Contact is King: The Key to Better Ball Striking
Every day, I work with golfers struggling to understand why their ball travels in unexpected ways. Often, they’ve gone down the YouTube rabbit hole, searching for answers about clubface angles, swing paths, or a combination of the two. While these are important factors, one critical element is frequently overlooked in self-diagnosis: the point of contact on the clubface.
Many golfers underestimate the significant impact of off-center strikes. As a general rule for right-handed players, a toe strike typically creates a right-to-left ball flight, while a heel strike does the opposite. Extreme toe strikes can produce wildly offline shots, and a dreaded shank stems from contact with the hosel (extreme heel). This can be especially confusing, as some golfers mistakenly believe the shank is caused by toe strikes, prompting them to stand closer and worsen the problem. Even experienced players often miss the role of off-center contact in their inconsistent ball flights.
Modern club technology complicates things further. Today’s clubs are so advanced that many golfers lack the sensitivity to feel off-center strikes unless they already possess exceptional awareness.
The Solution: Practice Your Strike
To improve your ball striking, include “strike work” in every practice session. Use face tape, foot spray, or even dry shampoo to mark the clubface and reveal the precise location of your contact. This will not only help you identify patterns (heel, toe, high, or low on the face) but also give your coach the clarity needed to pinpoint root causes more effectively.
Why Strike Matters
Ball flight curvature and distance issues might not be due to swing mechanics, club path, or face angle. Instead, they could be as simple as where you’re striking the ball on the clubface. While factors like swing impact still play a role, always start by analyzing your contact point.
Remember: CONTACT IS KING. Mastering it can unlock consistency, control, and a deeper understanding of your ball flight.