Curing the Hook

As the diagram illustrates, the hook sends the ball from right to left in a curved line. The situation arises from errors in the set-up. The swing is 'in-to-out' which sends the ball right. In addition, because the clubhead is closed at impact, spin is imparted on the ball which causes it to later curve to the left in flight.

The only way to cure this problem is to go back to basics with particular emphasis placed on the stance and posture. Ensure that you are standing parallel to the ball's intended line of flight. Look again at ball position, it should be left of centre in your stance. Resolving these issues will help to cure the 'in-to-out' swing plane.

Closing the clubhead at impact is enough to cause a hook even if the swing plane is correct. This problem centres around poor wrist action, particularly on the backswing. Essentially, at the top of the backswing, the back of the hand, wrist and forearm should form a straight line. Arching the wrist closes the clubface. Perhaps the best way to overcome this problem is to concentrate on avoiding arching the wrist. Practice on the range should eventually encourage 'muscle memory' with correct wrist action becoming second nature.