Tips from the Pro: Say bye to the shank

If there's one word in golf that will send tremors down the spine of even the best of us, it's the SHANK. Most can't even bring themselves to utter the word. Well today I'll explain how it happens, and the cure for that dreaded screaming hosel rocket that darts right at an impossible angle.

The Problem:

Because the ball flies low and right, most golfers think that an excessively open club face is the culprit. But in fact it's usually an excessively closed clubface. The players swing path is out-to-in (in relation to the target line) with the club face closing hard at impact, both moves causing the hosel to creep closer to the ball. If the hosel catches the ball through impact, it's an ankle bitter to the right.

The Solution:

Try this easy drill on the range to help get your swing path back on track. Place a headcover just outside the ball, practice hitting wedges first. If your swing path is out-to-in, face closed, you'll hit the headcover. To miss it, you'll have to swing more from inside-to-out, with the face more open resulting in purer contact and eliminating the shank.

Hope this helps, and if you have any questions about the swing or drills to help fix a problem don't be afraid to ask.

Cheers,