Lee Trevino's Mastery of Grip Pressure: Shaping Draws and Fade aka The Original Chef

Trevino hold fades. Nicklaus release fade.

Lee Trevino, one of the greatest ball strikers in golf history, had an uncanny ability to control his ball flight with precision. Unlike many players who relied on swing mechanics alone, Trevino used subtle grip adjustments to shape his shots. His approach to grip pressure and grip style allowed him to effortlessly hit controlled fades and draws, a skill that made him nearly unbeatable in his prime.

The Importance of Grip Pressure

Trevino often preached that grip pressure should be firm but not rigid. He compared it to holding a small bird—tight enough that it wouldn’t fly away, but loose enough that you wouldn’t crush it. Too much tension in the hands leads to restricted movement in the wrists and forearms, making it difficult to create the natural clubface rotation needed for shot shaping.

For Trevino, keeping a light-to-moderate grip pressure allowed him to feel the clubhead and make micro-adjustments at impact. This level of control was essential when he needed to hit a precise fade or draw, especially under pressure.

How Trevino Used His Grip to Shape Shots

Trevino’s shot-making ability was legendary, and a big part of it came from how he adjusted his grip for different shot shapes.

Hitting a Fade

Trevino’s signature shot was a controlled fade. To hit it consistently, he used a weaker left-hand grip—meaning his left hand was rotated slightly counterclockwise on the club. This weakened grip naturally kept the clubface open at impact, producing a left-to-right ball flight (for right-handed golfers).

Additionally, Trevino often positioned his right hand slightly more on top of the club, which reduced excessive hand rotation through impact. This prevented the clubface from closing too much, allowing him to hold off the release and create that predictable fade.

Hitting a Draw

While Trevino preferred the fade, he could still hit a reliable draw when needed. To do this, he would strengthen his left-hand grip by rotating it slightly clockwise. This adjustment encouraged the clubface to close more through impact, promoting a right-to-left ball flight.

For added control, he also allowed his right hand to sit a little more underneath the club. This helped him release the club more aggressively, ensuring the face turned over and imparted the necessary right-to-left spin.

Why Trevino’s Grip Adjustments Worked

Trevino’s grip style worked so well because it complemented his natural swing mechanics. He famously played with an open stance, aiming slightly left of his target. This setup, combined with his weaker grip, made it easier to hit consistent fades. However, when he needed to draw the ball, he would make subtle grip adjustments while slightly tweaking his setup to encourage a more inside-to-out club path.

Unlike modern players who often rely on swing path and clubface adjustments alone, Trevino mastered the art of using his hands to shape shots. His approach was simple but incredibly effective, proving that understanding grip mechanics can be just as powerful as any technical swing change.

Final Thoughts

Lee Trevino’s genius in shaping shots came from his ability to manipulate his grip pressure and positioning with incredible precision. His understanding of how small changes in hand positioning could dictate ball flight made him one of the most consistent ball strikers in golf history.

For amateur golfers, Trevino’s approach is a great lesson—grip adjustments don’t require overhauling your swing, but they can make a huge difference in ball control. The next time you’re on the range, experiment with your grip like Trevino did. You might just discover a new level of shot-shaping ability.

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