Fatsies

[augafan48]

i have sent a video of my swing to a pro to look at, because I was slicing, something i never do. Well, my grip was too weak, and i moved my head ahead of the ball at impact, way open clubface. I have since changed my grip to a neutral one, and after many video check, I am staying back behind the ball through impact. But, im hitting things FAT, I have been working on keeping my arm in a straight line with the club at impact, fat, keep wrist cock longer, fat, and slice. I can't seem to get enough weight on my front foot without tipping my head past the ball, and my swing seems to be very steep. Ill even pound the ground with my driver every now and then. Ive given you all i can without a video, so any ideas?

[JonnyGolf]

You know, I'll probably get a lot of flack from the traditionalists, but I don't think fat generally has anything to do with ball position, grip, or really any other fundamentals.

If you look at a pro who has some horrid lie in a fairway bunker such that he has one leg out, etc., they still make really good contact despite all the "fundamentals" being thown out the window due to the lie.

My recommendation is to really be sure you're focused on the ball during your swing. Can you see the club head flashing through the impact area in your practice swings and your actual swing? I would really work on imagining that clubface attacking the ball and increasing your focus on the ball during your swing.

Have fun!
jg

[barrycuda]

you mention you have a steep swingplane. are you checking your distance to ball at setup? about a handwidth for irons and hand lenght for longer clubs? almost sounds like that could be the problem but then again i cant see your swing...

[neudi]

You know, I'll probably get a lot of flack from the traditionalists, but I don't think fat generally has anything to do with ball position, grip, or really any other fundamentals.

The second thing you said I have to disagree with, yes the lie allows you to hit more of the ball making the ball go where you want it, but I would say that they reason they are able to hit the ball out of that lie so well is that they have trained their muscles over and over again for instances just like that, so they are prepared for it when it comes, just like a tee shot for you and I, it just comes natural after a while.

[augafan48]

it isnt that my swing plane IS steep, it just feels like it sometimes. So let me rephrase it to, maybe a bit steep.

[JaY_B]

To be honest, no one can give accurate advise without an up to date video of your swing.

[tm22721]

I also go through painful periods of hitting it fat.

After experimentation what I usually find is the same old thing. My hands are 'flipping' through impact because I get lazy and allow my left wrist to break down. So I overcompensate by leaning the club shaft at address so that my hands are still way ahead of the clubhead at impact. It works, but it ends up de-lofting the club. So I have to select a loftier club to start with.

I don't know if that's your problem, but the better golfers here (especially Ringer) may be able to spot the cause if you submit a video.

[geezer]

One possibility could be that your height drops through the swing.

Check that, through to impact, your right knee maintains the flex that it had at adress. If it starts to bend more, you will hit it fat.

Hope this helps!

[itzzzberny]

at set up, is your club sitting on the grass behind the ball or do you hover your club? i used (out of habit) place the club head on the grass behind the ball. but once i let it hover comfortabley (without straightening my posture) i've been hitting great shots with out any "fattie" issues. my understanding of why, is that i'm letting myself attack down on the ball without worry about hitting it fat. yes this can lead to hitting them thin, but as long as you attack down with out moving your posture closer (or away) from the ball. you will hit a lot better shots.

let me explain what i mean by posture.
your legs should be straight up and down (when looking from behind a player):

legs> | .

when i set up my back is at a 45 degree slant:


back> /
legs> | .

when i look down this is where the club is:

(toe)
| o |
(heel) (the spit line is the middle of the face of the club) *i had to flip the diagram because the lines didn't line up together* so the view you see is for a LH swing

from the side view: the bottom of the club is at the equator of the golf ball

when hovering the club. it should float comfortably. if it isn't, then relax those arms.

and for those who didn't know ; if you are RH, remember your left shoulder should be higher than your left shoulder at set up.

last tip. don't try to smash the ball as hard as you can. the swing should be a fast but smooth movement. when you try to smack the ball with all your power, you can end up losing all the club head speed by the time you get to the ball. so the fastest part of the swing is the half way point of your down swing and through the ball. but remember to make it a smooth swing and not a slow than fast. if power were #'s. the down swing should be 1234 not 4321, 1342 or any other combo.
hope i didn't confuse you guys.

[geezer]

@ itzzzberny: Your legs should not be straight at adress. They should be slightly flexed. How can you possibly make a good weight shift with straight legs?

[itzzzberny]

@ itzzzberny: Your legs should

i don't mean straight as in no flex in the knees. i'm talkin if you look from the side of the swing the legs should be straight as in degree.

look at the diagram again. i hope you understand what i meant now. the hole> o head> O (keep your eyes on the ball) back> / legs> | .

In my bag:
Driver: R9 TP Rombax Stiff
3 Wood: R9 TP 85g Stiff
3 hybrid: X
4-SW: X-20 Uniflex

SteelLW: Forged Chrome

Putter: White Hot XG #1

[rangerat]

There could be so many thing that cause this. Go to a pro and have them watch you and make suggestions/corrections on the spot.

Having said that, It always helps me with any swing issues I'm having to slow my swing down by 25%-50% on the range. This does a lot to help me see, feel and ultimately figure out what I might be doing wrong.

[geezer]

i don't mean straight as in no flex in the knees. i'm talkin if you look from the side of the swing the legs should be straight as in degree.

I'm looking at the diagram, but I still see straight legs there. But if you do intend that diagram to incorporate knee flex, I suppose its ok.

[itzzzberny]

I'm looking at the diagram, but I still see straight legs there. But if you do intend that diagram to incorporate knee flex, I suppose its ok.

well if you notice its hard to find a symbol to really show proper knee flex....

no where in my posts do i say keep your knee's straight..

[geezer]

your legs should be straight up and down

err... well this implies that you did...

[itzzzberny]

damn man what a hater.... you know what i meant....
i think if i mean keep your knees straight i would have said, "your knees should be straight up and down".
i meant the degree of your legs in comparision that your back should be at a 45 degre slant....
there you go you hater...

[geezer]

No, I didn't know what you meant. And I'll leave it at that.

[jowlar]

ugafan, it could be worse. I thought this thread was about your choice of women