Im taking too much divot, what the problem?

[cnichol3]

Lately I've been taking to large and deep of a divot. I'm not hitting the ball fat, still making clean contact with the ball with plenty of spin, but pretty soon I'm going to be snapping shafts in half in the ground. Am I simply swinging too steeply? PLEASE HELP!

[theGovna92]

I think you're on to it in that you are swinging too steeply. I had this problem a bit ago, and I think it's because of your backswing motion. You may be picking up the club rather than swinging back. This results in the clubface driving into the ground.

Try using a "pulling" motion rather than a "lifting" one. Also, make sure you're going back rather than up. Remember, it's called a "back"swing not an "up"swing. This should help with smoother contact and hopefully club survival.

[starchuk]

Remember, it's called a "back"swing not an "up"swing.

Says' Who?

the club goes back, in, and up all at the same time. Why couldn't it be called the "in-swing"? Some instructors say upswing, and there's nothing wrong with that, especially when a player needs to think and feel 'up' and not 'back'. If the contact is good and the divot is just thick, then the shaft may have too much forward lean at impact from being too steep. The right wrist should be bent at impact, but there are many Many degrees of 'bend'. This bend is optimal when it is "just less" than flat. So if we were to talk in opposite spectrums (bent vs. flat) it would be closer to flat, BUT NOT flat. let some of that energy go a little earlier! you'll find the ball may have a little more zip.

[uttexas]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you are hitting the ball well, and getting good results, don't be too concerned about your divot size. Jesper P. takes huge divots and makes a great living playing golf.

[cnichol3]

when do i know when the downswing is at the right angle? the shallower my swing plane gets, i start to hit it off the hosel and, god forbid i say it,.....shank.. i know it happens because im bringing the club too far inside, so what is the "happy medium"?

[Power_fade]

if you were to take a picture from behind your right shoulder (assuming you are right-handed) and draw a line from the shaft up past your shoulder a clublegnth or so, that would be your perfect backswing. My suggestion is to have a friend videotape you from behind your right shoulder and see if that is the case.

[Guest]

Another thing that can lead to a steep downswing is if the upper body moves ahead of the ball. If you think this is the case focus on keeping your head behind the ball and turning thru rather than moving towards the target

[Dpricenator]

good info here, thanks

[theGovna92]

Some instructors say upswing

Haven't heard this before, but don't see a problem with it. Thinking in an upward motion often tempts me, however, to pick up the club and therefore go at the ball in a diving motion. An inward, upward, and backward motion are all necessary for the making of a good backswing. I was thinking that the problem may be a pick-up dive-down sequence.

Hope this helps!

[cnichol3]

thanks for all the help guys. more suggestions are still welcome.

[Ferrins]

Hit millions of shots in the one spot and you'll end up upside down on my home course.