What I Was Reminded of By a 12 Year Old

As a golf instructor spending countless days at the Creek at Qualchan Golf Course, I've been on a mission to enhance my short game from 40 yards and in. My focus has been on converting more opportunities to save par and make birdies on par 5's. I knew that improving my proximity to the hole was key to achieving these goals, and it led me to a valuable lesson from one of my 12-year-old students.

In my quest for short game improvement, I observed one of the young golfer’s who I coach displaying a chipping and pitching prowess that amazed me. His hands seemed to possess a magical touch, rivaling even Tiger Woods in his prime. Curiosity got the best of me, and I had to ask myself, "What makes him have such good hands?"

Upon closer observation, I noticed the secret behind his fluid and soft wrist movement – an incredibly light grip on the club. As a coach, I realized that the key to his success was the gentleness with which he held the club. Without hesitation, I asked him about his grip pressure, and his response was clear: "Not very tight at all."

Eager to apply this newfound knowledge, I headed to the chipping green after our lesson and practiced holding the club with a lighter touch. And, like magic, the club started to interact softly with the ground, with the bounce working in my favor. The ball began to spin, check, and roll out perfectly to my intended target. I couldn't believe the instant improvement!

So, here's a tip for all golfers struggling with their short game – check your grip pressure. The next time you practice, test your grip by starting with a tight hold (10/10) and then gradually loosen it until you find a gentle pressure (around 3 to 4). Trust me; you'll be amazed at the difference it can make. With a softer grip, you'll unleash the fluidity and finesse needed to finesse those delicate shots around the green.

Remember, sometimes the best golf lessons come from the youngest players. Embrace the wisdom and inspiration from golfers of all ages, and let's all improve together! Good luck out there! 🏌️‍♂️🏆