steering the ball

Question
Hello Eddie
Can you offer any advice or solutions to steering the ball? I think I may be holding the face open to "find" it and steer it at the target. Thanks
Ken

Answer
Hi Ken:

Just like I would do with any student Ken, I would have you do the exact opposite of what you do now so you can see it, feel it, watch it and experience the difference.  That would get your attention real fast.  Then we would begin to work on it.  When golfers talk about steering the ball, the only thing they are telling me is they have no confidence in what they are trying to do, they doubt their swing and play with fear.  In order to crack that and start developing better habits, you'll need to go practice, create and experience different ball flights.  If you need help getting started, go see your local PGA professional and get some help.  You need to sense what it is like to properly "release" the clubface.  You need to see what the ball does, how it reacts and how it flies.  You need to let the face open and close more, but that starts with a good grip.  Once your grip is fixed, you can now better square the face against the back of the ball.  If your grip is poor, you can't do that.  I would have you hitting balls off a hill with the ball about a foot above your feet, sensing how the club swings more around you and the clubface opening and closing.  You would be hitting hooks on purpose and watching it move right to left.  With a good grip, you can control your hands and the clubface to produce the shots you desire.  Remember, if you need help, go get it.  It is a very simple fix.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member