Do you struggle with the annoying problem of shanking your golf shots? It can be an immensely frustrating and irritating experience, plaguing amateur and professional golfers alike. The shank is a distressing shot when the club’s hosel makes contact with the ball, causing it to veer inexplicably off course.
The humiliation and exasperation of shanking a shot can be overpowering. You may also feel like quitting the game. However, take comfort in knowing that shanking is a common problem that affects golfers of all skill levels.
In this blog, we will tell you how to fix a golf shank and much more. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into it!
What Is a Golf Shank?
A golf shank is a shot that is produced when the ball is struck off the hosel of the club. This causes the clubface to unexpectedly twist upon impact, resulting in an erratic trajectory that deviates to the right. This shot is observed in right-handed golfers.
The hosel is the part of the club head where the shaft is inserted. It is also the region that is responsible for the golf shank. A golf shank veers off to the right and is characterized by its unpredictability. This characteristic sets it apart from other types of misses that can occur in the game of golf.
The golf shank is a shot that is more severe and more difficult to fix than the slice. A slice is a shot that curves to the right and is caused by a swing that cuts across the ball.
Also Read: How to fix a Slice? Comprehensive Guide 2025
What Causes a Golf Shank?
Shanks happen when the ball strikes the hosel area of the club, leading to an awkward shot that usually goes low and right for right-handed players. This can be due to various factors, such as bad swing mechanics, wrong club positioning, and mental blocks.
Here are some of the most common causes of golf shanks:
1. Poor Swing Mechanics
Specifically, golfers who utilize a steep swing and approach the ball from too far inside can be at risk of striking the ball on the hosel of the club. This is because the clubhead is moving too far away from the body and the hands during the downswing, leading to an open clubface and an awkward angle of impact.
Additionally, golfers who have a tendency to slide their hips forward during the downswing can also contribute to a shank shot.
Also Read: Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speed & Best Irons for Mid-handicap Players
2. Incorrect Club Positioning
When golfers position the ball too closely to their bodies, they increase the likelihood of hitting the ball on the hosel of the club. This is because the clubhead is closer to the body during the downswing, making it more difficult to achieve a square impact.
Such factors as weight distribution and improper grip can further boost the likelihood of shanking the ball.
3. Mental Factors
Mental factors can also contribute to a golfer’s propensity for shanking the ball. Anxiety and nervousness can create a self-fulfilling notion. In such a state the fear of hitting a shank leads to a tense and awkward swing. Hence, this will result in the very outcome the golfer had hoped to avoid.
Poor balance can also contribute to the issue. That’s because incorrect weight distribution can lead to the clubhead moving too far away from the body and the hands during the downswing. Ultimately, this will cause an open clubface and a compromised angle of impact.
4. Improper Grip
An improper grip can also contribute to golf shanks. A grip that is too tight or too loose can lead to a loss of control and a shank shot. A grip that is too tight can cause the clubhead to move too far away from the body during the downswing.
Conversely, a grip that is too loose can lead to a lack of control and coordination, resulting in the ball being hit on the hosel of the club.
How to Fix a Golf Shank?
If you are experiencing difficulty with shanking the ball, do not be bothered. There are various methods to fix it.
Below are several steps that you can take to address your shanking:
1. Assess Your Grip
An improper grip is one of the most prevalent causes of shanking. Ensure that your hands are positioned correctly on the club.
Your fingers must be enfolded around the grip, and your thumbs must point directly down the shaft. Your grip should be firm, but avoid tightening it excessively to prevent tensing up your forearms.
2. Keep Your Head Still
Raising your head too soon in the swing is another widespread cause of shanking.
Ensure to keep your head down and motionless throughout the swing until the club has struck the ball. This will assist in guaranteeing that you make contact with the ball on the clubface’s sweet spot.
3. Focus on Your Weight Transfer
When you swing the club, your weight should shift from your back foot to your front foot, which generates power and ensures a clean strike on the ball. Plus, if you’re shanking, it’s likely that you’re not shifting your weight properly.
Try training your weight transfer with some uncomplicated drills, such as hitting balls with your feet close together.
4. Work on Your Swing Path
The path of your club during the swing is another significant factor in averting shanks. Ideally, your club should follow an inside-out path. It should be like the clubhead coming from slightly behind the ball and progressing out toward your target.
If you’re shanking, your club may be following an outside-in path, which can cause the club’s hosel to make contact with the ball. Consider practicing your swing path with some alignment sticks or other training aids.
5. Adjust Your Stance
Your stance can also impact whether you’re shanking or not. Ensure that you are standing at the correct distance from the ball.
Line up your feet shoulder-width apart and angle your toes slightly outward. If you’re too close to the ball, it may be difficult to make contact with the clubface’s sweet spot.
6. Try a Different Club
If you’re persistently shanking with a specific club, it’s possible that the club is not ideal for you.
Experiment with varying clubs to see if you experience better success with a different one. It’s also possible that the club’s shaft is either too rigid or too pliant for your swing.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any facet of golf, fixing a shank necessitates practice. The more you concentrate on your swing, the better your likelihood of evading shanks in the future.
Ensure to devote time to the practice range, hitting balls, and concentrating on your technique. You may also want to consider taking lessons with a golf pro who can help you detect and correct any flaws in your swing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to fix a golf shank, there are a few common mistakes that golfers often make.
Here are some tips on what to avoid when trying to correct your shank problem:
1. Rushing the process
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make when trying to fix a shank is rushing the process. It’s important to take your time and be patient with yourself.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor is a consistent golf swing. So, don’t expect to fix your shank problem overnight. Take the time to practice and implement the necessary changes gradually.
2. Over-analyzing
While it’s important to identify the root cause of your shank, it’s equally important not to over-analyze your swing.
Sometimes, golfers can get so caught up in trying to fix their swing that they end up creating new problems. Keep it simple, focus on the basics, and don’t try to over-complicate things.
3. Ignoring the mental aspect
Shanks are not just caused by technical errors; they can also result from anxiety, tension, and pressure.
If you’re feeling nervous or anxious on the golf course, it can manifest itself in your swing, leading to a shank. So, it’s important to address the mental aspect of your game as well. Relax, breathe, and stay focused on the task at hand.
4. Not seeking professional help
While it’s possible to fix a shank problem on your own, sometimes it’s best to seek the help of a professional.
A golf instructor can provide you with expert guidance and feedback on your swing, helping you to identify and correct any technical flaws that may be causing your shanks.
5. Giving up too soon
Fixing a shank can be a long and frustrating process. It’s important not to give up too soon.
Keep practicing, keep making adjustments, and keep working at it. With time and effort, you can overcome your shank problem and become a more consistent golfer.
Also Read: How to make Golf Bag Tubes? & How to Stop Flipping Wrists in Golf Swing?
Final Words
Shanking is an annoying and disheartening experience for any avid golfer. However, with a persevering spirit, diligent practice, and a keen eye for detail, you can fix or reduce your skanking. It is essential to remain composed and organized in the face of difficulty, avoid the conventional pitfalls that beset many golfers, and seek professional assistance if required.
With the implementation of these thoughtful tips, you will soon be striking the ball with unwavering precision and impressive consistency.
