Two of the most frustrating golf swing faults are to hit the golf ball fat or thin. A golf fat shot is when you hit the turf first before hitting the golf ball and a golf thin shot is when the leading edge of your club strikes the equator of the golf ball. Both of these golf swing faults can cause a host of errant golf shots (and often result in golfers hurling their clubs in the water).
Below are the common causes and proven cures for both golf fat shot and golf thin shots:
Golf Fat Shot: Causes
1. Golf grip is too loose or too tight on the club.
2. Golf ball is too far back or too far forward in stance.
3. Weight remains on your back foot at impact.
4. Wrist releasing too soon on downswing (you are likely trying to "help" ball get airborne).
Golf Fat Shot: Cures
1. Maintain a moderate grip pressure of 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1 to 10).
2. Move your body weight to forward leg through impact.
3. Try to release wrist hinge as late as possible with a sensation of driving your trailing hip and hand through ball impact.
4. Focus on driving into the back of the ball.
Golf Thin Shot: Causes
1. Typically occurs when there is too much tension in your golf grip and/or you are trying too hard to "help" the golf ball get into the air (resulting in flipping of the wrists).
2. Other common causes of golf thin shot is an incorrect address position with either the hands behind the golf ball or golf ball is positioned incorrectly either too far backwards or forwards.
Golf Thin Shot: Cures
1. Maintain a moderate grip pressure of 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1 to 10).
2. When you address the golf ball, ensure that your hands are placed ahead of the golf ball.
3. Relax throughout the swing. Thin shots often come from tension at impact; focus on hitting ball and nipping turf at same time.
So remember these key golf swing tips every time fat or thin shots creep into your game! I will ensure you that your golf score will improve.