Taking huge divots

My Dad was taking massive divots yesterday with all clubs; Irons, wedges and even fairway woods. Some of his shots were only going about 10 yards and the divots were massive.

Is there any tips to stop him doing this ?

Because he's close to giving the game up which will be a shame.

There are a few things that can cause this:

Standing up (straightening his right leg) in his backswing and dropping back down on the downswing. (This sounds like it is the cause, but it could be simpler and be the following two)

Standing too close to the ball.

He is coming too steep on the ball.

If the ball is only going 10 yards, he is hitting behind the ball. Get him out to the range and watch to ensure he is hitting the ball first, then the ground.

I agree with Gord make sure his left knee isn't collapsing during the downswing as this will move his whole body down resulting in massive divots.

I was out at the range the other day and I was doing the same thing kind of. I know I am hitting the ground first and my divots are a little deeper but not horribly bad. Since I know I'm hitting the ground first how do I fix it? Oh yeah, I had a loss of power in the shots too. On the bright side the shots are going straight. Thanks for any help.



Travis

Side note: My divots start behind the ball and the loss of power is about 15 yrds/club

Again, sounds like you are straightening your right knee in the backswing and dropping back down during the downswing. Ensure your right knee flex is maintained during the backswing.

Loss of power - you are hitting the ground first, so the ball won't go as far
Straighter shots - again, you are hitting the ground first, therefore there is ground in between the clubface and the ball, which reduces the amount of spin on the ball.

Also trying to knock the skin off the ball is one of the biggest culprits of duffing. The player rapidly tenses-up at the top of the swing making it a bit "snatchy" and then what type of shot happens is a real lottery. Typically, the right wrist and arm straightens too early causing loss of power and a hit behind the ball ... just my pennies-worth.

You could be right there !

My dad admits he "jumps at the ball" and "tries to hit the ball too hard"

I keep trying to tell him to use his shots more. On par 5's he gets 2 shots so he can hit 3 150 yard shots, a 50 yard pitch, 2 putts and he's got a net birdie. Instead he tries to reach in 3 (like everybody else !) and tries to hit the ball too hard !

it also could be that his weight remains on the backfoot or he is releasing the club to early.