How To Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots

Okay, golfers, let's talk about the dreaded "thud" – that awful sound and feeling when you hit the ground way before the ball. We're going to banish those fat shots to the land of forgotten golf nightmares!

Get Your Setup Sorted

First things first, let's check your setup. Imagine you're about to give someone a friendly high-five. That's about how far your hands should be from your body at address.

Too close and you'll feel cramped like you are stuck in airplane economy seats. Too far, and you'll be reaching like you're trying to grab the last donut on the table.

Make sure your weight is balanced, like you are ready to play basketball. Don't be leaning back like you are relaxing on a couch. A good rule is to feel your weight in the balls of your feet.

The "Staying Behind the Ball" Myth (Busted!)

You've probably heard someone say, "Stay behind the ball!" Sounds good in theory, right? But it can actually be a recipe for disaster, making you hang back and scoop at the ball like trying to flick water at your annoying little brother.

Instead of trying to stay behind it, feel like you are moving towards the target as you swing. Imagine that your belt buckle is pointing at the target in the follow through.

Feel the Shift

Think about shifting your weight forward during the swing, almost like you're stepping towards the target. It's not a massive lunge, more like a subtle but definite transfer of power. You want to be balanced at the end.

A good drill to practice is hitting shots with your feet together. This makes sure your weight has shifted forward to your lead foot when striking the golf ball. Be careful with this drill and start slow.

Check Your Ball Position

Where you place the ball in your stance dramatically affects your impact. Are you placing the golf ball correctly? Ball position dictates how well you compress the golf ball and control the trajectory.

For wedges and short irons, the ball should be roughly in the middle of your stance. As the clubs get longer, move the ball slightly forward, towards your lead foot. For driver, the ball is just off your lead heel.

It's that easy! A good ball position can be the difference between a tour professional and your weekend hacker. Don't sleep on proper ball position!

Wrist Action (Or Lack Thereof)

Sometimes, fat shots come from too much wrist action. Are you flipping your wrists at the ball like you're trying to make pizza dough? Instead of flipping, try maintaining a stable wrist angle through impact.

Think of your hands as guiding the club, rather than actively hitting with them. The less manipulation with the wrist, the more pure the strike. Trust me!

Try practicing some chip shots using the "Y" formation to create a better connection with the club. The "Y" is formed by your arms and the club. This will help to create a better feel and keep your wrists firm.

Practice Makes Progress (and Fewer Fat Shots!)

Here's the secret sauce: practice! Head to the range and work on these tips. Start slow, focusing on solid contact. Don't be afraid to experiment with your setup and swing until you find what works best for you.

Film yourself! This is the best way to get visual feedback on your golf swing. It will help you fix some of the key areas discussed today to eliminate the fat shot from your golf game.

Remember, even the pros hit a bad shot now and then. So be patient, stay positive, and keep swinging! You'll be striping those irons in no time, and those fat shots will become nothing more than a distant, embarrassing memory. Remember, golf is a game of persistence!

Happy golfing, friends! And may your fairways be wide and your greens be receptive!