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DrivingHookSwing and Swing Plane Driver Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Club Too Flat During the Downswing: Correcting a Hook with the Driver

On a hole at Chantilly where the left side is dangerous, the coach at the Wallace Golf Academy addresses players who hook the ball with their driver. Their club lies behind them on the downhill slope. He suggests an exercise using a simple alignment stick.

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Lewis Wallace
Lewis Wallace · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

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What the lesson shows

The hook becomes more pronounced with speed, especially when hitting the driver. For many players, the The club is too inward-looking: He leans back as he goes downhill while his upper body straightens up. At that point, there’s only one option left: to bring the club back with his hands, and the The lid closes too quickly in relation to a very in-to-out path. The key point to remember: on the downswing, the clubhead remains at the level of the right forearm, not behind.

The exercise: slide a alignment rod under the right armpit, with one end extending forward. At the midpoint of the backswing, the left forearm makes contact with it; this contact remains at the top of the swing and at the start of the downswing, then naturally releases at impact. If the club head tilts, the stick comes away immediately. Start with a 9-iron, taking short swings—about ten to twenty balls—then carry that feel over to the driver: the right forearm catching up to the left forearm.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Slide an alignment stick under your right armpit, with part of it extending in front of you.
  2. Take your usual stance with a 9-iron: there is a gap between the club and your left forearm.
  3. Swing up to the middle of the backswing: your left forearm touches the club.
  4. Maintain this contact at the top and at the start of the downswing.
  5. Let it come undone upon impact, without forcing it.
  6. Hit about 10 to 20 short shots, then try to replicate that feeling with the driver—without the clubhead.

Key Takeaways

The hook is more pronounced as the driver's speed increases.
The club is too low, and the upper body is straightening up: the hands cover the face.
On the downswing, the clubhead remains level with the right forearm.
The wand under the right armpit remains in contact with the left forearm.
The connection breaks naturally upon impact.
Feeling with the driver: the right forearm catches up to the left.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leave the club behind on the downhill stretch.
  • Straighten your upper body in the downswing.
  • Bring the club back with your hands and close the clubface.
  • Do the drill directly with the driver: it’s best to practice it first with the short irons.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Stick under the right armpit, iron size 9
  2. Contact with the left forearm until the start of the downswing
  3. 10 to 20 short swings before using the driver
  4. Can be done at home, without a ball

Your Questions

How do you place the stick under your armpit?

Under the right armpit, with most of it in front of you and a small part extending behind. At address, there is a gap between the wand and the left forearm.

When should contact be made?

Starting in the middle of the backswing. It remains in place at the top and at the start of the downswing, then naturally releases at impact.

Can you do this exercise with a driver?

The coach recommends using short irons and taking small swings. With the driver, you just replicate the feeling: bringing your right forearm closer to your left.

Learn More

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