Negative attack angle at impact - how to fix?

[craigangus]

Hi, I was recently at the Open where I got the chance to get custom fitted using a launch monitor for Callaway irons and woods.

I have be having regular lessons this year, where I have been working on trying to get a more penetrating ball flight, as previously I had the tendency hi too high and I currently play off a handicap of 5.

When getting fitted, it was found that the angle of attack of the club at impact was -11 degrees. Im not too bothered with this for Irons as I previously had a tendency to ballon the ball and I've now got the more penetrating ball flight I want.

The big problem was with the driver. It too was -11 degrees attack angle , 3500 rpm, clubhead speed 110mph, 1 degree from the inside but with a launch angle of only 8 degrees! I know this launch angle is way too low for getting a good amount of distance.

Also I noticed that I was hitiing a lot of balls off the top half of the club. Which i Already knew as i have been doing thi son the course.

What i dont know is what would cause the driver to have such a steep angle of attack?

I tee the ball with half a ball above the club, and ball position just inside left foot

Im currently using a taylor made 580 with grafalloy, blue, which really doesnt help matters as well !

I was booming driver last weekend but this week struggling with it, but i don;t think I am doing much different with the swing

I think that I may be transferring too much weight to the right side and hitting down with driver. Im not sure that I want to try and hang the weight back on right foot, as I think I would then have a tendency to push it.

Is there anything in particular I should watch what Im doing with my swing to cause this?

thanks

[greghutton]

Re: Negative attack angle at impact - how to fix?

Hi Craig,

Here are a few areas that could cause a steeper angle of attack into the ball.

1. Ball position - slightly too far back in the stance. Just inside your left heel is a good position for the driver.

2. Stance - Your weighting should be between 60-40 and 70-30 in favour of your right foot (for a right hander). This will help promote a good shallow angle of attack into the ball.

3. The Backswing - Check that you are not getting to steep on the way back, thus forcing a steep downswing.

Get your pro to have a look at these areas for his opinion, or post a video clip (or photos) of your swing in our media section and I will have a look for you.