Forum > Technique, Tips & Tuition

Jamie C

Went to the driving range tonight, did my usual routine. Chipping, bunker work then going to the tee mat, some stretching and warm up. Started off with a pitch wedge, a very nice straight 120 yards hit.. second shot... a SHANK! third shot... a SHANK!

And so on, i couldn't for the love of god figure out what i was doing wrong! My grip was the same, not sure about my swing, it did feel a little different.

Perhaps it's because i'm tired after a long day at work or perhaps i have been playing too much over the past few weeks. I'm so annoyed because i have been doing so good the past few weeks. I have the open championship in 3 weeks and i'm concerned i will be embarassing myself. This is the second or third time this year that i ended up getting the shanks!

Rant over.

Jamie C

John Flood

I sympathise mate, I've had them on & off for years. I normally find swinging really relaxed with soft hands helps.

Try this link

Jamie C

Hmm that may come in useful, thanks for that. Shanks is HORRIBLE, i'm just hoping it;'s a one off session because i'm knacknered. Gonna take a few days break and replenish myself. I have a open championship in 3 weeks and i'm hoping i can hit good form soon.

 Would seeing a pro help?

John Flood

Deffo, I didn't know what I was doing wrong & my pro spotted it straight away. My fault was swinging to flat.

Have a look on you tube, there's loads of tips.

Jamie C

Yeah, the problem is my pro is on holiday for 3 weeks. May have to go to another pro to enquire. It's pretty embarassing when you have the shanks!

 Just did some practice swings (Without balls) in the garden and i feel better, hopefully that'll be the case when i play golf next time.

How often do you guys get the shanks?

Jamie C