How to stop shanking irons

The situation

The ball leaves low and sharp to the right, with a click that feels nothing like a groove. You did not curve it. You met it on the hosel, where the shaft meets the head. It shows up on irons, and it loves a tight hold and a body that leans toward the ball.

The fix

1. 01
   Aim the middle of the face, and give yourself room Set up so the center of the face is what points at the ball. Stand far enough that you are not crowding it. About a fist-width between the grip end and your thighs is the idea. Setup covers the bend from the hips. If you are falling toward the ball, you are too close.
2. 02
   Soften the hold to a 4 A tight grip can throw the hosel out at the ball. The number and the three-finger hold are on grip pressure. Do not fight a shank by squeezing harder.
3. 03
   Keep the weight centered The shank often appears when you lunge toward the ball on the way down. Feel the trail hip stay back while the chest turns. You are not backing away from the ball. You are refusing to dive at it.
4. 04
   Look at the inside half of the ball That is the half closer to you. Swing so the face covers that spot. Looking at the outside of the ball encourages the neck to get there first.
5. 05
   Shorten the club and the swing until the grooves hit A shorter club, a shorter swing, one groove strike. Then add length back. If it only happens on chips, use a narrow stance, the ball at center, and quiet hands. That is the chip. If the ball is also too far forward, fix ball position in the same session.

A quick shank fix drill

Place a headcover or empty box just outside the ball, about an inch from the toe of the club. Hit half-speed shots without touching it. If you hit the box, your club is moving toward the ball's outside, usually because your weight drifts to the toes. Keep your weight in the middle of your feet and stand a touch further from the ball.

Why shanks come in groups

After one shank, players often tense up and stand closer or reach for the ball, which makes the next one more likely. Stop, hit two or three slow half swings with the drill above, and only then go back to full shots.