[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Causes and Corrections of Shank"

A shank occurs when the body's center shifts forward during the downswing.

The shank is a golfer's nightmare.

There are various types of miss hits such as slice, hook, fat shots, topping, and sky balls, but the shank is the most embarrassing shot. Above all, it is associated with 'Murphy’s Law' and tends to occur consecutively. Once you hit a shank, you are always worrying that you’ll hit another.

It also happens unexpectedly, causing great mental shock and disappointment to golfers. Interestingly, it rarely happens to beginners. A shank occurs during impact when the clubhead opens and the ball hits the neck or socket?the connection between the club shaft and the head?and flies off at a 45-degree angle to the right. There are several causes of shanks. First, the distance between the address posture and the ball is too close.

A shank can also occur when the hands are too far from the body at impact during the downswing. Other causes include the body’s center being too far forward or backward during the backswing, swinging only with the arms, incorrect lower body movement, and gripping the club too strongly (strong grip). To prevent shanks, hold the grip softly and maintain a consistent distance between the ball and the body at address. Check whether the downswing path moves from outside to inside, then relax and swing with rhythm.

A (lesson pro): What the hell is your problem?

B (student golfer): I have got a habit of shanking. What should I do to prevent shank?

A: Go back to basic principles. And check correct address, correct head position at the top, and check movement of downswing.

B: Thank you for all your advice. I will do it! Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist