How to Fix a Hook

Learning to fix a hook golf shot is not as complicated as
you might think. The trick to overcoming this wacky shot
is to first determine the cause. There are several reasons
a ball may travel wildly to the left. Here are some tips
for those who want to learn how to fix a hook once and for
all.

1. This particular shot is caused by the ball spinning in
a counter-clockwise direction as it takes flight. The
faster the ball is spinning, the more severe the left
curve will be.

This counter-clockwise spin is created when the ball is
hit with a closed club face. For right-handed golfers, a
closed face points to the left; for left-handed golfers,
the face points to the right. The ideal position for the
club face is square and neutral, pointing neither to the
left nor to the right at impact.

2. Most experts agree that for those who want to know how
to fix a hook, the best place to start is the grip. Here
is an easy way to check your golf grip.

Take your driver and set up as you normally would. Now,
look down at your hands. If you are right-handed, you
should see at least two knuckles on your left hand. This
is considered a neutral grip-not too weak and not too
strong. If you see three or more knuckles, you are not
gripping the club properly.

Now, here is the tricky part. Let your gaze travel down
the shaft of the club and look at the face. Is it square?
Chances are it is. But even if you think you are square
and lined up, you may not be when you bring the club down
toward impact with the ball. As the club moves toward the
ball, your hands will assume a neutral grip, which means
the club face has no choice but to close at impact.

Anyone who wants to learn how to fix a hook should start
with a close inspection and honest assessment of his or
her grip on the club. Many golfers will simply refuse to
modify their grip or will not spend the necessary time to
get used to the new grip, eventually falling back into
their old habits.

3. If your grip is fine, the next step to learning how to
fix a hook is to check your balance. Your weight should be
on the balls of your feet, not on the heels. This will
allow your hips to turn smoothly and stay balanced. Being
off-balance at impact is another main reason players see
the ball flying off to the left.

4. Your left arm (for right-handed golfers) must be
straight as the club impacts the ball. Ask a friend to
watch you hit a few balls and let you know if your arm is
bending. Remember, anything that causes the club face to
close will result in a hooked golf ball.

One of the above tips will most likely solve your problem.
Go through them, one at a time, hitting several practice
balls as you go. Make minor adjustments until you are able
to hit the ball straight. This will take some time and
effort on your part, but learning how to fix a hook is a
process is essentially a process of elimination.

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