I was reading through some of my old Golf Digests today and came across this tip from Jim Flick.  I like this golf swing tip in large part because it keeps things simple. Check it out.

Jim  was reflecting on the 1969 British Open, specifically recalling the brilliant short game play by Davis Love Jr., the late father of current PGA tour pro Davis Love III.

If you’ve watched the British Open over the years you know the wind can play a large factor in the outcome of this major.  Following a spectacular week of pitching in 1969, Davis Love Jr. shared that one of his secret weapons was his grip pressure on golf chipping.

It turns out if Davis wanted to hit a high pitch shot he would grip the club lightly and conversely would grip it tighter if he wanted a lower trajectory bump and run type shot. 

Gripping the club lightly allows the club to release and naturally adds loft as it glides under the ball at impact.  A firmer grip helps keep your hands in front of the ball at impact with a secure clubface position through impact.

It’s so easy to over analyze all aspects of our game and I know that I will give this simple golf chipping tip a try the next time I hit the practice range.

 To better golf, Michael