Scottie Scheffler’s swing might not win any style points, but you cannot argue with the results. His game speaks for itself.
Currently holding a clear lead at the top of the world rankings, Scheffler has backed it up repeatedly over the past two years.
Much of the conversation around his game often centres on his footwork, but it is his ball striking that sets him apart. That consistency is a big reason why the 29-year-old sits atop the rankings.
Scheffler stays dialled in by making sure every fundamental detail is right – including something as basic as how he holds the club.
The Dallas native and his coach, Randy Smith, have always stressed just how crucial a proper grip can be in golf.
Scottie Scheffler explains why the grip is so important in golf
Golfers are constantly reminded to pay attention to their grip, and, while there is not one correct way to hold a club, there needs to be some logic behind it.
We see everything from strong grips to weak ones and plenty of variations in between.
But according to Scheffler, staying consistent with how you hold the club is key.
The world number one said: “I use this a lot of the time [brings out a training aid club]. Like Randy said, I grew up with a weird grip and so we had to fix it over time, so I use this club as just a little reminder a lot of the times to get my hands in the right position.
“It’s your only connection to the club head. So, if your hands, especially if you play round grips, your hands are going to be in a different position and you’re not going to feel that club head.”
Scheffler’s coach Randy Smith also shared his perspective on what he prefers players focus on.
“I like to see the fingers, I love the fingers of the right hand as this is such a feel. The minute you have the fingers go more to the palm, then the feel is transmitted to somewhere in the middle of the hand. By having it in the fingers you have a much better feel for the club face.”
Scottie Scheffler’s advice for amateurs on chipping downhill
The way Scottie Scheffler explains it is straightforward, and what he says makes a lot of sense.
As the world number one, he has become more than just a student of the game – he is also reaching the stage where he can offer useful insights to others.
It comes in handy that he has already started doing exactly that. For example, when it comes to practical tips, Scheffler has previously explained how to handle chips from downhill lies.
“If we’re going to the far pin (pin towards the back of the green) I could do it with a 60, but it’s pretty simple to do it with a pitching wedge,” he explained.
“That way I only have to fly the ball a little bit and just let it run the whole way to the pin.
“This is going to be a normal grip and a good wide base. Feel like you’re swinging down the slope, get all your body weight going down the slope. That way it almost feels like a flat chip.
“Pick a spot where you’re going to land it and just go.”
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