Strategy Tips for Getting Rid of the Shanks on the Golf Course|Golf for Beginners

The Shanks are probably the most horrifying words in golf! The hozel hits the ball instead of the face and POW, off your ball bolts to the right (if you are a righty) - it's a frustrating feeling and you probably are fearing even bringing up the subject lest it creep into your game!

Once you "trap" the Shanks, it is hard to cast off them (snowball impact) because it shakes your self assurance down to the middle.

Briefly, what are the shanks? According to top professional golf instructor Butch Harmon, "shanks usually come from an excessively closed face. The player swings out to in with the face closing hard -- both actions push the hosel closer to the ball (top). If the hosel catches the ball, it's shank city."

Wait a minute! According toMichael Breed it is an open club face which causes the shanks! Which one is it? Two exclusive thoughts with one possibly outcome?

Believe it or not, getting the shanks is not as bad as it seems. Short game guru Dave Pelz says the shanks are, "very close to a solid golf shot. If you are shanking your shots, your impact point is the hozel of the club instead of the club face (only about a 1/2 inch difference)."

Whether the clubface is closed or open at effect, it seems that every one pros agree that the hitting the hozel instead of the face at factor of effect reasons the shanks. Let's now figure out a way to stop the shanks.

Tips for Getting Rid of the Shanks on the Golf Course:

- Change Golf Clubs: Taking a golf club out of your bag that you always have success using, even if it doesn't accomplish you goal, may help stop the downward spiral.

- Try using a different shot in your bag even if its not appropriate for what you want to accomplish. Switching up your physical game might change your mental game. Anything you do is better than a shank switch up until your confidence returns.

- Core Fundamentals - GASP: Make certain you did not exchange any of your swing fundamentals: test your balance, (status tall to the ball), make sure weight is evenly allotted, and that you aren't gripping the membership too tightly.

A Few Drills to Get Rid of the Shanks:

-While waiting your turn to hit, take a club out and stand at address (in a practice swing). Put a tee an inch in front of the toe of the club face and another tee an inch behind the hozel. Take several practice swings without hitting either tee. - keep the distance from the ball and your line straight at point of impact.

The Shanks do not need to spoil your round of golf. Take a step returned, take a deep breath, exchange your thoughts and consider all the splendid pictures you have taken up up to now. A positive intellectual mind-set remains your high-quality pal on the course.

How do you get rid of the Shanks? Add your golf tips in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Image credit: BreakParBlueprint.Com