Matt Fitzpatrick’s win at RBC Heritage put a spotlight on something most amateurs overlook: how he holds the club around the green.
Fitzpatrick frequently uses a left-hand-low (lead-hand-low) grip when chipping and hitting short wedges — a technique more commonly associated with putting than with wedge play. But there’s a very specific reason it works.
What “Left-Hand-Low” Actually Does
In a traditional grip, your trail hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) sits lower on the club — and tends to dominate the motion (see photos below).
Conventional Grip
Left Hand Low Grip
With left-hand-low, you reverse that:
- Lead hand (left) is lower on the grip
- Trail hand (right) moves higher
- Shoulders tend to level out more (see full body views)
- Wrist action is reduced
The result:
👉 Less hand manipulation, more body-driven motion
Why Fitzpatrick Uses It
Fitzpatrick is known for being extremely analytical and precision-focused. Around the greens, his priority is predictable contact and distance control.
Here’s what left-hand-low helps him achieve:
1. Takes the Right Hand Out of Play
The biggest issue for most golfers around the green is overactive hands — especially the trail hand flipping at impact.
- Left-hand-low quiets that tendency
- Promotes a stable, passive strike
2. Improves Low-Point Control
Consistent chipping is all about where the club bottoms out.
- This grip helps keep the handle slightly forward
- Encourages ball-first, then turf contact
3. Squares the Face Naturally
Because the lead hand is in control:
- The face is less likely to rotate open/closed
- You get a more repeatable launch and rollout
4. Matches a Putting Motion
Fitzpatrick is an elite putter — and this grip lets him:
- Use a putting-style stroke around the green
- Reduce variables under pressure
The Real Benefits for Amateur Golfers
This is where it gets interesting — because this technique can actually help both high and low handicaps, just in different ways.
For Higher Handicap Players
This may be one of the fastest ways to improve your short game.
- Eliminates chunk/thin shots caused by hand flipping
- Simplifies technique (less timing required)
- Builds confidence immediately
👉 Think of it as a “safety mode” for chipping
For Mid to Low Handicap Players
You may already have decent technique — but this can tighten dispersion.
- More consistent strike under pressure
- Better distance control on basic chips
- Great for tight lies and fast greens
👉 Especially useful when you have to get it up-and-down
Are There Any Downsides?
It’s not perfect for every shot.
- Less feel for high, soft shots
- Can feel awkward at first
- Not ideal when you need to release the clubhead aggressively
That’s why even Fitzpatrick doesn’t use it 100% of the time — it’s a situational tool, not a full replacement.
When You Should Try It
Use left-hand-low when:
- You’re struggling with contact
- You’re hitting chips thin or chunked
- You’re playing tight fairway lies
- You want a simple, repeatable motion
Avoid it when:
- You need to hit a high flop or spinner
- You rely heavily on feel and creativity
My Take
For most amateur golfers, the short game breaks down because of too many moving parts — especially in the hands.
What Fitzpatrick’s technique shows is this:
The best players aren’t always adding skill — they’re removing variables.
Left-hand-low chipping is one of the simplest ways to do exactly that.
If you’re looking for a quick improvement inside 30 yards, this isn’t just something to try — it’s something worth practicing until it becomes a reliable option.
Quick Practice Drill
Next time you’re at the practice green:
- Take your normal setup
- Switch to left-hand-low
- Focus on:
- Quiet hands
- Rocking shoulders
- Brushing the grass after the ball
Hit 10–15 chips this way and compare contact.
You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s working.
Bottom Line
Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t adopt this grip to look different — he adopted it to be more consistent under pressure.
And that’s exactly what most golfers need.
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