Hooking issues

[d373rm1ned]

I've really been struggling with hooking every club in my bag lately. It can be anywhere from a nice 5 yd draw to a 25 yd hook into the trees. The ball will normally start either right at the target or slightly left of it and then just hooks like crazy. I've revamped my grip and don't think that is playing much of a role. I believe I'm having alignment and swing plane issues. Alignment is an issue b/c I know I naturally setup right of the target but cannot seem to align myself correctly. Any tips or drills to help? Also, I have trouble fighting a flat swing plane. I tend to keep my hands too low as I rotate my shoulders during the backswing and then during the downswing they get stuck behind me and my plane goes from in-to-out. I also feel as though my left hip is not "getting out of the way" on the downswing and this causes my arms to get stuck behind me. Just hoping you guys could either offer some tips or drills to help correct these problems or direct me to a video that helps explain it. Thanks a lot.

[beachbreak]

Sorry man. I am fighting the same thing right now. It comes and goes and drives me crazy. I am working on weakening my left hand a bit and making sure I align parallel left. Sometimes my feet are square but my shoulders are a bit closed. Good luck.

[uttexas]

If the ball starts left (for a righty) and goes more left, your swing plane and club face at impact are bit off. A ball that starts left means that you are striking the ball from the right to the left (slightly out to in) A leftward ball that goes more left means that your club face is closed.

The above is paraphrased from John Jacobs 'Practical Golf'

Actually, the best advice I have is to purchase this easy to read and well illustrated book. http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Golf.../dp/155821738X It teaches you how to fix your swing by looking at ball flight characteristics. His theories have greatly influenced Haney's approach to the golf swing.

PS, I am familiar with this ball flight pattern. In the past, I have compensated rather successfully by opening up the club face a few degrees, so the ball starts a bit left then fades to end up going straight. Currently in the process of totally revamping swing from my first full swing lessons.

[Cole_Schmitt]

Okay I had the same issue at the beginning of the year but I fixed it with 2 easy steps.
1) Your left hand thumb - point it towards 1 o'clock on the shaft..
2) Your right hand thumb - point it towards 11 o'clock on the shaft..

Obviously for lefties (like me) it is visa versa but hope it helps as it did to me!
Special thanks ; Golf Tips Mag ;)

[beachbreak]

I hit my driver long and straight today. After I hooked my first iron shot, I had enough. I played the rest of the round for the fade with all shots off my front heel. It worked out good as I shot 38/43 for an 81. I'm thinking of giving up on the draw, except where I need to work it around trouble or something.