Problems Hitting Fat Irons In Golf

Problems Hitting Fat Irons in Golf

Jul 25, 2011 | By Kevin Bliss

One of the most frustrating outcomes in golf is the "fat" shot. Quite simply, a fat shot occurs anytime you strike the ground before the ball. Depending on how far behind the ball you strike the ground, fat shots can travel a very short distance, as all the clubhead speed has been absorbed by the ground. Follow a few basic steps to improve your mechanics and rid yourself of the dreaded fat shot.

The Cause

European Golf Tour coach Scott Cranfield identifies the most common cause of fat shots as the failure to keep the club and body working together through the swing. When the body stops its motion and transfer of weight prematurely, the club is thrown into the ground behind the ball. Cranfield reminds golfers that weight transfer in the golf swing is generated by the feet and not the shoulders.

Weight Transfer

Cranfield suggests practicing weight transfer by taking the golf club and holding it across the chest to assure stability in the shoulders while allowing the feet to shift weight. Begin by pushing your left foot into the ground, rotating your shoulders to the right and distributing weight to your right side. Follow by pushing your right foot into the ground, sending your weight back to the left side where it should finish at the end of the golf swing.

Maintain Ball Position

Although it may be tempting to fix the problem of hitting fat shots by simply moving the ball back in your stance, there are reasons to avoid this solution. Steve Newell points out in his book, "The Golf Instruction Manual," that moving your ball position back will inevitably lead to other problems in your swing. The most common swing problem that comes from this alteration is in the swing path, making it difficult to repeat your swing reliably.

Drill

Teaching pro Craig Shankland recommends practicing hitting balls while standing on your left foot only. Although it may feel awkward at first, this approach will force you to keep your weight forward and make a crisp, descending blow that contacts the ball before the ground. Once you return to hitting shots with a normal stance, strive to reach this front-sided feeling at the point of impact.