Good video thank you. I played golf for 4 years and really struggled with being tense and death gripping the club. When I recently changed to midsize grips for my larger hands, my grip pressure naturally lessened and I immediately gained club head speed, flow and accuracy. Drastically improved my game in a very short space of time. A very overlooked consideration when people are struggling with grip pressure
I watched a Louis ooustehuizen highlight video a few weeks ago a watched how relaxed he was, you could see it in his grip and his arms. I took the same thoughts into my next round and noticed a massive difference in my strike and feeling of delivering the club.
Great video I've been gripping the club about 9 pressure for years & recently had lessons on lightening my grip pressure, it's made so much difference more speed,distance & acuracy.
Great Video Mike, discussing 'feels' is always going to tricky as they're so subjective but I think you've done a really good job of explaining them. However, the point you make which is critical is that we all get used to certain 'feels' and if a too tight grip is used for any length of time that of course this becomes 'normal' and any change to this, especially a lightening/loosening of the grip can feel like wrong and as if the club will simply fly out of your hands. However, I've found that within a relatively short time of practicing with a light grip of about 3-4 on a scale of 1-10 my tempo, timing and ball-striking all improved. When I tried the old tight grip, this was when I became much more 'aware' of just how tight and tense I felt not only in my grip but throughout my whole body. Thanks Mike.
Thank you so much for this great video. For many years, I’ve bought into the ‘live bird’ and ‘open toothpaste’ grip pressure. Your video, with real numbers, has opened my eyes that I’ve been far too light in my pressure. All the best.
Mine has been too light as well. I especially feel light at the top of my swing as I'm sure I almost let go with the last 3 fingers of my left hand (I'm right handed). I naturally regrip on the downswing which in turn makes me cast the club. Then I'm coming through the ball with mostly straight arms with no wrist snap. That snap already happened. I'm going to work on a slightly tighter, but more importantly, a constant pressure throughout the swing.
Been messing around with this over the past few days. Haven't played a full round with it yet but played the little par 3 course near me. Knocked off about 7 or 8 shots. Incredible difference in distance and accuracy.
Just returned from the range and I probably gained 20 yards of carry with my driver just by reducing my grip pressure, my extremely tight grip was causing my whole body to lock up through the swing.
Canada loves MNG. Can you comment or do a video about squaring the golf club when we are gripping properly? I feel like I’ve solved a lot of problems gripping the club very light. Just enough to hold it. But it feels scary how little club face control you have. Can you comment on that dynamic? Thanks.
Hi, do you think there is a link between the strength of grip and the size of the grip? as my grips feel small and so feel I am always struggling to get a good, comfortable grip.
Everybody has one swing,but there's not one swing for everybody.As I've age (I'm 77) I've lost control over the club face .I've had to tighten up my grip to regain more control and accuracy.
Mike can I ask you, do you think as a Pro' that your grip strength would be naturally greater than most Amateurs so that what you would class as a grip pressure of 3-4/10, for most Amateurs would actually feel much higher for them e.g 7-9/10 simply because their hands are weaker than yours, in the same way as a bodybuilder would easily lift a 75lb weight and think it was 'light' but for many, to lift that same 75lb weight would require much greater effort. Thanks.
I already know the answer....As softly as possible to accurately make a smooth swing. It's simple human nature to start to add pressure when you start to pull the club forward while adding speed. DON'T SQUEESE IT !!! & KISS.
Sorry mate, but this video is way off the mark. Here’s the thing-try this technique with a driver, a wedge, or even an iron, and you’ll see massive improvement for most players, but only if you understand the real issue with your test. It’s not about just gripping tighter as in squeezing harder. It’s how you grip the club that matters. Have you ever heard of the towel-wringing technique? Picture holding a towel like a golf club and wringing it out as if you’re squeezing water from it. This movement doesn’t just increase grip pressure; it creates the right kind of pressure, combined with the flexibility needed for proper wrist movement. I’m not a pro, but I’ve been showing this to friends who’ve played golf for 10-30 years. Like me, they were taught the "bird-in-hand" or "toothpaste-tube" grip-just tight enough not to squish the bird or squeeze out the toothpaste. The results? Game-changing. These same players are now carrying 270+ yards with their drivers, up from 220-240. They’re getting perfect spin with their wedges-something many couldn’t do at all before I taught them this technique. The secret isn’t just in gripping harder. It’s the wringing action that makes all the difference. This creates increased grip pressure where it matters while still allowing wrist mobility. Sure, it adds tension in the forearms and even the biceps, but contrary to what people like you tend to claim, that tension is not a problem. In fact, it’s essential. Let me ask you this: have you ever spoken to or studied the top 200 players in the world about their grip pressure? I’d bet anything that they all use significantly higher grip pressure, achieved through this wringing technique, than the 95% of amateurs who’ve been misled by outdated advice. I’m 58 years old. I used to follow the same advice you’re giving. Back then, carrying 240 yards with my driver was a great day. A couple of years ago, I switched to this technique, and now I consistently carry 280-310 yards, straight as an arrow. My wedge game? Honestly, it looks like I’m playing on tour. I’ll admit, I don’t see a massive difference with irons-they were already solid before-but the improvement with the driver and wedges has been extraordinary. And here’s the thing: when I hit my driver now, I’m not swinging harder. The ball just flies off the center of the face with incredible efficiency, transferring energy far more effectively. That kind of energy transfer simply isn’t possible with a soft grip. It’s like throwing a stone or hitting a tennis ball with full power. You’d never dream of holding the racket or stone like a bird or a toothpaste tube, right? So here’s my challenge to you: revisit this. Bring in players who don’t already have a naturally firm and stable grip and teach them the towel-wringing grip instead of telling them to avoid "squeezing too hard." I guarantee your results will completely flip, and you’ll see how flawed this video really is. Cheers mate
Good video thank you. I played golf for 4 years and really struggled with being tense and death gripping the club. When I recently changed to midsize grips for my larger hands, my grip pressure naturally lessened and I immediately gained club head speed, flow and accuracy. Drastically improved my game in a very short space of time. A very overlooked consideration when people are struggling with grip pressure
I watched a Louis ooustehuizen highlight video a few weeks ago a watched how relaxed he was, you could see it in his grip and his arms. I took the same thoughts into my next round and noticed a massive difference in my strike and feeling of delivering the club.
Great video I've been gripping the club about 9 pressure for years & recently had lessons on lightening my grip pressure, it's made so much difference more speed,distance & acuracy.
Great Video Mike, discussing 'feels' is always going to tricky as they're so subjective but I think you've done a really good job of explaining them. However, the point you make which is critical is that we all get used to certain 'feels' and if a too tight grip is used for any length of time that of course this becomes 'normal' and any change to this, especially a lightening/loosening of the grip can feel like wrong and as if the club will simply fly out of your hands. However, I've found that within a relatively short time of practicing with a light grip of about 3-4 on a scale of 1-10 my tempo, timing and ball-striking all improved. When I tried the old tight grip, this was when I became much more 'aware' of just how tight and tense I felt not only in my grip but throughout my whole body. Thanks Mike.
Great Stuff Michael!...Loose grip and wrists have made a huge difference for me this year.
Love to watch Michael's honest reviews of the new clubs that come out + he gives good golf instructions.
Thank you so much for this great video. For many years, I’ve bought into the ‘live bird’ and ‘open toothpaste’ grip pressure. Your video, with real numbers, has opened my eyes that I’ve been far too light in my pressure. All the best.
Mine has been too light as well. I especially feel light at the top of my swing as I'm sure I almost let go with the last 3 fingers of my left hand (I'm right handed). I naturally regrip on the downswing which in turn makes me cast the club. Then I'm coming through the ball with mostly straight arms with no wrist snap. That snap already happened. I'm going to work on a slightly tighter, but more importantly, a constant pressure throughout the swing.
Your swing is a joy to watch. Great content as always. Thanks
Arthur Daley
Ere Arfur, how do you get time to play golf, wiv her indoors naggin 😁
Been messing around with this over the past few days. Haven't played a full round with it yet but played the little par 3 course near me. Knocked off about 7 or 8 shots. Incredible difference in distance and accuracy.
great explanation. im loosing skin and bleeding to death with my grip. thank you for this.
Good video Mike, lighter grip helps me swing through the ball instead of at it.
Been doing a similar drill lately to soften my swing and movements. Very noticeable the improved contact with lighter grip
Just returned from the range and I probably gained 20 yards of carry with my driver just by reducing my grip pressure, my extremely tight grip was causing my whole body to lock up through the swing.
Canada loves MNG.
Can you comment or do a video about squaring the golf club when we are gripping properly?
I feel like I’ve solved a lot of problems gripping the club very light. Just enough to hold it. But it feels scary how little club face control you have.
Can you comment on that dynamic?
Thanks.
Please comment on how over gripping or having an 8 plus grip pressure could considerably close the club face
Hi, do you think there is a link between the strength of grip and the size of the grip? as my grips feel small and so feel I am always struggling to get a good, comfortable grip.
Everybody has one swing,but there's not one swing for everybody.As I've age (I'm 77) I've lost control over the club face .I've had to tighten up my grip to regain more control and accuracy.
Whether...
I find a firm grip really limits my ability to 'feel' where the clubhead actually is.
Mike can I ask you, do you think as a Pro' that your grip strength would be naturally greater than most Amateurs so that what you would class as a grip pressure of 3-4/10, for most Amateurs would actually feel much higher for them e.g 7-9/10 simply because their hands are weaker than yours, in the same way as a bodybuilder would easily lift a 75lb weight and think it was 'light' but for many, to lift that same 75lb weight would require much greater effort. Thanks.
I already know the answer....As softly as possible to accurately make a smooth swing. It's simple human nature to start to add pressure when you start to pull the club forward while adding speed. DON'T SQUEESE IT !!! & KISS.
Correct grip pressure can make 7 handicap a scratch golfer it makes that drastic a difference.
You’re right after a while tight grip pressure becomes « normal » until you force yourself to hit a few ones really « loose »…
Sorry mate, but this video is way off the mark.
Here’s the thing-try this technique with a driver, a wedge, or even an iron, and you’ll see massive improvement for most players, but only if you understand the real issue with your test. It’s not about just gripping tighter as in squeezing harder. It’s how you grip the club that matters.
Have you ever heard of the towel-wringing technique? Picture holding a towel like a golf club and wringing it out as if you’re squeezing water from it. This movement doesn’t just increase grip pressure; it creates the right kind of pressure, combined with the flexibility needed for proper wrist movement.
I’m not a pro, but I’ve been showing this to friends who’ve played golf for 10-30 years. Like me, they were taught the "bird-in-hand" or "toothpaste-tube" grip-just tight enough not to squish the bird or squeeze out the toothpaste. The results? Game-changing. These same players are now carrying 270+ yards with their drivers, up from 220-240. They’re getting perfect spin with their wedges-something many couldn’t do at all before I taught them this technique.
The secret isn’t just in gripping harder. It’s the wringing action that makes all the difference. This creates increased grip pressure where it matters while still allowing wrist mobility. Sure, it adds tension in the forearms and even the biceps, but contrary to what people like you tend to claim, that tension is not a problem. In fact, it’s essential.
Let me ask you this: have you ever spoken to or studied the top 200 players in the world about their grip pressure? I’d bet anything that they all use significantly higher grip pressure, achieved through this wringing technique, than the 95% of amateurs who’ve been misled by outdated advice.
I’m 58 years old. I used to follow the same advice you’re giving. Back then, carrying 240 yards with my driver was a great day. A couple of years ago, I switched to this technique, and now I consistently carry 280-310 yards, straight as an arrow. My wedge game? Honestly, it looks like I’m playing on tour.
I’ll admit, I don’t see a massive difference with irons-they were already solid before-but the improvement with the driver and wedges has been extraordinary. And here’s the thing: when I hit my driver now, I’m not swinging harder. The ball just flies off the center of the face with incredible efficiency, transferring energy far more effectively. That kind of energy transfer simply isn’t possible with a soft grip. It’s like throwing a stone or hitting a tennis ball with full power. You’d never dream of holding the racket or stone like a bird or a toothpaste tube, right?
So here’s my challenge to you: revisit this. Bring in players who don’t already have a naturally firm and stable grip and teach them the towel-wringing grip instead of telling them to avoid "squeezing too hard." I guarantee your results will completely flip, and you’ll see how flawed this video really is.
Cheers mate