Golf tip: Fred's grip pressure

Grip pressure – or more accurately, the lack of it – is the secret to long driving, according to Fred Couples, currently one of the longest on the US Champions Tour.

“I think a lot of amateurs hold the club too tight,” says Couples (50), the former US Masters winner . “The tighter you hold anything, the slower you will be. You really need to be soft and supple to create clubhead speed and power.

“When I'm at address you could walk up and take the club out of my hands easily. That's how soft I hold it. And when I reach impact my right hand feels as if it's almost off the club which gives me more of a powerful hit through the ball than if I was choking the grip.

“ I wouldn't necessarily teach anyone to do that but it's the right kind of feel.”

Couples says his tempo goes along with his relaxed approach to his grip with the driver.

“When I take the club away I just think about making a good backswing. I definitely don't muscle up in preparation for a big drive, I just try to stay relaxed.”