Driving · Lesson
Grip, Top and Impact: Three Hook Checks
Part of our driving programs for hook, push or pull, topped or thin. Build a program with it
A hook means the face is closed to both the target and the path. Check three spots. First, your grip. A lead hand too far on top and a trail hand too far under will close the face. Second, the top of your swing. If the face points straight at the sky, it's shut. Work toward a more neutral face. Third, impact. From the top, let your arms fall in front of you before you turn. If they get stuck behind, your hands will flip the face shut.
Step by step
- Soften a too-strong grip.
- Check the face at the top.
- Aim for a more neutral face position.
- Let your arms drop in front of your chest.
- Then turn through with easy swings.
Why it works
A hook happens when the face is closed to the target and closed to the swing path at impact. A strong grip sets the face closed before you start, and a shut face at the top keeps it closed on the way down. If your arms stay behind your body as you turn, your hands have to rotate the face shut to reach the ball. Fixing the grip, the top and the arm drop removes each source of that closure.
Common mistakes
- You rotate both hands so far that you see three or four knuckles on your lead hand at address.Turn the lead hand back toward the target until you see about two knuckles, and move the trail hand so it sits more on the side of the grip.
- You judge the top of the swing by feel instead of looking at it.Pause at the top in a mirror or a phone video and check that the face is not pointing straight at the sky.
- You start the downswing by spinning your chest, so your arms stay behind you.From the top, let your arms drop in front of your chest first, then turn through.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts closer to your target line and stops curving hard left.
- At the top, the face is no longer pointing straight at the sky.
- Contact feels centered, and you do not feel your hands flipping over through impact.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make slow half swings with a short club and pause at the top to check the face before you swing down.
Harder: Hit full swings at normal speed while keeping the same grip, top position and arm drop on every shot.
Common questions
Why do I hook the ball with my driver?
The face is closed to the path at impact. This usually comes from a strong grip, a shut face at the top, or hands that flip the face closed because the arms are stuck behind you.
Can a strong grip cause a hook?
Yes. A lead hand too far on top and a trail hand too far under set the face closed before the swing starts, so it is harder to square it at impact.
