What is a hook in golf?
The hook (from the English word “crochet”) refers to a ball that is thrown and then turns sharply to the left for a right-handed golfer. The sharper the curve, the farther the ball rolls off the fairway once it hits the ground, because a hook often flies low and has little backspin.
Hook or draw: What's the difference?
Both balls are spinning in the same direction. The draw is a gentle, controlled curve—the kind that good players look for. The hook It's the same curve, but too steep and forced: that's a flaw.
Why do we use a hook?
A hook is triggered when the The clubface is closed off from the club path at the moment of impact. The most common causes:
- a a grip that's too strong, which closes the clubface during the swing;
- a club path that's too from the inside out, with hands that “roll” upon impact;
- a body that stops spinning On the downswing: the arms and hands take over and close the face.
How do you fix a hook?
Start by checking your grip and the orientation of the clubface at address, then work on your body rotation through the finish. Lessons on this page Hook describe the pros' exercises, and the page Slice explains the inverse defect.
Video lessons to take your learning further
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Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions: Hook in Golf
Is a hook a shot that curves to the left?
For a right-hander, yes: the ball curves sharply to the left. For a left-hander, it curves to the right. If the ball goes straight to the left without curving, it’s usually called a driven ball.
Is a hook worse than a slice?
These are two opposite flaws. The hook is often considered more detrimental, because the ball flies low and rolls a lot, so it ends up far from the fairway.
Can you fix a hook on its own?
Yes, start with your stance: loosen your grip and make sure your feet are facing the right direction. If the hook persists, a lesson with an instructor can help you identify the problem with your club path.
