[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "How to Prevent a Duck Hook?"

Gripping with a square grip can prevent a duck hook.

'Duck hook.'

It is one of the types of shots in golf. The term originates from the sudden neck-turning attack of a duck when a bug or enemy appears. The ball flight for a right-handed golfer involves a side spin from right to left, causing the ball to curve sharply and severely to the left (A duck hook is a shot that curves hard to the left of your target, if you are a right-handed golfer). A similar term is 'snap hook.'

Similar to a duck hook but with a more severe and sharper curve. The cause of a duck hook is mainly a strong grip at the moment of impact, which causes the clubface to close too quickly. Additionally, an excessively wide stance causes the wrist rotation to happen faster than the body, making the ball curve left. It occurs with a severe 'out-to-in' swing path (A closed club face at impact and outside side-to-inside swing can cause a duck hook).

A duck hook can put golfers in trouble by sending the ball out of bounds (OB), into deep woods, penalty areas, bunkers, or rough. The solution starts by changing from a strong grip to a square grip to prevent the clubface from closing during impact. Narrow the stance to shoulder width, and adjust the swing path to be 'in-to-out.' Make a large follow-through arc and finish the swing completely.

A: Fore! Oh no!

B: What's the matter?

A: I hit a duck hook shot. I'm worried about hitting golfers just near that par 3 hole.

B: Look, they must have heard the yelling, they are all covering their heads.

A: I hope nothing happens.

B: Don't worry, it looks like everyone is all right.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist