Very Fat Shots

Please can someone help me with this nighgtmare? I am a high handicapper but, usually score the first few holes like a single figure player. Then, just when I think that today is going to be my day, I hit my first ultra fat shot. This is usually followed by another etc.

I don't reverse pivot; I don't cast from the top. One of my fellow players said that I come out of my shots very early, sometimes.

Could this be the cause of these fat shots? Or any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Well, Alan, I'm sure you'll be aware that it's pretty hard to see what's wrong if we are not able to see your swing. Here's what I think:

1) Duffing or hitting fat is somewhat likened to topping ... in my opinion anyway. Topping is generally caused by the club head passing your hands at impact. This is usually due to incorrect hand position at set up.

You may be aware that the club shaft and your leading arm should form a straight line down to the ball when viewed from the front. This is not so from the side; where the angle of the hands join the club is determined by the length of the shaft. Be aware that many high handicappers pull back their leading hand to the centre of their stance creating a kink in the wrist. The trick is to keep your arm straight and hands inline with the ball or slightly ahead of it for shorter irons.

2) You may be swinging the club too flat without realising it. Try and keep both arms as straight as possible and try to reach higher at the end of the back swing.

3) It might be something else in your setup. I know you said you don't reverse pivot but their could be a bit of tilting or dipping etc. Make sure your knees retain the same amount of flex throughout the swing. Many people have heard of the saying "keep your head down." This is not the problem. the problem tends to be people locking their legs in the backswing resulting in their whole body, including head, being pushed upwards.

Finally, try and keep the angle of the spine constant. If you lean forward 10 degrees at address make sure you lean to the side 10 degrees through to the follow through. In other words, keep your head down and don't pop up too soon.

These are just a few tips. It could be something else but I'm sure if you practice on these you'll play better after a while.

Paul

Paul,

Thank you for these suggestions. I will look at my set up in the mirror.

I'm fairly certain that my set up is OK but, it is as well to check it.

I know that if I can resolve this fault, my handicap will plummet. I am a long hitter and have an OK short game.

When I sent my original posting, I forgot to mention that, this morning, once the fat shots appeared, I started skying my drives and 3 woods off the tee. This may provide more clues to the fault

AlanN,

Something else you might want to check, The first move on the downswing. The right heel should come up first and get your weight to the left side. It will also get you in the Z position with your right leg. It sounds like your right leg is not clearing correctly and you are dipping a bit with the left leg to compensate.

Check it out in a mirror between Pauls post and this you will probably find an answer. Please tell us what you discovered.

GolfBald

Hi Paul and Golfbald,

I'm playing in a 9 hole comp, this evening. I have been checking set up etc.

Unfortunately, because I have developed acute tennis elbow, my physio has advised against visiting the driving range and hitting off mats. Therefore, I will have to test my swing/set up adjustments, on the golf course. Not ideal but, as this is not a serious comp, I can risk a bit of experimenting.

Whilst I was carrying out the checks which you guys suggested, I noticed that I was standing a lot closer to the ball than I should be.

I'll report back on Monday as, I am playing again on Sunday.

Have a good weekend

best regards,

Alan

AlanN

Sorry to hear about the elbow problem. Ouch!!!

Hitting off mats are hard on the elbows and difficult to gauge your progress at times. If the contact is slightly behind the ball the clubhead tends to bounce into the ball.

You can't check your divots on a mat. Divots are a great source of correcting a swing from the patterns they create.

Just food for thought,

GolfBald

Pleased to report a lot of improvement, over the weekend.

I concentrated on getting the set up right and, making sure that I swung the club on an in to out path. My guess is that a combination of standing too close to the ball and an out to in swingpath may have been the reason for the ultra fat shots. I may be wrong in saying this but, it seemed to work.

Now if only I hadn't missed a few very short putts.........