One of the most feared misses in the game of golf is the hook – when the ball starts out straight or to the right of the target (right-handed players) but then curves around to the far left. This dreaded left curve is usually caused by two things: club path through impact and face alignment at impact. For the ball to hook like this, it will be in a counter-clockwise spin direction.

 

To fix a hook, you need to realize why hooks happen. This can be tricky. Let’s say you’ve just hit the ball and your arms swung through completely… you’re feeling pretty good about your shot. So, why the left hook? Most likely, your body didn’t follow through with the ball. When this happens during the swing, your arms just flip over, shutting the clubface, launching the ball hard left. Below are a few simple adjustments to make to keep your ball in play.

 

Tips and Tricks to Avoid the Hook

 

1) Posture: Leaning back too much on your backside may cause an excessive inside takeaway. Put most of your weight on your target leg, which will ensure a full shift in weight, a beautifully squared clubface, and a straight shot. Also - make sure you are setting up square to your target line with your feet, knees, hips, shoulders and forearms.

 

2) Stand Closer to the Ball: If you’re a chronic hooker, try standing closer to the ball to avoid your arms being too parallel with the ground. Your swing will now naturally be a little more vertical, which may straighten your clubhead path, resulting in a straighter shot.

 

3) Grip: A too-strong grip is one of the most common error with players who hook the ball. If this is you, try positioning your right hand in a more neutral position. Then, turn it toward the target so you can't see your left thumb. Now, take your right index finger and position it straight under the handle to support the club through the swing. Grip tightly but relaxed – don’t clench the club.

 

4) Stop Over-rotating: A too-strong grip is one of the most common error with players who hook the ball. If this is you, try positioning your right hand in a more neutral position. Then, turn it toward the target so you can't see your left thumb. Now, take your right index finger and position it straight under the handle to support the club through the swing. Grip tightly but relaxed – don’t clench the club.

 

5) Release: Start your downswing from the ground up: hips first, then shoulders, followed by arms and then your hands. If you start firing with your upper body first in the downswing, it is much easier to swing with the clubface closed. Your chest and hips should rotate forward until your belly button points left of the target. This stops a closed clubface, keep your ball straight.

 

The bottom line: players who tend to consistently hit hook shots are very close to hitting consistent, straight shots. However, they are not yet there – with a few adjustments though, they’ll be on the way to becoming a scratch player. Check out more tips for excelling at your golf game.