shaft.
Take a few practice swings, letting the clubhead extend past your hands.
Notice the feeling of relaxation in your hands and forearms.
Resume your full grip using the same light pressure.
Swing your drive, letting the club accelerate naturally, without forcing it.

Key Takeaways

A strong grip on the driver slows down the club.

Practice swings without your left pinky on the club help you learn to relax.

The club head must be able to pass the hands as it swings through.

Flexible hands and forearms allow for greater speed.

After practicing, apply light pressure for the actual shot.

Mistakes to Avoid

Grip the handle as tightly as you can to hit the ball far.
Try to generate speed with your muscles instead of letting the club accelerate.
Tense your forearms at the address.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Left-ear trial swings outside the club
Drive with light pressure immediately after the tests
Alternate between a tight swing and a loose swing to compare them

Your Questions

Why shouldn't you grip the driver too tightly?

According to Matt Collis, gripping the club too tightly slows you down—the opposite of what you want when you're aiming for speed.

What does the little finger exercise involve?

Take a few practice swings with your left pinky finger off the club. The looser grip allows the clubhead to move past your hands quickly.

Can we do this exercise on the course?

Yes. Matt Collis suggests starting with a practice swing, then switching to a normal grip with light pressure.

Learn More

All “Grip” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Speed, Power, and Distance” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Hank Haney's Loop Exercise to Correct a SliceThe slicer makes a counterclockwise loop; Haney has him repeat the reverse loop, then roll his hands to the 3 o'clock position. Lee Trevino's Swing: Clubface Control on the RangeThree surfaces to align (club, back of the left hand, right palm), a right hand that acts as a steering wheel, and a ball that is moved to choose between a draw or a fade. Justin Thomas's backspin pitch: grip and handsHigh pitch that stops: light left-hand grip in the palm, hands low to set up the bounce, long-putt tempo, and a “thrown” head for more spin. Matt CollisAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Matt Collis). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.