Light grip for more speed and distance? Total nonsense, Chris Gotterup declares to the golf world. The man, who sits at sixth place in the Official World Golf Ranking from October 27, 2026, and is known for his explosive distance, debunks one of the most persistent myths that stubbornly holds on practice ranges everywhere.
In a 2022 interview, which is currently making the rounds again, Gotterup clarifies: Your arms should be relaxed, yes. But the grip must be secure – so firm that the club never feels like it could slip from your hands. That's the crucial point: relaxed is not the same as limp.
The Danger of the Feather-Light Grip
Anyone who holds the club only with their fingertips cannot swing through with full power. This doesn't lead to more clubhead speed, but rather to instability and loss of control. Imagine trying to kick a ball properly while wearing slippers – you simply lack the necessary foundation to give it your all. Gotterup's practical advice is blunt: hold the club correctly, swing aggressively, and don't overthink where the ball lands.
Gaining Distance with Brains (and Grip)
As one of the longest hitters in the game, Gotterup knows what he's talking about. His game isn't successful because he merely strokes the club, but because he has control and trust in his swing. The arms remain flexible, but the grip is the unwavering foundation. That's the formula to truly gain yardage – not some half-truths that only send your balls into the bushes in the end.
The lesson for us golfers is therefore clear: No forearm cramp, but also no feather-light touch on the grip. A stable grip paired with relaxed arms and an uncompromising, committed swing – that's how you get the distance your game deserves.
