The Secret To The Golf Hook Headache

The main focus here is getting the "yips" out of your golf hook. However, it could be worse. At least you don't slice the ball, which can be much harder to deal with. Discovering how to fix the golf hook, however, is not as grueling as it appears. By collecting information on how to work through this "snafu shot," we have come up with the best answer on how to rid your swing of it. So let's go to work and wipe out the dreaded hook - now.

Its All In the Way the Ball Spirals Off the Tee

Simply put, if a golf hook happens in your swing, the ball is spinning in the wrong direction when it leaves the tee. The law of physics applies here - the higher the rate of spin, the more wicked the hook will be. Our first check will be on the club face. The counter-clockwise spin is created when the club face is too closed at impact. To get the desired result, the face of the club should be "square" at the moment of impact.

Now, To The Grip

Most advanced players will agree that if you are going to fix a hook, is looking at the way you are holding the club. Here's the most effective way to see where you are:

With your driver, take your stance as if you were going to tee off. For right-handed golfers, you're interested in the position of your left hand on the club. Ask yourself, "How many knuckles do I see?" We are looking for at least two, but no more than that. See more than two knuckles? Then this could be the source of the problem, right here.

Here's the key...look at the club face. Is it "closed" or is it "square?" Two knuckles and a square club face go hand-in-hand. However, you has to be in this position at impact. The hard part is duplicating this at impact with the ball. Ease into a practice swing noticing your hand placement right before it meets the ball. A lot of golfers are reluctant to change their grip because, one, it feels "funny" or, two, they've been using the same grip for so long its hard to change it now. Make this change permanent. Your old grip will soon feel "wrong."

Balancing Act

If your grip is sound, that's fantastic! The reason why you hit a golf hook is so much easier to correct. Balance is the next thing to check. Here...you don't want to get caught flat-footed with your weight. If you catch your weight evenly distributed or back on your heels, it will cause difficulties. This leads to a smooth turn and keeps everything in line throughout the entire swing. Think...balance...club face...follow through.

Arm-ing Your Way To Straighter Shots

A straight, but not firm, left arm is going to help you fix your golf hook. Just ask someone to keep an eye on your left arm through your swing. Get rid of that "chicken wing" or bent left elbow at impact!

We know you can fix this horrible golf hook habit. One of the drills above will do it. All that is left to do, is do it. Don't try these tips out on the course. It won't work. You know where to go - the driving range. Fine tune your swing there and you'll no longer be considered the "happy hooker" in your foursome!