Low Duck Hook?

Question:

I am having trouble with the hooks.  Probably one out of three drives are perfect, the others are usually a low flying duck hook.  I have gained a consist swing speed of about 96 – 98 MPH.  However, lately instead of focusing in on speed I have been refining my swing mechanics.  Why am I hitting a low duck hook?

Jaacob's Answer:

I was playing in the Polish Open I actually had a low flying duck hook as well.  For me, when I have the club face turn down and over like this, there's usually a bit too much tension in my hands, wrists, and forearms because I was just trying to give the drive that extra bit of "umph".  For my next drive, I just concentrated on smoothing the motion out and told myself that I don't have to try to kill it to hit it well and I hit one right down the middle.

Also, in this same tournament I was playing with this pro that hits a really big draw with almost every club.  He told me that previously he had the hooks and all he did to turn the hooks in to a playable draw was to set the club head slightly open at address.  I looked down at a few of his next shots, and sure enough his club face was open in his setup.  Depending on whether you are more interested in technique or results, this might be something to experiment around with a little bit.  Trying to change the motion and adapt to something different would hurt your immediate results and require a bit of work to ingrain the new habits.  On the other hand, as long as your current motion is consistent, just opening the club a little bit would require no swing changes and could immediately help results. 

Comments

[Rob Camacho]

I found your site on Google. I have much respect for your passion about the game. You are doing what you love to do. I can relate.

Keep up the good work.

Rob Camacho

[Rob Camacho]

I found your site on Google. I have much respect for your passion about the game. You are doing what you love to do. I can relate.

Keep up the good work.

Rob Camacho

[Rob Camacho]

I found your site on Google. I have much respect for your passion about the game. You are doing what you love to do. I can relate.

Keep up the good work.

Rob Camacho

[Jaacob Bowden]

Thanks, Rob. Do you have a separate email address? I tried to reply to the one listed on the blog here, but the message got sent back to me.