You are here:About>Sports>Golf> Golf Tips> Ball Flight Faults - Straight Left - Golf Shots that Fly Straight Left
About.comGolf
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg

Ball Flight Faults - Straight Left

From Brent Kelley,
Your Guide to Golf.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Quick Tips for Golfers Whose Shots Fly Left of the Target on a Straight Line

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.

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.