golf imperatives web pdf

The shank
Easy cure
A shank is when the ball is hit on the very inside of the club face, it actually does not hit the
club face but it hits where the shaft joins the club head. Although there are many technical
explanations for the shank it can happen to any golfer from beginner to pro. As a perfect
shot is only 2 cm away from a shank very small disturbances to the swing path can cause it.
The problem begins in trying to correct a shank. A ball hitting where the shaft joins the
club will always fly sharply to the right. The reaction from most players is to play the ball
more on the interior because the ball flying right would appear to come from the tip of the
club. Check your club face, if you notice the contact point is nearer the heal than the toe or
if you actually hit a shank, get back to the driving range and place three balls in a row each
in contact with the next. Remove the middle one and hit the ball closest to you. If your
swing is causing you to hit too much in the heal then both balls will fly away. Keep doing
this until you can comfortably hit the inside ball and not touch the other. With any swing
you will manage to cure the shank as long as your hands remain relaxed. Always
remember the best way to repeat a swing is with very light grip pressure, the moment you
tighten the grip the levers made up by the club and arms can move off line.
exercise - Place three balls in a row each one in contact with the next. Remove
the middle one and hit the ball closest to you.
16 GOLF IMPERATIVES