hiting the ball on the toe

Question
I would like to know if you could suggest a drill to help me from hitting the ball on the toe.  I just cant seem to make contact in the sweet spot of my golf clubs.  I would like to know what my problem is.  I don't know if I should get closer to thee ball or if it is my arm extension.

Answer
Hi Casey:

Good question and a common problem.  Chances are you don't need to move closer.  Check your divots (I assume you take a divot).  Chances are your divots are pointing to the left somewhat.  You may be swinging too far to the left through impact.  Picture a clock out behind your target (the flag).  Let's assume 12 o'clock is the flag.  If you swing towards 10 or 11 o'clock, your club would be moving across the line at impact thus catching it on the toe.  If your divots are straight, then you have incorrect hand action.  Your left wrist would break down, your right hand would scoop under and the clubhead would come towards you again catching it on the toe.  So the best drill to do is to picture your clock again.  Make some swings towards 1 o'clock and allow your hands to release or rotate the clubface closed.  If you change the path the club swings on and rotate the face (picture rotating the clubhead around the ball), then you would catch it more in the middle of the face.  Picture this clearly Casey, then go practice.  Use a 6 or 7 iron, so you can see curvature of the ball.  The ball needs to start out to the right of the target and turn back towards it.  If you hit it on the toe consistently, then see if you are too far away (move an inch closer) first, then check your divots, then do the drill towards 1 o'clock.  In no time, you'll be hitting it more solid.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member