Common Mistakes & How to Correct Them - Part 3, Breaking Bad Habits

Break Bad Habits & Start Hitting Straighter Shots

We've covered fundamentals and advanced techniques in the first two parts of this series. Now, it's time to identify common mistakes that may be holding you back and learn how to correct them.

From slices and hooks to inconsistent ball striking, let's break down the most frequent swing errors and how to fix them.

A slice is when the ball curves dramatically to the right (for right-handed golfers), often caused by an outside-to-in swing path and an open clubface at impact.

✔️ The Fix: Work on Your Swing Path

• Focus on swinging inside-out rather than over-the-top.
• Use an alignment stick placed diagonally behind the ball to guide a more in-to-out path.

💡 Drill: The Gate Drill

• Set up two tees just wider than your clubhead in front of the ball.
• Swing through the "gate" without touching the tees—this encourages a straight path at impact.
  
  

Topping the ball leads to low, weak shots that barely get off the ground. This is often caused by lifting your head too early or failing to maintain posture through impact.

✔️ The Fix: Stay Down & Rotate Properly

• Keep your head steady and avoid standing up too soon.
• Focus on hitting through the ball, not just at it.

💡 Drill: The Head-Behind-the-Ball Drill

• Keep your head behind the ball at impact and focus on brushing the grass with your club.
  
  

A hook is when the ball veers left sharply, often caused by overactive hands or a closed clubface at impact.

✔️ The Fix: Neutralize Your Grip & Swing Path

• Ensure your grip is neutral—too strong of a grip can close the clubface.
• Work on a flatter swing plane to prevent over-rotation of the hands.

💡 Drill: Pause at Impact Drill

• Swing slowly and pause at impact to check that the clubface is square.
  
  

If your shots feel short and weak, it could be due to a lack of lower-body engagement or poor sequencing.

✔️ The Fix: Use Ground Force & Lag

• Engage your legs and core for a stronger weight shift.
• Maintain lag in the downswing for maximum speed.

💡 Drill: Step-Through Drill

• Start in your normal stance, then step forward with your trail foot after hitting the ball—this promotes a powerful weight shift.
  
  

Correcting your golf swing isn't about quick fixes—it's about developing better habits over time. Focus on one correction at a time, and don't be afraid to seek professional coaching to speed up your progress.

🎯 Want expert guidance? Our PGA-certified instructors at Hawk's View Golf Club can help you fix your swing and shoot lower scores!

📞 Book your lesson today!

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