When it comes to improving your golf swing, one often overlooked aspect is which part of the golf ball you should be looking at during your swing. This simple adjustment can help you correct various flaws in your swing and improve your shotmaking. In a guide published by GOLF Magazine in July 1989, different tips were provided on which part of the ball to focus on based on the specific flaw you are trying to correct. Whether you are struggling with fat shots, hooks, slices, or looking to add more distance to your shots, focusing on the right part of the ball can make a significant difference in your game.
If you tend to hit fat shots, where the clubhead hits the turf behind the ball, try focusing on the front of the ball. This will help keep your hands slightly higher through impact, leading to cleaner contact with the back of the ball. On the other hand, if you are experiencing tops or blades, where the leading edge of the club hits at or above the ball’s equator, focusing on the back of the ball can help you hit downward properly and get the clubface fully on the ball, correcting these faults in your swing.
For those struggling with hooks, a chronic sign of an inside-out swing path, focusing on striking the outer-rear quadrant of the ball can help encourage an outside-in downswing, correcting this flaw. Conversely, if you are dealing with slices, the most common of the two shots and a sign of an outside-in swing path, focusing on hitting the inner-rear quadrant of the ball can help you get on a better track from slightly inside, improving your swing path and correcting the slice.
When it comes to adding more distance to your shots, solid club-to-ball contact is crucial. Sweeping the clubhead under the ball or chopping down on it can result in high, short, “skied” shots. To prevent this, imagine a nail sticking straight out of the back of the ball and try to pound the nail squarely in with the clubface. This visualization encourages a flat, level clubhead approach and good extension through impact, resulting in straighter and longer drives off the tee.
By focusing on the specific part of the ball that corresponds to the flaw you are trying to correct in your swing, you can make targeted adjustments to improve your shotmaking and overall performance on the golf course. Whether you are trying to eliminate fat shots, hooks, slices, or add more distance to your shots, this simple tip from the 1989 guide can help you take your game to the next level. Remember, the devil is in the details, and sometimes a small adjustment in your focus can make a big difference in your golf swing.
