How did I break two clubs in one round of golf??

Question

I'll try to make this short. I've been playing about 5 years and I've been struggling with the shanks. Yesterday, the head of my driver snapped off on a drive and then 4 holes later the head broke off of my 3 wood.

WTF is going on?? I know you can't really shank a driver or 3 wood, but did hitting it on the hosel break the club??

I'm so frustrated right now. I can't get rid of the shanks and now I'm afraid to even buy a new driver or 3 wood because I don't want to break them. I used to be a mid-80's player and the shanks have killed my game.

Anyone else know of clubs breaking like this and what advice do you have for the shanks??? Thanks

Answer 1

I would suggest that you have someone video tape your swing or see a golf pro to have them evaluate your swing. If not that then return to the basics of the golf swing. Start with your stance and your grip and go from there. There has to be something that you've changed to make you shank the ball on so many shots. Don't worry it can be fixed.

Answer 2

I've broken five drivers, one three wood, and my Medicus driver all in the last eight months.  I was swinging too hard and hitting the ball off center of the club face.  I've since stopped trying to "cave man" the ball and slowed the swing down and use more finess.  I'm hitting the ball just as far and not breaking clubs (at the moment).  It's also easier to hit the sweet spot that way too.

Answer 3

Ok I think you are done playing golf.  That is the worst case of "lateral" shots I have ever heard of.  Give it up - you have no chance of recovery.  Think about tennis or fishing.

Answer 4

If it broke at the hosel you can take it to where you bought it and if its there fault they'll replace it all for you. But on the shanks... When you set up to the ball when you bend over just let your arms ly straight down. Thats where they should be. Whenever i shanked it was because i had my hands too close to my body. So if they just are relaxed straight down they won't be too close. They'll be just right.

Answer 5

Lets just get to the basics here,  It is becoming easier to break off a club head for several reasons. Do you lean against the club like a cane when you tee up or are waiting and watching other people tee up. Do you hit it against the ground after a bad shot. The shaft is still metal all the bending from these and similar unassuming activities fatigues the metal.

We all know shanks are swing related. Visiting the local pro and having your swing video taped is by far the best. If you don't have the resources or availability for that go hit some plastic practice balls in your yard. Most problems happen when you want to muscle through the ball. If you played in the mid 80's then you have a usable swing. Relax swing slow and let your body remember what it was. Using the plastic balls will kill the standing to close to the ball after you hit anxiety. If you are muscling your way through the ball remember that John Daily doesn't get that much more out of the ball when he comes out of his shoes. He cant control it near as well as players that hit shorter than him.

Lastly you might have stress in another part of your life that is affecting your game. Golf is fun and relaxing...did I just say that? Remember to clear your mind you are only playing yourself, don't let more than 1,000 swing rules run through your mind at a time.

Answer 6

I have seen clubheads break off before. It seems to be just an unlucky combination of swing and circumstances. Nothing lasts forever anymore...

That said, you now have an excellent excuse to check out any and all clubs you can find as you search for replacements. Go to your nearest pro shop and examine/hold/swing as many woods as you can until you start to see what characteristics you like and which you don't.

Once you have it narrowed down to a couple models, check online retailers like Rock Bottom Golf ( http://www.rockbottomgolf.com ) and the rest to see what deals you can get.

As for the shanks, I would advise you start going to the driving range at least once a week (if you're not already). Try different things and see what - if anything - works.

[I've found my shanks are directly related to my swing speed: the faster or harder I swing, the worse they are.]

Answer 7

That's what happens when you buy your clubs off the discount rack at Walmart. If you don't use nice equipment, you can't be surprised when it breaks.