WTF! Shanking all 30-70yd Pitches?

[nokmond]

Hi all. Yesterday i developed a problem which i've never had before, and it continued to be a problem today in competition!

Basically i'm shanking all my quarter/half swing pitch shots. My full shots and chipping are fine but every shot i'm hitting from 70yards to 20yards are going straight out right.

I'm presuming they are shanks and not off the extreme toe.

Any idea what might be causing it?

[grantc79]

Hi all. Yesterday i developed a problem which i've never had before, and it continued to be a problem today in competition!

I had that too for a couple of holes not long ago.

For me it was deceleration from trying to get too touchy. Try it at the range and make sure to accelerate throughout the swing rather than getting too handsy.

[TN94z]

Make sure you aren't quitting on the shots. My cousin had this problem because his hands were "sliding" through instead of turning. Also, make a good full chest turn....this is important on these shots! And you probably know this, but make sure your head is coming up to soon to see where the shot is going.

[mruseless]

I've had that same issue come up, and for me it was that I was putting my weight on my back leg (right leg, since I'm a righty). I use the Utley method of pitching and chipping, and you need most of your weight on your left leg. You pivot around your left leg, and if you get back on your right, you can shank it or chili dip.

[billm408]

Often times it's the result of not clearing your hips through impact (or pre clearing your hips with an open stance at address). Your weight stays forward and the club comes through hosel first.

[mcfc_nick]

one problem could be your grip. a while ago i was in a patch of doing this and the reason was that i was gripping the club with my bottom (right) thumb too far over and towards the side of the club. once i straightened it back up the problem was fixed!

[deafheaven]

Often times it's the result of not clearing your hips through impact (or pre clearing your hips with an open stance at address). Your weight stays forward and the club comes through hosel first.

I've been experiencing this exact problem and now that I think about, the quoted observation here rings true. I believe an open slightly open stance has crept into my pitching. I think I'll pitch into a net for a couple of days and I bet I cure it. thanks

[bruce]

Check your grip tension,could be gripping with a death grip.

[Danattherock]

A very common cause of shanking is not switching weight from back leg to front leg during the swing. Read this in "Golf Tips" magazine just this month. And if nothing else, stand a little further from the ball and see if that helps. This is logical since you are likely hitting the hosel. Use some impact tape to see exactly where you are hitting the face. Link below....

http://www.edwinwattsgolf.com/golf-e...ate=slisystems

[imtomtomim]

a quick set-up tip I recently started using for swing thoughts, might help you. place the sole flat on the ground, clubface square to target, grab the grip and orientate your body so the shaft points to the left hip. when you're swinging through, swing along your toe line, and left hand knuckles down at the floor. try not to cast or flip your hands through the swing, let your body lead the motion.

you also might be taking the club too far inside. I know I heel it when I'm coming inside on the backswing, but then again, the only times I shank are when I'm trying to hit a slice/hard fade from coming from the outside.

these are a few things to think about. good luck

[nokmond]

Thanks for all the suggestions friends. I'll head down the range later and work out whats causing it. I've rarely shanked a ball in the 2 years i've been playing golf - until the last 2 days where i must of done it 20 times!

Sure i'll sort it out. Thanks chaps !

[ukalum]

I currently have this problem and it is extremely frustrating. No matter the distance away from me I put the ball I will shank it on my pitches and chips. I cannot figure it out. I've tried nearly everything, but there is some fundamental flaw I cannot solve. If you figure it out let me know the magical cure.

[Marmitetoo]

I notice that a few people have mentioned an open stance, as being a possible issue on this. Yet, I thought an open stance, (from what I've read), is actually encouraged on the short game, in order to clear the hips because of the shorter back swing?
I play an open stance but have not suffered the shanks from doing so.

Steve

[TN94z]

I notice that a few people have mentioned an open stance, as being a possible issue on this. Yet, I thought an open stance, (from what I've read), is actually encouraged on the short game, in order to clear the hips because of the shorter back swing?

It is encouraged by Pelz. It basically makes the turn easier. I don't think this is the cause if the OP problem.

[right handed phil mickelson]

Ah yes the old shank. I had those a few months back. Very memorable day since I had my first eagle that day with a pitch-in from 40 yards. What you need to do is step away from the ball a little bit, bend your knees/bend at the waist more, and open your stance. You will get more of a turn through the ball and catch it more cleanly. Hope this helps!

~RHPM

[mikelaw]

Ah yes the old shank. I had those a few months back. Very memorable day since I had my first eagle that day with a pitch-in from 40 yards.

dead on here--- +1 ! keep that lower body as quiet as you can and that head still too!

[right handed phil mickelson]

dead on here--- +1 ! keep that lower body as quiet as you can and that head still too!

Something I said actually helped?! wow.......... *calls dad*

[Tayysauce]

Stand further away from the ball at address. Shanking the ball either comes from rediculously hitting the ball off the toe which is pretty hard to do, and you would know it, or hitting the ball off of the hosel.

Stand further away so the ball hits purely off of the face, and move your weight slightly on your heels. Remember to keep your grip light to, and you should be good.