John Daly once saved fans from spending money on getting a specific golf lesson.

A couple of years ago, when Daly and Bryson DeChambeau were playing some casual golf together, the 59-year-old golfer spoke about bigger grips that squished and moved during his gameplay.

"It’s all about trying to teach amateurs how to play golf. Get fitted with your grip, not your clubs. The smaller the grip is, if you put your hands on a grip and you take it back, and there’s a gap between your left arm and your right hand, you're s******. That means you’re not controlling the golf club. So, go get fitted for grips."

DeChambeau agreed. But what makes a larger grip better? Technically, a larger grip limits excessive wrist rotation and finger manipulation, which causes hooks, slices, and inconsistent contact among amateurs. With hands fitting the grip properly, players can return the clubface to square more reliably. 

That’s why John Daly stated, “I think the bigger the grip is, the better you’re gonna play.”

Advice like this is part of John Daly's unconventional style. Unlike most golfers, he doesn't believe in hitting the gym, but getting practical experience by putting or just playing golf.

John Daly Has Two More Pieces of Advice for Amateur Golfers

According to Daly, one should always depend on the club they trust the most. 

“Every amateur has a favourite club. I don’t care if it’s their driver, their sand wedge, whatever. Just warm up with it. The bottom line is, before you go to the first tee, you want to have confidence in your game. If you’re not hitting a club very good, don’t hit it on the range.”

And how to choose the perfect club? If one needs to choose an iron, the best way is to take an extra club and grip down to hit more greens. 

“If the amateur thinks it’s an 8-iron, let’s shorten the club, and think of your favourite swing with a wedge like you’re going to hit an 80 yard shot. That’s what I do. I choke down on a 7-iron, and I just hit it normal, almost like a chip.”

What are your thoughts on Daly's tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar