A extreme, low-trajectory shot beginning proper of the goal (for a right-handed golfer) and curving sharply additional proper is a typical frustration. This undesirable ball flight is commonly attributable to an excessively closed clubface at impression, mixed with an out-to-in swing path. The speedy curvature and low trajectory differentiate this particular miss from a gentler fade or slice.
Understanding the causes of this errant shot is essential for enchancment. Persistently hitting such pictures can considerably impression scores and general enjoyment of the sport. Evaluation of swing mechanics and gear selections typically reveals the supply of the issue, paving the way in which for focused apply and corrective measures. Addressing this difficulty can result in straighter drives, elevated distance, and decrease scores.
The next sections will delve into the mechanics behind this shot, discover frequent causes, and provide sensible options for golfers in search of to eradicate it from their recreation. Matters coated will embody grip, stance, swing path, clubface alignment, and drills for improved consistency and accuracy.
1. Closed Clubface
A closed clubface at impression is a major contributor to the dreaded snap hook. Understanding its affect is essential for correcting this errant shot and reaching a straighter ball flight. This part explores the aspects of a closed clubface and its impression on the golf swing.
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Influence Angle
The angle of the clubface relative to the goal line in the meanwhile of impression dictates the preliminary course of the ball. A closed clubface, pointing left of the goal for a right-handed golfer, begins the ball left. This preliminary course, mixed with the sidespin imparted by an out-to-in swing path, creates the sharp leftward curvature attribute of a snap hook. Even a barely closed face can exaggerate the hook, particularly with a driver.
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Grip and Hand Place
A powerful grip, the place the palms are rotated too far clockwise on the membership (for a right-handed golfer), typically results in a closed clubface at impression. This grip encourages the membership to rotate excessively by the downswing, making it troublesome to sq. the face at impression. Coupled with improper hand positioning, a powerful grip can exacerbate the closing of the clubface and contribute considerably to the snap hook.
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Swing Path and Clubface Relationship
Whereas a closed clubface initiates the leftward ball flight, the swing path influences the severity of the hook. An out-to-in swing path, frequent with snap hooks, provides additional leftward spin to the ball, amplifying the curvature. The mix of a closed face and an out-to-in path creates extreme sidespin, ensuing within the dramatic, low-trajectory hook. A extra impartial swing path, even with a barely closed face, can lead to a extra manageable draw.
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Compensation and Timing
Golfers typically subconsciously compensate for a closed clubface by manipulating their swing. Makes an attempt to right the anticipated leftward trajectory can result in additional issues, together with altered swing paths, inconsistent ball hanging, and lack of energy. Addressing the foundation reason for the closed clubface, quite than compensating for it, is important for constant, correct pictures.
Correcting a closed clubface requires addressing the underlying points contributing to it grip, hand place, swing path, and general swing mechanics. By way of correct instruction, drills, and apply, golfers can obtain a sq. clubface at impression, eliminating the snap hook and selling a straighter, extra managed ball flight. Understanding the connection between the clubface and the ensuing shot is vital to bettering consistency and reducing scores.
2. Out-to-in Swing Path
An out-to-in swing path, the place the membership head travels from exterior the goal line to contained in the goal line through the downswing, is a key contributor to the golf driver snap hook. Understanding this swing flaw is essential for correcting the undesirable ball flight and reaching better accuracy and distance. This part examines the connection between an out-to-in swing path and the ensuing snap hook.
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Swing Path and Sidespin
The course of the swing path immediately influences the spin imparted on the golf ball. An out-to-in path imparts leftward sidespin (for a right-handed golfer), inflicting the ball to curve from proper to left. This leftward spin, mixed with a closed clubface, exacerbates the curvature, ensuing within the sharp, hooking trajectory of a snap hook. The extra extreme the out-to-in path, the better the sidespin and the extra pronounced the hook.
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Influence Angle and Clubface Alignment
An out-to-in swing path typically makes it troublesome to sq. the clubface at impression. The membership approaches the ball from an angle, making it extra possible for the clubface to be closed or open at impression. With an out-to-in path, the tendency is for the clubface to shut, additional contributing to the snap hook. Even a barely closed clubface, mixed with the out-to-in path, can produce a big hook.
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Physique Rotation and Weight Shift
Restricted physique rotation and improper weight shift through the downswing can contribute to an out-to-in swing path. If the decrease physique doesn’t rotate sufficiently, the arms and membership are pressured to swing throughout the physique, creating the out-to-in movement. Equally, if the load doesn’t shift correctly to the entrance foot, the swing path might be thrown off, resulting in an out-to-in movement. These elements contribute to the undesirable swing path and the ensuing snap hook.
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Setup and Posture
Incorrect setup and posture can predispose a golfer to an out-to-in swing path. An excessively closed stance, the place the ft are aimed considerably left of the goal (for a right-handed golfer), encourages an out-to-in swing. Likewise, poor posture, equivalent to hunching over the ball, can prohibit the swing and contribute to an out-to-in path. Addressing these basic setup points may help stop the out-to-in swing and the ensuing snap hook.
Correcting an out-to-in swing path requires addressing the underlying points associated to physique rotation, weight shift, setup, and posture. By specializing in correct swing mechanics and using drills designed to advertise a extra in-to-out or sq. swing path, golfers can mitigate the snap hook and obtain a straighter, extra managed ball flight. Understanding the connection between the swing path and the ensuing shot is essential for bettering general efficiency and reducing scores.
3. Grip Too Robust
A powerful grip, the place the palms are rotated excessively clockwise on the membership (for a right-handed golfer), is a frequent contributor to the golf driver snap hook. This grip influences clubface management and swing mechanics, making it a important issue to deal with when in search of to right this errant shot.
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Clubface Closure
A powerful grip promotes untimely closing of the clubface through the downswing. The palms are already rotated closed on the high of the swing, making it difficult to sq. the face at impression. This results in an impression angle the place the clubface is pointing left of the goal (for a right-handed golfer), initiating the leftward trajectory of the snap hook. The grip’s affect on clubface closure is a big think about producing this undesirable shot.
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Swing Path Affect
Whereas not the direct reason for an out-to-in swing path, a powerful grip can not directly affect the swing’s course. The closed clubface on the high of the swing, attributable to the robust grip, can encourage a golfer to swing throughout the physique from exterior to in, making an attempt to compensate and sq. the face. This compensation exacerbates the snap hook, rising the curvature and decreasing accuracy. The interaction between grip and swing path is essential in understanding the snap hook’s mechanics.
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Lack of Management and Energy
A grip that’s too robust reduces management over the clubface all through the swing. The golfer might really feel a lack of understanding of the clubface’s place, making it troublesome to make changes and management the ball flight. This lowered management can result in inconsistent pictures and a lack of energy, because the clubface just isn’t optimally positioned at impression for environment friendly power switch to the ball.
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Problem in Correcting
Altering a grip that has develop into ingrained over time might be difficult. It requires targeted effort and constant apply to retrain muscle reminiscence and develop a extra impartial grip. Nonetheless, correcting a powerful grip is commonly basic to eliminating the snap hook and reaching a extra constant and managed ball flight. This adjustment can considerably enhance general ball hanging and accuracy.
Addressing a powerful grip is an important step in correcting the golf driver snap hook. By weakening the grip and creating better consciousness of hand place on the membership, golfers can achieve extra management over the clubface and swing path, selling a straighter, extra highly effective ball flight. The grip’s affect on all the swing necessitates cautious consideration and constant apply to realize lasting enchancment.
4. Overactive Palms
Overactive palms within the golf swing, significantly with the driving force, ceaselessly contribute to the dreaded snap hook. Extreme hand motion disrupts the correct sequence of movement, resulting in a closed clubface and an out-to-in swing path the important thing elements for this errant shot. Understanding the detrimental impression of overactive palms is important for reaching a extra managed and constant ball flight.
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Casting and Early Launch
Casting, the untimely releasing of the membership’s angle within the downswing, is a typical manifestation of overactive palms. This early launch results in a lack of lag and reduces the efficient loft of the membership at impression, contributing to a decrease, hooking trajectory. The clubhead successfully outruns the palms, closing the face and selling the snap hook. Visualize a golfer attempting to “scoop” the ball, a basic instance of casting attributable to overactive palms.
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Lack of Timing and Sequencing
The golf swing depends on a exact sequence of actions, starting with the decrease physique and transferring power up the kinetic chain. Overactive palms disrupt this sequence, inflicting the palms to dominate the downswing. This disrupts the correct switch of power and results in inconsistent ball hanging, typically ensuing within the snap hook. Consider a baseball pitcher speeding their supply comparable timing points contribute to poor ends in golf.
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Clubface Management and Influence Angle
Overactive palms make it troublesome to manage the clubface all through the swing. The extreme hand motion prevents the golfer from squaring the clubface at impression, leading to a closed face that sends the ball left (for a right-handed golfer). This closed face, mixed with the possible out-to-in path attributable to the overactive palms, creates the snap hook. Think about attempting to put in writing easily with a pen gripped too tightly comparable pressure and lack of management have an effect on the golf swing.
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Elevated Spin Charge and Lowered Distance
The mix of a closed clubface and an out-to-in swing path, each exacerbated by overactive palms, generates extreme sidespin. This sidespin contributes to the extreme curvature of the snap hook and reduces general distance. The power misplaced to sidespin interprets to shorter drives, additional highlighting the detrimental results of overactive palms on efficiency.
Controlling hand motion within the golf swing is paramount to eliminating the snap hook. By selling a quieter, extra passive function for the palms, golfers can set up the correct sequence of movement, management the clubface extra successfully, and obtain a straighter, extra highly effective ball flight. Drills targeted on sustaining lag and selling a correct weight shift may help quiet the palms and enhance general swing mechanics, immediately addressing the difficulty of overactive palms and its contribution to the snap hook.
5. Improper Weight Shift
Improper weight shift through the golf swing is a big contributor to quite a lot of mishits, together with the dreaded snap hook with the driving force. An accurate weight switch is essential for producing energy, sustaining steadiness, and controlling the clubface all through the swing. Failure to shift weight successfully can disrupt all the swing sequence, resulting in inconsistent ball hanging and the undesirable leftward curvature of the snap hook.
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Hanging Again
Remaining on the again foot through the downswing, sometimes called “hanging again,” prevents correct weight switch to the entrance aspect. This restricts the swing arc, forcing an out-to-in swing path and selling a closed clubface at impacttwo major elements for a snap hook. Think about attempting to throw a ball powerfully whereas protecting your weight in your again foot; the restricted movement is much like what occurs within the golf swing.
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Early Extension
Early extension, the place the hips thrust ahead prematurely within the downswing, disrupts the correct sequence of movement and might result in an out-to-in path. This early motion pushes the higher physique upward, inflicting the arms to get forward of the physique and the membership to return excessive, making a snap hook. Visualize a batter lunging at a baseball pitch; the lack of steadiness and management mirrors the impact of early extension in golf.
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Lateral Sway
Lateral sway, extreme sideways motion of the physique through the swing, disrupts steadiness and hinders environment friendly weight switch. As a substitute of shifting weight onto the entrance foot, the golfer sways off the ball, shedding energy and management. This swaying movement typically results in an inconsistent swing path and clubface angle, rising the probability of a snap hook. Think about a boxer leaning away from a punch as a substitute of transferring their weight into it; comparable instability impacts the golf swing with lateral sway.
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Lack of Energy and Management
With out a correct weight shift, the golfer loses the flexibility to generate energy effectively and management the clubface successfully. The swing turns into extra arm-dominated, resulting in inconsistent ball hanging and a better susceptibility to mishits just like the snap hook. The shortage of a steady base created by correct weight switch reduces the golfer’s capability to manage the membership and ship a sq. blow at impression.
Correcting improper weight shift is key to eliminating the snap hook and reaching a extra constant, highly effective swing. Drills targeted on correct weight switch, mixed with consideration to steadiness and posture, may help golfers develop a extra environment friendly and managed swing, decreasing the probability of the snap hook and selling straighter, longer drives. Addressing the load shift improves the general swing mechanics and permits the golfer to ship the membership squarely to the ball, stopping the undesirable leftward curvature and selling a extra fascinating ball flight.
6. Setup Points
Correct setup is key to a profitable golf swing, significantly with the driving force. Addressing setup points is essential for eliminating the snap hook, as these preliminary flaws can predispose a golfer to the wrong swing path and clubface alignment that trigger this errant shot. The next aspects spotlight the significance of an accurate setup in stopping the snap hook.
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Ball Place
Incorrect ball place can considerably affect the swing path and clubface angle at impression. A ball positioned too far ahead within the stance encourages an out-to-in swing path and a closed clubface, rising the probability of a snap hook. Conversely, a ball positioned too far again can result in different points, however hardly ever contributes to a snap hook. Right ball place for the driving force is usually off the heel of the lead foot.
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Stance Width and Posture
An excessively slim stance restricts the swing arc and might promote an out-to-in swing path. Conversely, a stance that’s too huge can hinder correct weight switch and rotation. Coupled with stance width, posture performs an important function. A hunched posture restricts the swing and might result in compensations that trigger a snap hook. Sustaining an athletic posture with a cushty stance width gives the muse for a balanced and managed swing.
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Alignment
Correct alignment is essential for steering the ball in direction of the meant goal. A closed stance, the place the ft goal left of the goal (for a right-handed golfer), encourages an out-to-in swing path and might contribute to a snap hook. Even a slight misalignment can have a big impression on the ball flight. Cautious consideration to alignment, making certain the ft, hips, and shoulders are aligned appropriately, units the stage for a straighter shot.
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Grip
Whereas grip has been mentioned intimately beforehand, its necessary to reiterate its affect inside the context of setup. A powerful grip, even with good ball place, stance, and alignment, can nonetheless promote a closed clubface and contribute to a snap hook. Making certain a impartial grip as a part of the setup is essential for controlling the clubface and reaching a fascinating ball flight.
Addressing these setup points is paramount to stopping the snap hook. By making certain right ball place, stance width, posture, alignment, and grip, golfers set up a strong basis for a constant and managed swing, decreasing the probability of the snap hook and selling a straighter, extra highly effective ball flight. A correct setup is step one in direction of reaching constant accuracy and distance with the driving force.
7. Tools Mismatch
Whereas swing mechanics are the first contributors to a golf driver snap hook, gear mismatch can exacerbate the difficulty and even be the underlying trigger. An improper membership setup, significantly shaft flex and clubhead design, can negatively affect swing mechanics and ball flight, making it troublesome to eradicate the snap hook. Addressing gear suitability is essential for optimizing efficiency and reaching a extra constant, managed swing.
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Shaft Flex
An inappropriate shaft flex is a typical offender in gear mismatch. A shaft that’s too versatile for a golfer’s swing pace can result in a lack of management and timing, rising the probability of an out-to-in swing path and a closed clubface at impression, each attribute of a snap hook. Conversely, a shaft that’s too stiff also can trigger points, however is much less prone to immediately contribute to a snap hook. Matching shaft flex to swing pace is essential for optimizing power switch and management.
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Clubhead Design
Trendy driver clubheads provide varied options designed to optimize launch angle and spin fee. Nonetheless, these options might be detrimental if not suited to the golfer’s swing traits. For example, a clubhead designed for a excessive launch angle and low spin fee might exacerbate a snap hook for a golfer already vulnerable to a low launch and excessive spin. Deciding on a clubhead that enhances the golfer’s swing tendencies is important for reaching optimum ball flight.
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Loft
Whereas not as direct a contributor to a snap hook as shaft flex or clubhead design, loft can not directly affect the shot form. A driver with too little loft could make it troublesome to launch the ball excessive sufficient, doubtlessly resulting in a decrease, extra hooking trajectory. Conversely, extreme loft might encourage a better, weaker ball flight, however is much less prone to trigger a snap hook. Deciding on the suitable loft is essential for optimizing launch situations and maximizing distance.
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Lie Angle
The lie angle, the angle between the shaft and the only of the membership, influences the clubface’s orientation at impression. An improper lie angle can result in inconsistencies in ball hanging and make it difficult to sq. the clubface. Whereas an incorrect lie angle can contribute to numerous mishits, its direct connection to a snap hook is much less pronounced than different elements like shaft flex. Making certain a correct lie angle helps promote constant contact and management.
Addressing gear mismatch is a necessary step in correcting a golf driver snap hook. Whereas swing mechanics play a major function, making certain the membership’s specs align with the golfer’s bodily traits and swing dynamics can considerably affect ball flight. A correct becoming with a certified skilled can determine equipment-related points and advocate changes to optimize efficiency, serving to golfers obtain a extra constant and managed swing whereas mitigating the snap hook.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Addressing frequent queries concerning the golf driver snap hook gives additional readability on this pervasive difficulty, enabling golfers to raised perceive its causes and implement corrective measures. This part goals to dispel misconceptions and provide sensible insights for enchancment.
Query 1: Is a snap hook all the time attributable to a closed clubface?
Whereas a closed clubface at impression is the first reason for a snap hook, an out-to-in swing path coupled with extreme hand motion also can contribute considerably, even with a sq. or barely open clubface. The mix of those elements determines the severity of the hook.
Query 2: Can a powerful grip alone trigger a snap hook?
A powerful grip typically results in a closed clubface, making a snap hook extra possible. Nonetheless, it is the mix of a powerful grip and different elements, equivalent to an out-to-in swing path, that usually ends in the extreme curvature attribute of a snap hook. The grip itself is never the only trigger.
Query 3: How does ball place affect the snap hook?
Positioning the ball too far ahead within the stance can encourage an out-to-in swing path and a closed clubface, rising the probability of a snap hook. Right ball place is essential for selling a extra in-to-out path and a sq. clubface at impression.
Query 4: Can gear points trigger a snap hook?
An unsuitable shaft flex, significantly one that’s too versatile for the golfer’s swing pace, can contribute to a lack of management, resulting in an out-to-in path and a closed clubface. Whereas gear is never the only trigger, it could actually exacerbate present swing flaws and make the snap hook extra pronounced.
Query 5: What drills may help right a snap hook?
Drills specializing in sustaining a impartial grip, selling an in-to-out swing path, and reaching a sq. clubface at impression are helpful. Examples embody utilizing alignment sticks, hitting balls with a gate drill, and training a one-handed drill to advertise a really feel for the proper swing path. Skilled steering may help determine the simplest drills for particular person wants.
Query 6: Is it doable to show a snap hook right into a draw?
Sure, by correcting the underlying causes of the snap hook, equivalent to a closed clubface and an out-to-in swing path, it’s doable to realize a extra managed draw. A draw is a fascinating shot form that curves gently from proper to left (for a right-handed golfer), including distance and accuracy. The secret is to manage the curvature, making it a manageable a part of the sport quite than an uncontrolled miss.
Understanding the mechanics behind the golf driver snap hook empowers golfers to make knowledgeable changes to their swing and gear. Addressing the problems highlighted on this FAQ part gives a strong basis for eliminating the snap hook and reaching a extra constant, highly effective, and correct tee shot.
The subsequent part will delve into particular drills and apply strategies to assist golfers eradicate the snap hook and enhance their general ball hanging.
Suggestions for Eliminating the Snap Hook
Implementing focused apply strategies is essential for correcting swing flaws and reaching a extra constant, managed ball flight. The next suggestions provide sensible recommendation for golfers in search of to eradicate the snap hook and enhance general driving efficiency. Constant effort and targeted apply are important for integrating these changes and seeing lasting enchancment.
Tip 1: Grip Examine: Guarantee a impartial grip, the place the palms are positioned appropriately on the membership. The “V” fashioned by the thumb and forefinger of each palms ought to level in direction of the trailing shoulder. A powerful grip typically results in a closed clubface and promotes a snap hook. Commonly checking and adjusting grip strain may help keep neutrality and forestall extreme hand motion.
Tip 2: Alignment Consciousness: Right alignment is key. Use alignment sticks to make sure the ft, hips, and shoulders are aligned appropriately, aiming barely proper of the meant goal (for a right-handed golfer) to accommodate the pure curvature of a corrected shot. Misalignment can exacerbate an out-to-in swing path and contribute to the snap hook.
Tip 3: Inside Strategy: Promote an in-to-out swing path. Observe drills that encourage swinging from contained in the goal line to out, equivalent to utilizing a gate drill or putting an impediment contained in the ball. This helps stop the over-the-top movement and the out-to-in path that contribute to the snap hook.
Tip 4: Keep Lag: Protect wrist hinge, or “lag,” within the downswing. This delays the discharge of the clubhead and promotes a sq. clubface at impression. Drills specializing in retaining lag, such because the towel drill, may help stop early launch, a typical reason for snap hooks.
Tip 5: Managed Weight Shift: Guarantee a easy, managed weight switch from the again foot to the entrance foot through the downswing. Keep away from hanging again or early extension, as each can disrupt the swing sequence and contribute to the snap hook. Drills incorporating weight shift workouts can enhance steadiness and promote a extra constant swing.
Tip 6: Video Evaluation: Make the most of video evaluation to determine particular swing flaws. Commonly recording and reviewing swings permits for goal evaluation and may help pinpoint areas needing enchancment. This visible suggestions gives worthwhile insights for correcting the snap hook and refining swing mechanics.
Tip 7: Skilled Steering: Search skilled instruction from a certified golf coach. A coach can present customized suggestions, determine underlying swing points, and advocate tailor-made drills and workouts to deal with the snap hook. Skilled steering can speed up the educational course of and facilitate lasting enchancment.
Implementing the following tips promotes a extra managed, constant swing, resulting in better accuracy and distance off the tee. Constant apply and a deal with these key components may help golfers eradicate the snap hook and obtain a extra fascinating ball flight.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways for successfully addressing the golf driver snap hook and reaching a extra constant and fulfilling {golfing} expertise.
Conclusion
Eliminating the golf driver snap hook requires a complete understanding of its underlying causes. This exploration has highlighted the important roles of clubface alignment, swing path, grip, hand motion, weight shift, setup, and gear suitability. Addressing these interconnected elements by focused apply and changes is important for reaching a extra constant and managed ball flight.
Mastery of the golf swing is an ongoing journey. Constant effort, knowledgeable apply, {and professional} steering are invaluable sources on this pursuit. By diligently making use of the insights introduced, golfers can rework the snap hook from a irritating miss right into a distant reminiscence, unlocking better potential for accuracy, distance, and general enjoyment of the sport. The trail to enchancment lies in understanding the mechanics of the swing and making use of corrective strategies with dedication and perseverance.
