Driving · Tip
Light Grip, Wide Turn, Late Release for More Yards
Part of our driving programs for push or pull, not enough distance. Build a program with it
Want more distance with the driver? Start with a light grip. A tight grip makes you rush, and rushing leads to pushes and pulls. Turn your lead toe out a little at address. That helps your lead side clear. Take the club back wide and finish your shoulder turn without drifting off center. Start down at the same pace you went back. Keep your wrists set until your hands reach about waist high. Then release hard with your trail hand.
Step by step
- Hold the club lightly.
- Turn your lead toe out a bit.
- Swing back wide and finish your turn.
- Start down at the same speed you went back.
- Hold the wrist set, then release with the trail hand.
Why it works
A light grip lets your forearms and wrists stay loose, so the club can build speed without you forcing it. A wide backswing and full shoulder turn store energy and give you a longer path to build speed. Holding the wrist angle until your hands are about waist high keeps that speed for the bottom of the swing, and releasing with the trail hand then sends it into the ball.
Common mistakes
- You squeeze the grip at the top and tense your forearms.Hold the club at a steady, light pressure from address and keep that pressure through the swing.
- You start down faster than you went back, which causes pushes and pulls.Match the pace of your downswing to your backswing and let speed build as you reach the ball.
- You release the wrists early, before your hands reach waist height.Hold the wrist angle until your hands are about waist high, then release hard with the trail hand.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your target line more often, with fewer pushes and pulls.
- You hit the ball in the center of the face and the sound is crisp.
- Your head stays over the ball at the top, and you finish balanced on your lead side.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Hit half swings with a tee in the ground and a short driver finish, feeling the late release at waist height.
Harder: Hit full drives with the same light grip and pace, and aim to start each ball on a chosen line.
Common questions
How tight should I hold my driver?
Hold it firmly enough to control the club but light enough that your wrists can hinge and release. If your forearms feel tense, loosen your grip.
What does a late release mean in the golf swing?
It means you keep the angle between your lead arm and the club until your hands are about waist high on the way down. Then you release the club through the ball with your trail hand.
