Square the Face at the Top

Square the club-face at the top to hit more accurate shots
For most players, hooks and slices are a common occurrence. These types of shots generally happen as a result of your club-face not being in a square position at the moment of the impact (when the club strikes the ball).
If you are one of these players, it is very likely that your club-face is not in a square position at the top of your back-swing either. The key to setting yourself up to have a square impact position (and hitting the ball straight) is to set everything up as squarely as possible on your back-swing. You should find yourself in a position at the top of your swing where your club-face angle and the angle of your shoulders are the same. Ultimately, your left wrist position (for right handed players) should be as flat as possible.
To find out whether you are getting to a square position, swing to the top of your back-swing and stop there. Have a look at your club-face angle and check to see whether it is square.
- If you are a player who slices, the leading edge of your club-face is likely pointing towards the ground or in an open position.
- Conversely, a player who hooks the ball will likely have a closed club-face, facing the sky.
As best you can, experiment with your swing trying to achieve a flat left wrist position at the top with the club-face angle matching that of your shoulders. This will prove to be a great help in squaring up your club-face at the moment of impact – thus resulting in more accurate shots.
|
|
|
|
| Gary Bos CPGA Teaching Professional Director of Instruction Gary Bos Golf Academy Peninsula |
![]() |
|
|
Note: The teaching methodology solely reflects the views of the author and may not reflect the views or opinions of the Ontario PGA or GolfScene About the Ontario PGA Established in 1927, the Ontario Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 1,300 golf professionals from Belleville to Windsor with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. For more info, visit www.ontariopga.com |
||
![]() |
||
May Also be of Interest:
- It all Starts with the Grip
- Drive it Long and Straight
- Ask Sean Casey : Answers
- The Three A’s of Practice
- Reader Question 4


