How to Fix a Hook Shot with Your Driver

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Common Faults & Fixes

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Quick Answer

• Dial in your grip to a neutral or slightly weaker position.
• Make sure that clubface is square to the target at impact, not shut.
• Focus on an in-to-out swing path to get that ball flying straight.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who consistently send shots screaming left (if you’re right-handed, that is).
• Players looking to tighten up their driver accuracy and ditch those penalty strokes.

What to Check First: Fixing Your Driver Hook

• Your Grip: Is it too strong? For us righties, that means your left hand is twisted too far clockwise on the grip. Feels like you’re strangling it.
• Clubface at Address: Is it already closed relative to your feet? It should be pointing right at the target, not off to the side.
• Shoulder Alignment: Are your shoulders closed, aiming way right of the target? They should be parallel to the target line, like train tracks.
• Swing Path: Are you coming over the top or swinging too much from the inside? This can get that face shut in a hurry.
• Release: Are your hands getting too active through impact, trying to “help” the ball? This is a common culprit.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Fix a Driver Hook

1. Adjust Your Grip

• Action: Loosen up your hands and rotate them to a more neutral or slightly weaker position. For right-handers, this means turning your left hand a bit counter-clockwise so you see two to three knuckles when looking down. Your right hand should feel more on top.
• What to look for: A grip that feels comfortable and balanced, not tight or twisted. You should feel like you have more control over the clubface.
• Mistake to avoid: Not making a significant enough change. You gotta feel the difference. If it still feels strong, weaken it more.

2. Square the Clubface at Address

• Action: Before you even think about swinging, ensure the clubface is perfectly perpendicular to your target line.
• What to look for: The score lines on your clubface should be pointing directly at your intended target. Imagine the face is a small paddle aimed right where you want the ball to go.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving the face slightly closed at address. This is a sneaky setup error that sets you up for failure before you even start your backswing.

3. Check Shoulder Alignment

• Action: Set your shoulders parallel to the target line. Think of yourself as standing on a railroad track, with the target line being one of the rails.
• What to look for: Your body, from feet to hips to shoulders, should be aligned parallel to that target line. No cutting across the ball before you even swing.
• Mistake to avoid: Aiming your body significantly right of the target (closed stance). This often leads to an aggressive in-to-out swing path that, combined with a closed face, guarantees a hook.

4. Focus on Swing Path

• Action: Work on swinging the clubhead more out towards the right of your target (for right-handers) through impact. This promotes an in-to-out path, which is what you want to counteract a hook.
• What to look for: Visualize the clubhead continuing straight or even slightly away from you after hitting the ball. Feel like you’re swinging “through” the ball, not just “at” it.
• Mistake to avoid: Swinging too aggressively from the inside or “cutting across” the ball from out-to-in. This can force the clubface to close shut, even if you’ve made other good adjustments.

5. Manage Your Release

• Action: Allow your arms and hands to release naturally through impact. Avoid the urge to “flip” your wrists to try and square the face.
• What to look for: A smooth, unforced release where the clubhead passes your hands. Think of it as letting the momentum of the swing do the work.
• Mistake to avoid: Overly active hands or trying to consciously “close” the clubface. This can lead to timing issues and a severe hook. Trust the clubface to get square on its own with the right setup and path.

How to Fix a Driver Hook: Common Mistakes

• Grip Too Strong — Why it matters: This encourages the clubface to rotate shut way too early in the swing, sending the ball veering left. — Fix: Loosen your grip and rotate your hands slightly counter-clockwise (for right-handers) until you see two to three knuckles on your lead hand.
• Closed Clubface at Impact — Why it matters: This is the direct culprit for that sharp left turn. The face is just plain shut when it meets the ball. — Fix: Focus on keeping the clubface square or even slightly open through the hitting zone. It’s about letting the clubface stay neutral relative to your swing path.
• Overactive Hands — Why it matters: Trying to “help” the ball by flicking your wrists at impact is a quick way to shut the face and induce a hook. — Fix: Make a more passive wrist action. Let your body rotation pull the club through impact. Think of your hands as being along for the ride.
• Aiming Right with Body — Why it matters: Setting up with your body aimed right of the target encourages an in-to-out swing that can deepen a hook if the face is closed. It’s a double whammy. — Fix: Ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line. Your body should be aimed straight, even if you’re trying to swing slightly out.
• Trying to “Hit Up” Too Much — Why it matters: While a slight upward angle of attack is great for drivers, overdoing it can cause you to get steep and unintentionally close the face. — Fix: Focus on a smooth, balanced swing rather than trying to aggressively lift the ball. Let the loft of the driver do its job.
• Not Checking Alignment — Why it matters: If you’re not aimed correctly at the start, your brain will try to compensate, often leading to a closed face or an incorrect swing path. — Fix: Always check your alignment with a club on the ground pointing at your target. Make sure your body is parallel to it.
• Too Much Clubhead Speed — Why it matters: Sometimes, when you swing too hard, your body and hands get out of sync, leading to a closed face. — Fix: Focus on smooth tempo and control. Speed comes from good technique, not brute force. Try swinging at 80% and focus on making solid contact.

FAQ

• What is a hook shot in golf?

A hook is a shot that curves significantly from right to left for a right-handed golfer (or left to right for a left-handed golfer). A severe hook is often called a “banana hook” because of its shape. It’s caused by the clubface being closed relative to your swing path at impact.

• How does grip strength affect a hook shot?

A “strong” grip, where your hands are rotated too far clockwise (for right-handers), makes it much easier for the clubface to close through impact, which is a primary cause of hooks. A weaker grip helps keep the face more square to the swing path.

• Can ball position cause a driver hook?

Yes, it absolutely can. If the ball is positioned too far forward in your stance, you might be swinging too much from the inside at impact. This can contribute to a hook, especially if you also have a strong grip or a tendency to close the clubface.

• Is an in-to-out swing path always bad?

Not at all. In fact, a slight in-to-out path is actually ideal for maximizing distance with a driver, as it helps you hit up on the ball. The problem arises when the clubface is closed relative to this path, which is what causes the hook.

• What’s the difference between a hook and a pull-hook?

A hook starts to the right of your intended target and curves left. A pull-hook starts left of your intended target and curves even further left. Both are caused by a closed clubface at impact, but a pull-hook also involves an in-to-out swing path that sends the ball left from the get-go.

• Should I change my driver if I hook it?

Hold your horses! Before you go buying a new driver, focus on fixing your swing faults. Often, simple adjustments to your grip, setup, and swing path are all you need. If you’ve diligently worked on these things and are still struggling, then it might be time to get a fitting to ensure your current driver is properly suited to your swing.

Sources:

• Fixing a Golf Hook Shot