HSS AND HOOKING

Question
Hi Paul,

I like the power and distance that the HSS provides but with the driver and woods I am hooking the ball. Is there a tip or 2 that you can provide so I'll be able to hit the ball straighter ?
Also, I feel off balance when trying to start with my weight on the back foot. Can I leave this component out of the HSS and still generate the power ?

Thank-you,

Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

If you are using the HSS grip as we suggest in the book and tape program then you know the grip would be considered very strong and would lead to hooking.  However, there is no additional "releasing" of the hands or wrists until after impact with the HSS.  If you don't release too soon, you should be delivering the same clubface position at impact as you had at address.

As an experiment, open the clubface at address (before you take your grip) about 20 degrees.  Make your golf swing normally but with that open clubface position as a pre-condition.  Hopefully, this will eliminate the hooking issue all together.

Balance is very important to all good golf swings...not just the HSS.  So strive to maintain your balance by not allowing your weight to shift outside the insides of your feet.  Yes, we suggest that you begin with the majority of your weight toward your back foot (this means 60 percent...not 90 percent).  That's best but if that's not working for you...go 50/50 and see if your balance is better.

Good balance is important for consistency and centered impact.  And centered impact is critical to hitting with power.  There is so little "body effort" with the HSS, I'm surprised you are having balance issues.  Maybe you are working your body too much during the swing...

Hope my suggestions help you.  Good luck and good golfing!

Best wishes,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional