Grip pressure: How tight should you grip your driver?

An often overlooked part of your technique with the driver comes in the form of grip pressure. So, if you’re looking to hit your driver longer, how tight should you be gripping the club?

Golfers will, rightly, think about tee height, angles of their shoulders and backswing length when they’re trying to hit the ball longer.

Teeing the ball higher can help you increase angle of attack and boost distance in your driver. Lowering your trail shoulder at address can also help to raise your angle of attack. As you might expect, adding a little length to your backswing can also help to gain speed, too.

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But, in focussing on these things, golfers might start to grip their driver tighter and this is something we want to avoid.

Grip pressure is a subject that is often overlooked, but it’s very important and can make a significant difference to the distance you can drive the ball.

If you relax your grip pressure, it releases any tension in your forearms at address. Tension in your body will restrict the amount of speed and subsequent distance you will generate.

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In addition to relieving tension – and tension is something we don’t want at any time – it will also allow you to release the club easier through impact, which will help you to add a little more speed to your swing.

If you’re doing everything in your power to hit your driver longer but are having no success, then think about relaxing your grip pressure next time you play.

Gavin Abson is the Head PGA Professional at West Lancashire Golf Club. You can follow him on X.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor