Driving · Drill
Swing to a Set Finish for Straighter Drives
Part of our driving programs for slice, hook, topped or thin. Build a program with it
Give your swing a place to end up. Lay a spare club on the ground, just past your lead toe. Point it parallel to your target line. Now rehearse swings where your arms and club finish over that guide. When you know where you're going, your body sorts out the backswing and downswing on its own. Slicers and hookers will feel different things, and that's fine. On the course, use the edge of the tee box or a mowing line instead.
The drill
- Lay a club parallel to your target line.
- Put it just past your lead toe.
- Rehearse finishing over the club.
- Hit drives aiming for that finish.
- On the course, use a mowing line.
Why it works
A fixed finish gives your swing one clear destination. When your arms and club travel toward a set position past your lead toe, the path through impact tends to run along your target line instead of curling across or around it. That helps a hook, because a closed path and closed face often come from the club wrapping around the body too early or too far left.
Common mistakes
- You place the guide club in line with your toes or behind them, so it does not show where you finish.Lay it just past your lead toe and parallel to your target line, as in the steps.
- You stop the swing short of the guide and hold a half finish.Rehearse full swings and let your arms and club carry over the guide club before you hold the finish.
- You aim the guide club at the wrong spot, so it is not parallel to your target line.Stand behind the ball, pick your target, and set the club parallel to that line before every rehearsal.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts closer to your target line and curves less to the left.
- You hold a balanced finish with your arms and club over the guide and your weight on your lead foot.
- Contact is centered on the face, with fewer low hooks that dive left.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Hit rehearsal swings at half speed with no ball until you finish over the guide club every time.
Harder: Hit full drives and only count a shot when you both finish over the guide and hold the finish for three seconds.
Common questions
Why do I hook my drives?
A hook usually comes from a clubface that is closed to the swing path at impact. Working on a set finish along your target line can help you swing along a straighter path.
Can I do this drill on the course?
Yes. Use the edge of the tee box or a mowing line as your guide and rehearse your finish over it before you hit.
