How To Hit A Hook
By Sandy Retsky
To hit a hook in golf, change your setup, not your grip or swing. You can learn how to intentionally create a counter-clockwise spin on a shot, which makes the ball curve from right to left. You will benefit from this shot on a dogleg left and when you want to curve around a tree. Your goal is to develop a simple swing that you can easily repeat.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Check your body setup. Place a club on the ground, aiming the shaft slightly right of the target. The club shaft is the start line of the shot before it curves to the left. Align your shoulders, chest, hips, knees and feet parallel to the start line at setup and impact. There is more than one "correct" distance between your feet (try shoulder width) and ball position relative to your feet (try inside left heel).
Check your club setup. There are three possible clubface positions: open (facing right of the start line), square (perpendicular to the start line) or closed (facing left of the start line). You want your clubface position closed at setup and impact. The sole of your club should be flat on the ground. The more you aim to the right and simultaneously close your clubface, the bigger the hook.
Check your grip. Grip the club firmly, not tightly or loosely. There is more than one "correct" grip (try the overlapping grip). Although the grip is not the primary focus here, it is important that your grip controls your clubface position.
Check your swing. There are three possible clubhead paths: inside-out, straight and outside-in. You want your clubhead path to be straight (parallel to the start line) at setup and impact. Your swing controls your clubhead path. A hook adds distance compared to a straight shot, so you need less club impact than for a straight shot.
Practice on a driving range. The flight of the ball gives you instant feedback. Make adjustments to intentionally hook (or "draw," which is a mild hook). Start with an easy swing and gradually swing harder as you get more comfortable.
Tips & Warnings
Look at your swing on a regular basis. Most digital cameras record videos, so ask a fellow golfer to take a video from a side view and a back view.
You must have a good swing to intentionally hook, which may be tough for beginners.
About The Author
Sandy Retsky caddied at Baltusrol in Springfield, NJ and owned a software consulting business in New York, NY. He is a partner at Reverie Winery in Napa Valley and Butterfly restaurant in San Francisco. He has been writing for golflink.com since early 2009.
