Hooking the ball?

Question

So I can't stop hooking and my coach can't figure it out either. I'll hook my clubs 6.5.4.3 irons, and my 3 wood. 7.8.9,P I'll have a slight right to left and sometimes I'll straight hook it. Any drills you all know I can do? I know that's not a lot of info I gave you...I'm just looking for any general ideas..

I'm a 23 handicap that should be an upper teen handicapper but my hooks keep me from staying inbounds.

Answer 1

learn how to slice the ears off it and spend some time balancing between the hook/slice you may even hit the odd straight ball...

Answer 2

I would take a look at a strong grip vs a weaker grip. That is the positioning of the hands on the club. When your thumbs line up at 12:00, that is a weaker grip. Moving the thumbs back a little bit makes for a stronger grip. Stronger grips can end up pulling or hooking the ball. If this is the case then weaken your grip to straighten out the ball flight.

Answer 3

sounds like you release too soon (closed clubface at impact) and your swing goes from outside to inside when you are coming down into the ball...try taking your backswing more behind you than over top of you and when you swing through the ball...and also make sure you turn your hips in your downswing...imagine that when you are about to hit the ball, you start turning to aim your belt buckle at your target.  its hard to say without seeing you swing so this is just a guess.

Answer 4

I have the same problem.  What helps me is...

1.  to make sure the ball isn't too far forward in your stance.

2.  slightly (2-5 degrees) open your clubface at address.

3.  stand closer to the ball.

I'm sure there's a swing flaw that causes the hook, but doing these things gets me to control it with my natural swing.  I also have better luck when I don't wear a glove when hitting irons (but hit fine with woods & hybrids).

Good luck

Answer 5

Every golf club besides the lw and SW should be swung about the same with variations in stance width and the distance you stand from the ball! This is a possible theory the 789 w are heavier and you simply leave the face open hit of the heel a bit the shot goes weak left to right! A proper set up correct ball position and solid grip is all you need to work on before you hit the ball. Try taking you 4 iron and playing in back in your stance this will really make your shaft be ahead of the ball resulting in a light draw a push or a hard draw. Most people pull hook the ball and think its a hook when its really a shot that is smothered. You need to have a better approach into the ball and stop hitting the outside of the ball simply take a shoebox and place it outside of the ball giving your club about 3 inches if error. This cures just about everything related to swing path goof luck!

Answer 6

I've found that with my swing, there are two ways that I can hit a BAD hook. One: I can come way over the top and completely shut down the ball and almost pull-hook it...it never starts straight and immediately goes left. Two: I'm coming so far inside that I feel like I must rotate my wrists more than naturally so I over-rotate them to compensate for the swing path and that causes it took hook....it starts straight though.

Two tips: Try to keep your right shoulder tucked against your pocket throughout your entire swing and feel like you are driving the grip end of the club into the ball. Like if there was a tee in the little hole in the grip, feel like you are going to drive that tee into the ball....so basically lead with your left hand and make it flat. (If you're right handed). I hope I made that clear.

Answer 7

That's tough, man. Where is the ball in relation to your stance? When I straight-hook it, it's usually because I grip the club a bit tighter just before impact -- I overcompensate because I slice and fade so much so I tense up sometimes.

Answer 8

I'll have that same problem with my woods sometimes but, what helps me is to really focus on keeping the stiff left arm (cliche I know) slowing down my backswing and overcompensating and trying to slice a few at the range by taking my swing from out to in. This usually helps me find that happy medium and get it straight.

MH

Answer 9

Your coach can't figure it out??? May I suggest you get a new coach....

It's not like we are splitting the atom for the first time. There is a teacher/coach that could figure out what you are doing, you are just going to have to find one.

Answer 10

Get new coach.  We can't tell from an internet question what you are doing - but he is standing right there watching you.  If he can't see anything wrong he isn't much good to you.

Answer 11

Hows your grip?   Do you twist your wrist when holding your golf club?  Make your grip more natural....  Your thumb should point all the way down pointing to your club head.