The Dreaded "S" Word

Most golfers have experienced the scariest shot in golf and that is your next shot after just hitting a shank. For those golfers who haven't had the pleasure, a shank is when you hit the ball off the neck or hosel of the club. It feels awful and the result is usually worse than that, with the ball diving quickly low and right. Often it occurs when you are set up too close to the ball and if that's the case, you can move slightly farther away from the ball. But what if that happens out on the course and you don't think you're too close to the ball?

There are several drills to fix the numerous causes of shanks, but here's one that can work in a pinch out on the course. Set up to the shot like usual with the clubface addressing the ball and then take 2 or 3 practice swings intentionally missing the ball to the inside. Be careful not to hit it accid entally.
If you're over-extending your arms or moving your body out towards the ball, this drill will help you find a better impact position. Then, when it's time to actually hit the ball, you're more likely to find the center of the clubface than the heel or the hosel. If that still doesn't work (out on the course), try to hit your next shot out towards the toe of the club. And when you finish your round, make sure you contact your local Golf Quest teaching professional.

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