Ball Flight Faults - Straight Left

Here are some quick tips for golfers who often pull their shots to the left of the target. Note: This is written from the perspective of right-handed golfers. A left-handed golfer hitting straight left would be hitting a push, not a pull, so lefties should reverse the directional elements in the text below.

These quick tips are from instructor Roger Gunn of GolfLevels.com.

Ball Flight Description
The ball starts to the left and flies left with no additional curve left. The divot will match the ball's direction.

Straight Left - Quick Tips

Grip: Not normally a factor.

Set-up: Watch out for aiming too far left, or your shoulders might be pointing too far left.

Ball Position: The ball might be too far forward (toward the front foot) in your stance. This causes you to catch the ball when the club is swinging back to the left.

Backswing: The club is likely being pushed outside the target line on the way back. The club should track a gentle arc on the way back. The club should be over your shoulder at the top, nor over your head.

Downswing: Your arms might be pushing away from the body at the transition into the downswing. Keep your arms in so that they pass close to your right pants pocket on the approach to impact. Make sure your head doesn't move toward the target until after impact.