How to Fix a Golf Hook
If you are a golfer who makes contact with the ball and watches it go out and roll violently to the left (for right-handed shooters) you have a golf hook. This can be a real pain, especially when you are trying to hit straight shots. The bright side is that the hook is repairable! This article will explain how to fix a golf hook in clear and simple steps.
What We Cover In this Post
What is a Golf Hook?
A golf hook is when your ball initially goes straight (or even slightly right) and then dramatically curves to the left in the air (right-handed golfers only). For a lefty, it does the opposite and the ball turns to the right. This occurs when the face is closed (pointing left) at contact and your swing path is from inside to out.
Also Read: How to Compress a Golf Shot
Why Does a Hook Happen?
There are a number of reasons behind a golf hook, including:
- Chokehold (hands too far around the club)
- Closed clubface at impact
- Too much inside-out swing path
- Poor body rotation
- Ball too far back in stance
After all, once you know why the hook isn’t right, making it right is far simpler.
Also Read: How to Clean White Golf Grips
How to Fix a Golf Hook — A Step-by-Step Process
The following step-by-step process can assist you in hitting straighter shots:
1. Check Your Grip
The way we hold our club is a huge factor.
- A firm grip (where both hands are rotated too far to the right for right handers) can close the face too soon.
Experiment with a neutral grip:
- On your left hand you should be able to see 2 knuckles.
- The “V” between the thumb and index finger should be pointing at your right shoulder.
2. Square the Clubface
When you get into your setup, make sure the clubface is square. So, if at address it is closed, it will remain closed on the swing.
- Point the clubface towards the target
- Keep those elbows pointed down, and don’t turn your hands inwards before you are swinging.
3. Fix Your Swing Path
An “inside-out” swing path often leads to a hook. That means your club goes too far behind you on the way back and then moves out across the ball.
Try this:
- More 2 the outside — keep swinging down the target line
- Imagine your club and hands are coming towards the flag or the target.
- Align your sticks or clubs on the ground to aid your path.
4. Adjust Ball Position
When you play the ball too far back in your stance, the club strikes it while the face is still in the process of closing.
- Shift the ball forward: More so with longer clubs, such as your driver or fairway woods.
- This allows the clubface to square up at impact.
5. Control Your Body Rotation
When you stop turning your upper body and start relying solely on your hands and arms, the clubface can close down.
- Rotate your shoulders and hips through the shot.
- Stay behind the ball with your head but let your body rotate.
6. Watch Your Tempo
Hands swinging too fast and too aggressively can also produce a hook.
- Otherwise, start with a smoother, more controllable tempo.
- Think “1-2” (1 for backswing, 2 for follow-through) in your mind.
Also Read: How to Clean White Golf Cart Seats
Simple Drill to Fix a Hook
Gate Drill:
- Put two tees into the ground so that they are about a clubhead apart.
- To maintain the industry, practice swinging your club through the “gate”
- Helps minimize that inside-out path that creates hooks.
Initially, a hook can feel challenging to resolve, but with some tweaks to your grip, stance and swing, you can fix a hook. Slowly work practice each of these steps and you will start hitting straighter and more accurate shots before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a golf hook?
Ans: A ball that curves sharply left (for right-handers).
2. Main cause of a hook?
Ans: Closed clubface and inside-out swing.
3. Does grip matter?
Ans: Yes, a strong grip can cause hooks.
4. Best grip to fix a hook?
Ans: Neutral grip with 2 knuckles visible.
5. Clubface position?
Ans: Keep it square at the address.
6. Swing path fix?
Ans: Swing down the target line.
7. Ball position fix?
Ans: Move it forward in stance.
8. Body rotation tip?
Ans: Rotate shoulders and hips through.
9. Tempo tip?
Ans: Use a smooth, controlled tempo.
10. What’s the Gate Drill?
Ans: Swing through tees set like a gate.
