How to Fix a Hook

If you’ve been hitting hooked shots, it should not be ignored.

It may seem complex and complicated, but learning how to fix a hook golf shot is definitely doable with the right pieces of advice. More specifically, the trick to overcoming this annoying, wacked shot is to first determine the cause of it. There are several possible reasons behind the ball traveling wildly to the left.

With ease and accuracy, here are some tips and techniques for those players who wish to learn how to fix a hook once and for all.

1. Square and Neutral

Before anything, you must be able to identify what a hook shot is and what it looks like.

To spot it, this particular shot occurs when the ball spins in a counter-clockwise direction as it takes flight post-swing. The faster the spin of the ball, the more severe the left curve will be.

How exactly is the counter-clockwise spin unintentionally created?

When the ball is impacted with a closed club face, the counter-clockwise spin is created. For right-handed golfers, a closed club face points to the left, and for the left-handed, it points towards the right. In contrast, an open club face will result to a slice.

Regardless of your dominant hand, the ideal position for the club face is square and neutral. It should not point to any direction, not left nor right, at the time of club-to-ball contact.

2. Proper Golf Grip

Apart from the club face, most experts agree that the best place to start is the grip for those who want to know how to fix a hook.

Here is an easy way to check your golf grip.

First, grab your driver and set up as you normally would. Next, look straight down at your hands. If you are right-handed, you should see at least two knuckles on your left hand, and for those who are left-handed, apply the same observation to the right hand. If this holds true, then you have a neutral grip that isn’t too weak, nor too strong.

However, if you can see three or more knuckles, or no knuckles, this is an indication of an improper grip.

Now, here comes the tricky part.

While keeping the same setup, let your gaze travel down to the shaft of the club and take a look at the face. Is it square? Chances are, it is.

But, even if it appears to be square and lined up, it may no longer be once you bring the club down towards the impact with the ball. As the club moves closer and closer to the club, your hands will assume a neutral grip. This means that the club face has no other choice but to close at the moment of impact.

For players who are interested in learning how to fix a hook shot, they should start with a close inspection and honest assessment of their grip on the club. We place an emphasis on “honest,” as grip is viewed as a basic.

Although, the tiniest adjustment to your grip can and will go a very long way. With that said, many golfers simply refuse to observe and modify their grip or will not put in the necessary time to adjust the new grip into habit. The latter paves the way for incorrect, old habits.

Despite being a professional and experienced golfer, it is crucial to stay humble and be open to returning to the basics, such as checking your grip.

3. Stay Balanced

If you’ve taken the time to inspect your grip and it appears to be proper and neutral, take the next step.

In this case, the next step to learning how to fix a hook is checking your balance. With weight distribution, it should be on the balls of your feet and not on the heels. By ensuring this, it will allow your hips to complete its turn smoothly while staying balanced.

The unfortunate event where you are off-balance before and during impact, it is another main reason for why players see the ball flying off to the left.

4. Straight Arms

Once you’ve gotten the hang of perfect balance, it may be time to focus on your arms.

For right-handed golfers, your left arm must be straight as the club impacts the ball, and for left-handed, apply the same rule for your right arm. If you are unsure about it being straight, you can ask a friend to watch you swing a few shots and let you know if your arm is bending or not.

Remember, anything that causes the club face to close before making contact with the ball, will result in a hooked golf ball and shot.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve heard the techniques and spots to double-check, what’s the next step?

If you’re hitting hooked shots, one of the four points will most likely solve your problem. The ideal way to go about it is, go through them one by one and hitting several practice balls as you go. If you correct one aspect and still hitting hooked, move onto the next point. In other words, make minor adjustments until you are capable of hitting the ball straight, and have eliminated that hook.

Undoubtedly, this will take some time and effort on your part, but learning how to fix a hook is a process, and essentially a process of elimination.

It isn’t something to ignore, do not let it spoil the beauty of golf!

Let us know how these tips and techniques have helped you fix your hooked shots.