How To Cure Shanks With Wedges

As a golfer, there’s nothing quite as frustrating as hitting a shank with your wedge shot. It’s a shot that can ruin your round and shake your confidence, but don’t worry, shanks are a common problem that can be cured with the right techniques and practice. If you’re struggling with shanks with your wedge shots, you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to cure them.

Curing shanks with wedges requires a combination of proper technique, mental approach, and practice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to cure shanks with wedges, including understanding what shanks are and their causes, proper wedge setup, practicing wedge shots, fixing swing flaws, and developing a positive mental approach. We’ll also discuss drills, exercises, equipment, and technology that can aid in your quest to cure shanks.

By following the techniques and practices outlined in this article, you’ll be able to improve your wedge shots and regain your confidence on the course. Remember, curing shanks with wedges takes time and practice, so be patient, stay positive, and focus on the process. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to curing your shanks and enjoying a better golfing experience.

Understanding Shanks

Before we dive into the techniques to cure shanks with wedges, let’s first understand what shanks are and their causes. A shank occurs when the golf ball is hit with the hosel of the club, resulting in a shot that goes way off course. Shanks can be caused by various factors such as improper clubface angle, poor ball position, and swing flaws. Identifying the cause of your shanks is crucial to finding the right cure.

Proper Wedge Setup

One of the most important factors in curing shanks is proper wedge setup. This includes correct clubface angle, body position, and ball position. When setting up for a wedge shot, make sure that the clubface is square to the target and that your body is positioned correctly. The ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance, and your weight should be balanced evenly on both feet.

Practicing Wedge Shots

Practicing wedge shots is key to curing shanks. Focus on hitting the center of the clubface and making consistent contact with the ball. Start by hitting shorter wedge shots and gradually work your way up to longer shots. Experiment with different distances and trajectories to find the right feel for your wedge shots.

Fixing Swing Flaws

Swing flaws are a common cause of shanks. Identifying and correcting your swing flaws is crucial to curing your shanks. Common swing flaws that cause shanks include an over-the-top swing, a steep downswing, and early extension. Work with a golf professional to identify your swing flaws and develop a plan to correct them.

Mental Approach

Mental approach plays a crucial role in curing shanks. Stay positive and avoid frustration, as negative thoughts can lead to a negative outcome. Visualize a successful shot and develop a pre-shot routine to help you stay focused and confident.

Drills and Exercises

There are many drills and exercises that can help cure shanks. One popular drill is the towel drill, where you place a towel under your armpits to prevent your arms from separating from your body during the swing. Another exercise is the impact bag drill, where you practice hitting an impact bag to improve your contact and ball flight. Practice these drills and exercises consistently to see improvement in your wedge shots.

Equipment and Technology

Equipment and technology can also play a role in curing shanks. Golf club fitting can help you find the right clubhead and shaft combination to improve your swing and ball flight. Launch monitors can provide valuable feedback on your swing and ball flight, helping you identify areas for improvement. Video analysis can also be helpful in identifying swing flaws and developing a plan to correct them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shanking a wedge shot can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and practice, it can be cured. Remember to focus on proper wedge setup, practice consistently, identify and correct swing flaws, maintain a positive mental approach, and use drills and exercises to improve your contact and ball flight. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a golf professional, and consider using equipment and technology to aid in your quest to cure shanks. With these tips in mind, you can improve your wedge shots and enjoy a better golfing experience.