A golf hook (or snap hook) is where the ball sharply curves from right to left for a right-handed golfer. While a hook generally results from more efficient energy transfer than a slice (and therefore you might find the ball travels further), it signals a different set of biomechanical and clubface control issues that require their own targeted fixes.

This guide provides you with an explanation of the mechanics behind a hook and outlines three evidence-based drills that focus on correcting the key swing faults responsible for hooking. By integrating these drills into your training routine, you can improve swing path, clubface orientation, and ultimately—shot shape.

Understanding the mechanics behind a hook

What Causes a Golf Hook?

The following are the definitive root causes that contribute to hooking the golf ball:

• Strong grip: A grip that’s too rotated to the right (for right-handed players) can close the face early in the downswing, promoting excessive right-to-left spin.
• Excessive inside-out path: An overly shallow downswing that approaches the ball from too far inside the target line creates overdraws and hooks when combined with a closed clubface.
• Early hand release (flipping): If the wrists release too soon, the clubface can shut down through impact, creating the closed face condition that leads to hooks.
• Lack of body rotation: When the upper body stalls and arms take over, the clubface often turns over too quickly, closing relative to the swing path.

At its core, each of these issues affects one of two things: (1) the club face; or (2) altering the direction of the swing arc, resulting in spin that curves the ball off the intended line.

Three Effective Drills to Fix Your Hook

Drill 1: Grip neutrality check

Your grip is the only point of contact with the club—and minor deviations can dramatically affect face orientation, especially when dealing with a hook.

Procedure:

1. Hold your club in a standard address position.
2. Examine your left hand (for right-handed golfers). You should see two to three knuckles.
3. If you see more than three knuckles (a strong grip), rotate your hands slightly counterclockwise on the grip (to weaken your grip).

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Why it works:

A neutral-to-slightly-weak grip helps prevent excessive clubface closure at impact. This reduces the chances of closing the face too much, which is one of the primary contributors to hooking. A proper grip also enhances wrist control and face stability through the swing.

Drill 2: Body rotation stability drill (towel method)

This drill helps train your body to maintain proper torso rotation throughout the swing—a key to preventing early release and excessive clubface closure.

Procedure:

1. Place a towel across your chest and hold the ends of the towel under both armpits.
2. Execute slow, controlled swings without a ball, focusing on rotating your chest through the shot.
3. If either end of the towel drops mid-swing, you’re disconnecting—often a sign of early hand release that leads to hooks.

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Why it works:

Maintaining proper body rotation helps delay wrist release and prevents the hands from taking over through impact. This coordinated movement keeps the clubface from closing too quickly, which is essential for eliminating the excessive right-to-left spin that creates hooks.

Drill 3: Swing path feedback gate (path drill)

This drill provides immediate feedback on your swing direction and helps reinforce proper path orientation to prevent excessive inside-out swings.

Setup:

1. Set up your ball
2. Position a ball about a foot behind your teed up ball, and slightly inside of the target line.
3. Place another ball about a foot ahead of the teed up ball, and slightly outside of the target line. The two balls should create a diagonal line.
4. Take full swings, aiming to strike the ball cleanly without hitting either of the two balls placed either side of the ball you are hitting.

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Why it works:

This drill encourages a more neutral swing path by penalizing swings that approach too much from the inside. Practicing this movement helps eliminate the excessive inside-out path that commonly causes hooks when combined with a closed clubface. It provides visual and tactile feedback to reinforce proper sequencing.

Summary

Correcting a hook requires you to understand the biomechanics of the swing, and the root causes of a right to left spinning ball. These three drills, grounded in swing science, can reshape your ball flight and fix that troublesome hook.

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