Not as many golfer have this problem but enough do. And those that do absolutely despise this shot because it normally equals double bogie. The problem with a hook is that it's so drastic and gets in touble so quickly.
On this page we will discuss what causes it, how to avoid it on game day, and how to fix it.
The obvious result of a hook is the ball traveling hot and fast the absolute wrong way in which you intended. I don't need to tell you that the clubhead was closed at impact - that's obvious. The question is why was the club closed at impact and why does this happen only occasionally, normally at very inopportune times. There are several things that cause a hook: too strong grip position, too tight grip pressure, closed clubhead at address, closed clubhead at top of swing, swinging over the top, not adjusting properly for a ball above your feet, and stalled out lower body.
It's my opinion that the later prognosis, lower body stall, would be the most benefitial and pertinent to our discussion. I've found that this issue is common among hookers and can be rectified rather easily with a little practice.
The golf swing is all about tempo, the release is an effect of proper body turn and uncoil. So go out to the garage right now, grab a 5-iron, take it back to the top then uncoil your lower body quickly as your first move down. The energy from uncoiling will automatically cause a perfect release of the hands through the hitting area down the target line. Now take another swing and use your upper body to swing through the hitting area, usually your lower body will drag or stall. The result, an early release = club head closed = Hook!
To avoid this on game day it is important that you are aware. What I mean is that inopportune hooks happen later in the round because your legs get tired. So when you get up to the 16th tee up 2 and 1 with a long par 4 and water left (for righties), be aware that your only swing thought needs to be "fire the waist first" or "uncoil quickly" or some trigger that gets your mind off the water and on tempo. The result will be a solid golf shot that takes the left side of the hole out of play.
I have plenty more of these tips that are customized to particular swings, by allowing me to see yours firsthand, I can lower that handicap. So shoot me an email for a lesson: teetimeii@yahoo.com.
