The Shank

photo credit: tnarik   Most players know what a shank is but they really don’t understand what causes this dreadful, ugly shot.  The shank creates more fear amongst golfers than any other malady. 

A shank is a shot that veers sharply to the right.  It is caused by an outside-in swing and a clubface that is hooded at impact.  The ball is struck by the housel, which is the part of the clubface that the shaft is attached to.  Once the ball hits the housel it squirts off sharply to the right (right handed players).  In order to correct the shank, simply open your clubface and make sure you swing from inside to out.  It would not hurt to stand just a bit farther from the ball.  Good luck!