Golf Problem. The Shank

[Graeme T]

Hi All,
I am a 13 h/cap and have been playing pretty solid to that for the last 2 years. Two weeks ago I was playing in our monthly comp when a shot a wedge 30 yards to the right along the ground. I didn't think to much of it and cracked on only to do the same with the next couple of shots. Unfortunately now I can't do anything but shank the ball. I've played several times since and it's been awful!! Like I've never picked up a club before awful. I've had a lesson with the pro at my course who of course and understandably wants to change quite a lot which I think I'm going to have to go along with as I can't hit a ball anymore! Has anyone ever had this problem or heard of it and more importantly did it pass before you cracked up!!!
many thanks

 

[Val]

Suffered it for over a year about 5 years ago and now understand exactly where it comes from and how to stop it, didn't stop me hitting one in a medal tonight though.

 

[Graeme T]

Thanks for reply, was it lessons and understanding your golf swing more that helped or just perseverance?

 

[virtuocity]

I recently had a weekend bout of them and now I'm hitting irons better than I ever have before.

Recipe Cure for Shanks (in my own experience- this might not apply to you):

1. Golf is a science based on metaphysical rules. Shanks attack the brain more than your swing. Clear your brain and prepare to think logically.

2. You can't shank with your feet stuck together. Hit 50 balls doing this whilst focussing very carefully on the ball. Don't move your eye off the ball.

3. A shank is caused (according to some) by hitting out to in and the clubface closing. Open the face at address slightly and swing out to one o'clock (or swing out to 'first base', as if you were batting in a baseball game). Concentrate on that golf ball throughout the swing but also try to think about what your clubface is doing. Don't let it close.

Voila.

 

[Graeme T]

Thanks for reply, was it lessons and understanding your golf swing more that helped or just perseverance?

 

[virtuocity]

....

 

[Graeme T]

Many thanks, will give it a go!

 

[Val]

Thanks for reply, was it lessons and understanding your golf swing more that helped or just perseverance?

I had a lesson to fix it and had another which made me understand why I did it.

 

[el marko]

lay down a golf club box on the floor pointing towards target where the toe of the club is. now place a tee about half an inch behind the heel of the club. Try and swing between these 2 pretending the ball is in the middle. If you scrape along the box you would of shanked the ball.

It cured mine after 17 shanks off the tee in a round.

Like this but if you place a tee and practice swinging between the two points.

 

[bogside84]

I have had a problem fromNew Year checkout u-tube David Leadbetter it is working for me BUT I still hit the odd one. Every day you go out and don't hit one it is a bonus. I hope this helps.

 

[Graeme T]

Thanks for that will give it a try

 

[USER1999]

There are many reasons to hit a shank. Any thing from poor balance to not hitting it. They are a confidence thing to me. Stop worrying about it, stop thinking of why, and just smash it. Less thought, more reflex action. Your body will hit it, don't let your mind get in the way.

 

[Imurg]

Having a chip'n'putt this morning before going out and I started shanking chips!!!
Did one at Bearwood a few weeks back (only time on the course) but not since and never before.
Chipped quite well today with no sign - maybe lack of focus on the practice green?