Shank chip is one of the worst and most humiliating mishits in golf. And if you are the type that has the shanks or has shanked it a couple of times, don’t worry. This article will help you fix it once and for all.
Besides, even professionals are not immunes to the dreaded shank in golf.
So this is what will happen:
We’ll (together) take an in-depth analysis of what causes a shank when chipping.
And at the end, I will reveal the same technique that other experts (including myself) are using to avoid shanking.
Sounds good?
Let’s get started!
What Is A Shank In Golf?
A shank in golf is a terrible shot. It happens when you hit the golf ball with a portion of the club other than the face.
In most cases, it is with the hosel of the club.
When this happens, the ball will shoot right or off in a fraction of a distance with few spins.
Sadly, many golfers have given up the sport after seeing these shots multiple times.
And you can’t blame them because it feels depressing. But that is not an excuse either.
The problem is too many people concentrate on improving the wrong things like trying to close the club, which even results in more and more shanks.
Read Also: What Wedge To Use Around The Green?
What Causes A Shank When Chipping?
Now let’s get to the crux of the matter instead —the two significant reasons why shanks happen:
1. Your Club Is Far Inside On The Back Wing
Only a few golfers address this issue, while the rest are saying otherwise.
Most golfers think you increase your chances of shanking when the club is open at impact.
But that is not the case.
Instead, what causes a shank when chipping is taking the club to the inside. And when you do, it results in an over-the-top swing path at impart.
2. Misplacement Of Your Weight
A shank also happens if your weight is off and you tend to lose the balance of your mid-swing.
It is a product of leaning towards the ball during the chipping motion.
You can feel yourself doing this when your weight moves towards the toes.
From my experience, these are often the leading cause of the constant nightmares of shanks.
BUT remember, shanks will always happen if you come over the top with a very closed clubface. This is what you can start adjusting to help eliminate your shanks.
How to Prevent A Shank When Chipping
1. Address from the heel and crown the golf ball
The heel is where the shanks happen typically. So you set up close to the ball to enable a swing outside of your downswing.
This drill will help you hit the ball more frequently off the toes, eliminating chances of shanks.
2. Always keep your weight on your heels.
We talked about this earlier, and it is one of the basics of avoiding shanks.
Because losing balance on the downswing is an unavoidable tragedy for shanks. Therefore, your weights should be evenly distracted to your heels.
3. Practice! Practice!! Practice!!!
Perfect this drill using a pitching wedge or short iron, as this is where you are likely to experience horrific shanks.
Conclusion
As you can see, golf is not a game where you come one day and master everything the other.
Consistency and commitment to strive for the perfect swing must be your slogan.
It might not be the most challenging game on earth, but hoping to drive the ball with power and accuracy is a luxury you can’t afford in just a day.
You must practice, practice, and practice some more because even the slightest flaw can result in a lame shot.
So now you know what causes a shank when chipping, you can eliminate that threat, once and for all.
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