Hooking my Sand Wedge

[arny660]

My iron play is pretty good - decent distances and pretty straight. My problem, however, is with my sand wedge. Every shot goes banana left. It is really frustrating because I`ve usually played good shots up to this point and I`m thinking about par / bogey, and then I hit into a greenside bunker or pond.

I have tried everything I can think of, but to no avail. Has anyone any suggestions which may help me? Thanks.

[rotator]

Re: Hooking my Sand Wedge

Hi Arny,

Just drawing at straws here.

The indications are you are closing the face to be hooking that club.

You did not elaborate, but is it possible you are "pull-hooking" the ball specifically, as well as "hooking"? I could see the scenario, where you will have an out to in swing with the sandwedge, as you may normally have with a bunker shot, and then you would close the face through impact zone. This would cause a pull hook.

Or, you could be bent over with the short club and, while hitting through impact, raising your spine angle, thereby saving the shot by throwing your arms out and catching the ball (perhaps off the toe) with a closing face.

Ted

[BrianW]

Re: Hooking my Sand Wedge

Try using a weaker/netural grip with your wedges (the crease between left thumb and index finger pointing to your chin). Also make sure your right hand is not turned under the club too much, your right thumb pad should sit snugly on top of your left thumb. As you come through impact feel as though the clubhead is continuing down the target line for a short distance before naturally moving back to the inside path.

[arny660]

Re: Hooking my Sand Wedge

Thanks a lot guys for your help. It sounds very good advice. I will give it a go this week.

[arny660]

Re: Hooking my Sand Wedge

Brian

I went out yesterday and weakened my grip on the SW and it worked a treat. Many thanks.

[BrianW]

Re: Hooking my Sand Wedge

Brian

I went out yesterday and weakened my grip on the SW and it worked a treat. Many thanks.

Good stuff.