When you hit the ball fat this problem is not as common as hooking or slicing, but it can add frustration and effect your game enjoyment and score. This result is caused by the mechanics of your golf swing, and once you determine the cause you can start to correct the problem.

Have Someone Skilled Evaluate Your Swing

It is almost impossible for you to see where you are going wrong with your swing mechanics when you hit the ball fat, and you will normally need the help of another golfer, one who is experienced. Have a golfing friend or pro watch you swing, and have them look for the items outlined in this article.

Be Aware of Your Rear Shoulder

One of the most common causes that will make you hit the ball fat is when your rear shoulder drops. Your rear shoulder is the shoulder that is further away from the target, and will be the shoulder of your dominant hand. Left handed golfers should have their left shoulder as the rear shoulder, and this is reversed for right handed golfers. When you drop your rear shoulder during your swing your club will impact the ground before the proper time, and this can cause your shot to be messy and poor quality.

Don’t Swing Too Hard

Swinging too hard can also cause you to hit the ball fat. When you swing too hard your downswing will start with significant hip motion, throwing off your shot. There is an easy exercise that can help you catch this problem. Take the address that you normally would, and then bring the club back to your maximum backswing height and then stop your swing. With your club in this top position you will then slide your hips horizontally towards your targeted area. You will notice that when you slide your hips toward the target your rear shoulder will automatically dip down as well.

Have a pro or golfer friend watch you perform the exercise slowly, and have the observer keep an eye on your hips and rear shoulder to determine if you are dropping your shoulder. If this is the case then you have discovered the cause and can then work to correct the problem.

Lower Body Positioning

Correcting the problem when you hit the ball fat means learning the proper lower body mechanics during your swing. Your hips should twist and rotate but they should not slide. If you concentrate on using your arms to start your downswing your hips will automatically follow, and you will get much better results.

Another Possibility: Your Forward Shoulder is Out of Line

If you keep hitting the ball fat another technique that can be used to correct this problem involves your forward shoulder. Your forward shoulder should be kept down, and this may take some practice but eventually your body will understand and you will see an improvement in your shots.

As you start into the backswing your forward arm should stay straight, and when you reach the top of your backswing make sure your forward shoulder is down before moving into your backswing. You want your hips to uncoil, but not to let your hips laterally slide.

Practice is Crucial

All of the tips included can be easily applied, but they do require time and effort in practice. This can be done at the Old North State Club in Charlotte, NC, or on any other course or range you prefer. A practice range and time spent practicing can make a big difference in the score you get on the course. You will also find other golfers on the practice range, and some may be willing to watch your swing and offer advice.

Make sure your practice time includes all of your clubs, because you can hit the ball fat with any of them so practice is critical. A common method is to start your practice with your short irons and then move on from there whenever you are trying to master a new skill set.

Tags: Hitting the Ball Fat