I can't keep my hands in the neutral position!

[DJYoshi]

towards the end of 2008, I had to fight the hook. I know what causes my hook... i know that sometimes it's not a bad hook, but still i can't play the fade anymore. Ever since my 1 terrible round at Crystal Springs in jersey in august, i can't seem to keep my hands in the neutral position. I have an OVERLY strong grip that of course rotates the face over causing a nice little worm burner or hook that goes about 200 yards and leaves me with a long 2nd shot that often has turned into a layup now... ON A PAR 4! A NORMAL PAR 4 who lays up? Short Par 5's have turned into unreachable holes when in the past after a solid drive of 270 or more, I could flirt with going for the green with a 5 iron from 180 - 190.

Do you guys have any drill suggestions on how I can return to the neutral grip position without it feeling uncomfortable on the takeaway? that's where the neutral grip feels the most uncomfortable.

[mike93]

yeah, i think i have something similar to you. i go through phases where i cant physically keep my hands quiet during the takeaway. i for some reason open my forearms and hands wide open, which ends up in a big hook also. sorry if it feels like im invading your thread, just thought id share my troubles with the world and let you know you are not alone

[picrig]

I actually open up my forearms (and in turn the face of the club on my takeaway) and never get them closed again which leads to a fade (slice if it's really bad). No good suggestions, though, but misery loves company

[FortAsel]

if it is toot strong, try to check how many knuckles can you see. It should be 2-2.5

[ks8829]

I am always fighting the hook also and you are right the grip is a big part of my problem also but here are some thing I also do if I need to keep it on the fairway.

1) check the grip
2) take the club more down the line or slightly outside
3) slightly open the club face
4) make sure that I am making a good turn with my shoulders and hips, I found that when I get tired later in the round and get lazy and don't make a full turn I develop the hook.
5) play the fade, most pros do and works better under pressure.
6) keep your club face open through impact and there is no way the ball will go left, Tiger wood does this with his drives. Ben Hogan weaken his grip and release fully to produce a slight fade.

[Stacey_E]

3) slightly open the club face

One of my best driving days this year I remember doing this, just with the driver though. I addressed the ball with the face quite open and then just bombed on it as hard as I could. My intent was to TRY to hook it. All day I hit high 5-10 yard draws that went 260+. That is a good bit over my 240 average. But when I tried it again the next round or two, I must have gotten lazy in my release, cause it was banana city.

I have a strong grip as well. Three knuckles on the left hand, equally strong on the right. And yes, take away feels damn awkward with a weaker grip! I think I'm gonna setting up the driver with an open face again after seeing it in this post. Thanks for that reminder ks8829!

[DJYoshi]

I am always fighting the hook also and you are right the grip is a big part of my problem also but here are some thing I also do if I need to keep it on the fairway.

KS, thanks for those tips. i've tried the open face thing...but it's just really hard to keep my hands in a weak or neutral position... the longer the club gets..the harder it's become to do.

i used to be MONEY with the driver and long clubs.... now i'm scared to go passed the 4 iron...i know it's mental...feeling uncomfortable... i just need to reset...but mentally i'm SCREWED

[ks8829]

If I am having problems with hooking the ball, I will play with the driver never closing the face at impact, in another words you will not turn your wrist over and close the club face.

I have hit 3 woods into a green aiming left of the target with the club face open and taking the club back from slightly outside the line and keeping the face open through impact and hit a slight fade that lands softly on the green.