[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Experts' Concern is the Hook"

Beginners struggle with slices, while intermediate and advanced players worry about hooks.

For amateur golfers, the hook is a nightmare.

Beginners suffer from slices, while intermediate and advanced players fear the hook. A hook shot results in the golf ball flying straight and then curving sharply to the left. A severe hook is called a "duck hook" or "snap hook."

A hook ball is likely to fly out of bounds (OB) or into a penalty area. It is a critical mistake that costs at least two strokes. Even golf legend Ben Hogan (USA) struggled with hooks early in his career. He once said, "I hate a hook. It nauseates me. I could vomit when I see one. It's like a rattlesnake in your pocket."

Lee Trevino (USA) said, "You can talk to a fade, but a hook won't listen," shaking his head. The cause of a hook is contacting the ball with an inside-out swing path through impact. When the club face is closed at impact, the ball curves from right to left.

If the ball hits the toe of the club or the ball position is too far left in the setup, a severe pig-tail hook can occur. The remedy is surprisingly easier than fixing a slice. Changing the swing path from outside-to-inside to a fade path works. The grip should be changed from strong to neutral.

For the driver, move the ball half an inch to the right back in your stance from the left heel line, and keep the clubface square at setup. Rotate your entire body forward so that your belt buckle faces the target, and finish with your body fully turned forward.

Wife: Where have you been all day?

Husband: I have been spent my whole day with a hooker.

Wife: What? You have been spent your whole day with a whore? You're kidding me, aren't you?

Husband: No, I'm not kidding. I played golf with a duffer who kept hitting hooks!

Written by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist