How to Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots?- Even if you are Just a Beginner

You know that feeling when you’re about to hit a golf shot, and you just know it’s going to result in a fat?

It could be the angle of your club head, the way the grass is cut or maybe even because you see an abandoned can of soda on the green.

It doesn’t matter how much you love this game or how many lessons you’ve had — some days, there’s nothing more frustrating than hitting fat golf shots.

I have been playing golf for some time now, and I know all too well the feeling of frustration that comes with hitting fat shots.

A fat shot is when you hit the ground before the ball and occurs when the club reaches the lowest point of the downswing too soon relative to the ball. The secret to controlling distance and direction is the ability to consistently contact the ball before the ground. The club head is moving at a high rate of speed, and it can be hard to make contact at exactly the right moment.

This brief guide will help you avoid hitting fat golf shots in the future by identifying their root causes and suggesting solutions for preventing them from happening again.

We’ll also explore how to stop hitting fat golf shots with your irons and wedges, and what you can do to avoid fat shots in wet conditions.

If you’re reading this as an intermediate or advanced golfer, keep reading for tips to improve your technique. If you’re a beginner golfer…well, read on anyway!

What is a fat golf shot?

A fat golf shot is one where the club hits the ground before hitting the ball, resulting in a loss of distance and accuracy. Fat shots are most commonly caused by incorrect swing mechanics, such as swinging too hard, failing to transfer weight correctly, or taking the club back too far inside on the backswing. They can also be caused by simple things like poor alignment or gripping the club too tightly.

There are a few different ways to diagnose a fat shot.

• First, pay attention to where your divots are located. If they’re consistently ahead of the ball, that’s a good indication you’re hitting fat shots.
• Second, listen for a “duff” sound at impact – this is another telltale sign of a fat shot.
• Finally, check your ball flight: if it’s low and left (for right-handed golfers), that’s another indication you might be hitting too much turf before reaching the ball.

Fat shots are generally considered to be bad news for your scorecard, as they often lead to lost balls and big numbers. However, there are some situations where hitting a fat shot can actually work in your favor.

Read: The Advantages Of Golf School Training

For example, if you’re in danger of going out-of-bounds or into water, purposely hitting a fat shot can keep your ball in play and avoid disaster. So while you generally want to avoid fat shots, there are some times when they can actually be helpful.

There are two main types of fat golf shots: those caused by swinging too far inside-out, and those caused by swinging too far outside-in.

Swinging too far inside-out is the most common cause of fat golf shots. This happens when the clubface is open relative to the swing path, causing the club to strike the ground before hitting the ball. This results in a loss of power and accuracy, and often leads to a sliced or hooked ball.

Swinging too far outside-in is less common, but can still occur if the clubface is closed relative to the swing path. This causes the club to strike the ground after hitting the ball, resulting in a pop-up or loss of distance.

Understanding the Basics of Golf Swing

Golf swing basics are essential for any golfer looking to improve their game. Understanding and mastering the fundamentals can help golfers achieve consistency, accuracy, and distance in their shots. In this article, we’ll cover four key elements of the golf swing: the grip, posture, ball position, and swing path.

The Grip

The grip is the foundation of any golf swing, and getting it right is crucial. A proper grip allows the golfer to control the clubface and generate power in the swing. The hands should be placed on the club with the thumbs pointing down the shaft, and the grip should be firm but not tight. A strong grip can help prevent “slice” shots, where the ball curves to the right (for right-handed golfers).

Posture

Good posture is essential for a consistent and effective golf swing. The golfer should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in the knees. The back should be straight, and the shoulders should be relaxed. The weight should be evenly distributed between the feet, with a slight lean toward the ball.

Ball Position

The position of the ball in relation to the golfer’s stance can greatly affect the outcome of the shot. For a driver, the ball should be teed up near the front foot. For shorter clubs, the ball should be positioned in the middle of the stance or slightly forward. A proper ball position can help prevent “fat” shots, where the club hits the ground before the ball.

Swing Path

The swing path refers to the direction the clubhead is moving through impact. A proper swing path is essential for accuracy and distance. The clubhead should move in a straight line toward the ball, with a slight inside-to-outside path. This can help prevent “slice” shots and promote a draw or a straight shot.

The Anatomy of a fat golf shot

There are two main reasons why fat golf shots happen: either the club head hits the ground before it hits the ball, or the club head hits the ball on the upswing. In either case, the result is that the ball doesn’t get launched into the air as it should.

The club head hitting the ground before it hits the ball is called a “fat” or “thick” shot. It happens when the club face strikes the ground too soon, causing the club head to bounce up and hit the ball on its way back down. This usually happens when the player swings too hard, or doesn’t hit the ball in the sweet spot of the club face. The result is a shot that goes much shorter than intended, and often results in a loss of control.

The second reason for fat golf shots is hitting the ball on an upward swing. This can happen if the player takes their club back too far inside, or if they don’t shift their weight forward enough on their downswing.

When this happens, the club head comes up too soon and strikes the ball at an angle that causes it to go high and to the right (for a right-handed player). This is called a “push” or “slice.” While it doesn’t usually result in a loss of control, it does cause the ball to go much shorter than intended.

What causes fat shots in golf?

There are a number of reasons why you might hit a fat golf shot. The most common reasons are:

• You’re not using your big muscles to swing the club.
• You’re not keeping your weight on your left side.
• You’re not keeping your head still.
• You’re not swinging the club on plane.
• You’re not making a full shoulder turn.
• You’re coming over the top of the ball.
• Your grip is too weak.

Any one of these faults can cause you to hit a fat shot. To correct the problem, you need to identify which of these faults is causing your problem and then work on fixing it.

Let’s discuss more reasons in detail.

Hitting Behind the Ball

Hitting behind the ball, also known as hitting “fat,” occurs when the clubhead makes contact with the ground before the ball. This can be caused by a number of factors, including improper weight distribution, poor ball position, and an incorrect swing path. When the weight is too far back in the stance, the clubhead is more likely to hit the ground before the ball. Similarly, if the ball is too far back in the stance, the clubhead may hit the ground too early. A steep swing path can also cause the clubhead to hit the ground before the ball.

Lifting the Head

Another common cause of fat golf shots is lifting the head during the swing. When golfers lift their heads too soon, they can lose their posture and position over the ball, causing the clubhead to hit the ground too early. This can also result in a loss of power and accuracy in the shot. Maintaining proper posture and position throughout the swing is essential for avoiding fat shots and achieving a consistent swing.

You’re not swinging on plane

The number one cause of fat golf shots is swinging off plane. When your swing is on plane, the club will approach the ball from the inside and deliver a descending blow that compresses the ball and transfers maximum energy to it. This results in a shot that flies straight and has a penetrating trajectory.

If your swing is off plane, the club will approach the ball from the outside and brush across it, producing a shot that goes to the right of your target (for a right-handed golfer). This type of shot is often referred to as a “fat” or “topped” shot.

There are a number of factors that can cause you to swing off plane, but the most common is simply failing to turn your shoulders properly on the backswing. As a result, your arms and hands get ahead of your body on the downswing, causing you to come over the top and hit fat shots.

Other causes of fat shots include taking too big of a divot, standing too close to the ball, or gripping the club too tightly. But if you can fix your shoulder turn, you’ll go a long way towards eliminating fat shots from your game.

The solution: Use a golf swing trainer

A golf swing trainer is an excellent way to ingrain proper shoulder turn into your muscle memory so that you can make it happen automatically when you swing. There are many different types of golf swing trainers available on the market, so choose one that’s appropriate for your skill level and budget.

Address Position

One of the most common causes of hitting fat golf shots is incorrect address position. If you are not set up correctly to the ball, it will be very difficult to make solid contact. Make sure that you align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line. You also want to make sure that the majority of your weight is shifted onto your front foot at address.

The Pendulum Motion

Another common cause of hitting fat shots is an incorrect pendulum motion. When you swing the club back, your arms should move in a circular arc around your body. The club should remain close to your body as it swings back and then down into the ball. If you allow the club to get too far away from your body on the backswing, it will be very difficult to control on the downswing. This often leads to fat shots.

Bottom Of Swing Arc Before the Ball And/ Or Too Low

Another common cause of hitting fat golf shots is swinging the bottom of the swing arc before reaching the ball. This often happens when golfers try to hit too hard and get their hands ahead of the clubhead at impact. This can also happen if you are swinging too low to the ground on approach shots. It is important to keep a consistent swing plane throughout your entire swing and make sure that you reach impact with a level swing plane. Otherwise, you will likely hit fat golf shots.

Swaying

Swaying is another common cause of hitting fat golf shots. Swaying occurs when you shift your weight from one side to another during your swing. This often happens when golfers try to hit too hard and lose their balance during their swings. To correct this problem, focus on keeping your weight centered over each foot as you swing and resist any temptation to sway from side to side.

Failing To Maintain Your Spine Angle

It is Another common cause of hitting fat golf shots throughout the entire swing. When you set up to the ball, you should have a slight bend in your knees and a good amount of flex in your ankles, hips, and waist. As you swing back, you should maintain this same spine angle. If you start to straighten up on your backswing or during your downswing, it will be very difficult to make solid contact with the ball.

Incorrect Ball Positioning

One of the most common mistakes that leads to fat golf shots is incorrect ball positioning. It can happen in two ways:

a)    The ball is too far forward in your stance

When the ball is too far forward in your stance, it puts your weight on your front foot which throws off your balance and makes it difficult to make a good swing. This often happens when golfers try to hit the ball too hard. Instead of hitting the ball with the sweet spot of the club, they hit it with the toe or heel of the club which can cause fat shots.

There are a few things you can do to fix this problem.

• First, check your grip. If your grip is too tight, it will cause you to hit the ball with the toe or heel of the club.
• Second, take a lesson from a good instructor who can help you find the right stance and swing for your body type.
• Third, practice your short game so you can learn how to control your shots better.
• Finally, commit to consistent practice so you can ingrain the correct muscle memory into your swing.

b)    The ball is too far back in your stance

Conversely, if the ball is too far back in your stance, you will tend to thin the shot. The key is to find the sweet spot where the ball is positioned correctly in relation to your feet, body, and clubface.

Weight Shift Issues

Another common cause of fat golf shots is weight shift issues. If you leave your weight on your back foot or on left side during the swing, you will have a tendency to hit fat shots.

You leave your weight on your back foot

The majority of your weight should be on the balls of your feet as you take your stance. If you leave your weight on your back foot, you are more likely to hit a fat shot. This is because you will not be able to shift your weight forward as you swing, and the club will strike the ground before it reaches the ball.

You can take a few actions to resolve this issue.

• First, make sure that you distribute your weight evenly between your feet when you take your stance.
• Second, practice shifting your weight forward as you swing. It may help to practice this without a ball initially, just so that you can get the feel for it.
• Finally, make sure that you keep your head down and don’t lift it up as you swing.

If you do these things, you should be able to avoid hitting fat shots.

Keep Your Weight on Your Left Side

Another common reason for hitting a fat shot is that you’re not keeping your weight on your left side during the swing. This causes you to lose balance and makes it difficult to make a solid contact with the ball. To fix this, make sure that you keep your weight on your left foot throughout the entire swing.

Poor Swing Plane

This occurs when either your takeaway or downswing is too flat or too steep relative to the angle of attack needed for proper contact with the ball. As a result, you will either hit behind the ball (resulting in a fat shot) or above it (resulting in a thin shot). In order to correct this, focus on taking the club back on an upward path and swinging down into the shot on a shallower plane. This will help ensure that you make solid contact with the ball at impact.

Improper Wrist Cock/Release

Another factor that can lead to hitting fat golf shots is improper wrist cocking or release during the swing. If you cock your wrists too early (before reaching halfway back), it can cause you to hit behind the ball at impact and produce a fat shot.

On the other hand, if you fail to release your wrists fully through impact, it can also lead to hitting fat shots as well as pull hooks or slices.

To correct this, focus on cocking your wrists at midway point of your backswing and then releasing them fully through impact. This will help ensure that you make solid contact with the ball and produce straighter, more consistent shots.

Over-swinging

One more cause of fat golf shots is over-swinging. This occurs when you try to hit the ball too hard and as a result, you lose control of your swing and make contact with the ball before it reaches the sweet spot on the clubface. This will lead to a loss of power and accuracy and will likely result in a fat shot.

Instead, focus on making a smooth, controlled swing and trusting that the club will do the work for you. This will help you make solid contact with the ball and produce more consistent results.

Use Your Big Muscles to Swing the Club

One of the most common reasons for hitting a fat shot is that you’re not using your big muscles to swing the club. When you swing, you should be using your shoulders, chest, and legs – not just your arms. This will help you generate more power and prevent you from coming over the top of the ball.

Keep Your Head Still

A common reason for hitting a fat shot is that you’re not keeping your head still during the swing. This causes you to lose focus and makes it difficult to make a solid contact with the ball. To fix this, make sure that you keep your head still throughout the entire swing.

Too wide stance

A stance that is too wide can also cause you to hit fat shots. This is because it can cause you to lose balance and stability as you swing, making it difficult to transfer your weight properly and making it more likely that you will strike the ground before the ball.

If you lean your shaft forward at address

Leaning your shaft forward at address can also lead to hitting fat shots. This is because it puts the clubface in an open position at impact, which makes it more likely that you will strike the ground before the ball.

Holding your club too high on the grip

Holding your club too high on the grip can also cause fat shots. This is because it creates a steep angle of attack, which increases the likelihood of striking the ground before the ball.

If you dug your feet too deep into the sand

Your feet should only be dug into the sand enough so that you feel stable. If your feet are dug in too deeply, it will be difficult to make a full swing and you’ll likely hit the ball fat.

Your knees too bent

If your knees are bent too much, it will be difficult to make a full swing and you’ll likely hit the ball fat.

If You bent forward your upper body too much

If your upper body is bent forward too much, it will be difficult to make a full swing and you’ll likely hit the ball fat.

Your swing path is too flat or steep

If your swing path is too steep, you’ll likely hit the ball fat.

This means that either their backswing or downswing is too flat or too steep, causing them to come over the top of the ball at impact. To fix this, make sure that you keep y our club on plane throughout the entire swing. The swing path is the main reason for hitting fat golf shots.

The path of the clubhead through impact is the most important factor in whether or not you hit a fat shot.

If the clubhead approaches the ball from outside the target line, it will tend to hit the ground before the ball, resulting in a fat shot.

Conversely, if the clubhead approaches the ball from inside the target line, it will tend to hit the ball first, resulting in a thin shot.

The ideal swing path is one that approaches the ball from slightly inside the target line and then curves back toward it at impact. This will result in a solid strike with little chance of hitting a fat shot.

For not making a full shoulder turn in Backswing

Another reason for hitting fat shots is because people do not make a full shoulder turn in their backswing. This causes them to come over the top of the ball at impact and results in a loss of power. To fix this, make sure that you make a full shoulder turn in your backswing.

You drop during the downswing

One of the most common reasons for hitting fat golf shots is dropping during the downswing. When you drop, your weight shifts from your back foot to your front foot, which causes you to lose balance and stability. This can lead to a number of problems, such as swinging too hard or not making contact with the ball.

Do the following to avoid dropping during the downswing.

• First, make sure that you keep your weight on your back foot throughout the swing.
• Second, practice swinging without dropping. This will help you develop a feel for how much you should be dropping.
• Finally, if you are having trouble keeping your balance, try using a golf swing trainer.

You come over the top of the ball in downswing

Some people tend to hit fat shots because they come over the top of the ball in their downswing. This causes their weight to shift onto their right foot and make sit difficult to make a solid contact with the ball. To fix this, make sure that you do not come over the top of the ball in your downswing and keep your weight balanced throughout the swing.

Importance of Avoiding Fat Golf Shots

Beyond the immediate annoyance of a poorly struck shot, there are important reasons to avoid hitting fat golf shots.

One of the key reasons to avoid fat golf shots is the potential for injury. When a golfer hits the ground before the ball, it can create a jarring impact on the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Over time, these repeated impacts can lead to chronic pain and even serious injuries.

In addition to the physical risks, hitting fat golf shots can also take a toll on a golfer’s mental game. Golf is a sport that requires a high degree of mental focus and concentration, and hitting poor shots can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and even anger. These negative emotions can quickly spiral out of control and lead to a complete breakdown of a golfer’s game.

But perhaps the most important reason to avoid fat golf shots is the impact they can have on a golfer’s score. In golf, every stroke counts, and hitting a fat shot can result in the need for multiple additional strokes to reach the green. This can quickly add up and result in a higher overall score, potentially costing a golfer a victory or a place in a tournament.

Quick fix for fat golf shots

If you find yourself hitting fat golf shots, there are a few quick fixes that can help.

• First, check your grip. A strong grip can cause the club to come down too steeply, resulting in a fat shot. Loosening your grip slightly can help with this.
• Second, make sure you are not standing too close to the ball. This will cause you to swing over the top and hit the ball fat.
• Finally, check your stance. If your weight is too far back, you will tend to hit the ball fat. Moving your weight forward slightly can help with this.

How To Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots?

The hardest part of hitting a golf shot is making sense of all the information available to you. There are launch angles, coefficient of loft, effective distance and dynamic angles. The list goes on and on. But how do you take all that information and put it into action? You need to simplify things to get a better result.

Hitting a fat golf shot can be extremely frustrating, especially if you don’t know why it happened in the first place. Thankfully, the team at Athletic Motion Golf have developed their ‘GEARS’ technology to help us understand what causes fat shots in golf. Generally, this happens when we overuse our lower body and fail to get sufficient weight and pressure forward during the downswing. PGA Tour players manage to get as much as 80-95% of their weight forward, which is why they are able to hit pure iron shots without chunking.

There’s no substitute for practice, but here are some tips to help you reduce your fat golf shots by 50% or more.

To ensure you have the best chance of success when hitting the links, follow these tips from pro golfer Ryan Yee and other renowned golf experts.

Fixing Swing Plane

Analyzing Swing Path

Analyzing the swing path can help identify any issues with the swing that may be causing fat shots. Recording swings and watching the playback can help golfers see if their swing plane is too steep or shallow, and adjust accordingly.

Changing Swing Plane

Adjusting the swing plane can help golfers avoid hitting behind the ball and improve contact. This can be achieved through drills and practice swings, as well as working with a coach or instructor to make necessary changes.

Improving Weight Transfer

Proper Footwork

Proper footwork is essential for a good golf swing and can help improve weight transfer. Practicing proper footwork drills and exercises can help golfers maintain balance and improve overall swing consistency.

Body Rotation

Body rotation is another important factor in weight transfer. Proper rotation of the hips and shoulders can help shift weight to the front foot, leading to better contact and less fat shots.

Keeping Head Steady

Focus on a Spot

Focusing on a specific spot during the swing, such as the ball or a tee, can help golfers keep their head steady and maintain proper posture. This can help avoid lifting the head too soon and improve contact.

Use of Mirrors

Using mirrors during practice can also help golfers keep their head steady and maintain proper posture. Watching the swing in the mirror can help golfers identify any issues with head movement and adjust accordingly.

Practice Your Irregular Strokes

There are many types of shots you can hit during a round of golf. Some are very regular and precise, but there are also plenty of shots that are not so precise.

You might need to play a little from the rough, or the grass might have been cut in a very specific way. You might need to play against the grain of the direction.

You might need to play a different type of shot because of the conditions of the shot.

Practicing and being prepared for these irregular shots will help you avoid hitting fat shots. For example, when you’re playing from the rough, you don’t want to try to hit the ball as though it were from a normal lie in the fairway.

Doing so will likely cause you to hit the ball fat (or, conversely, to not hit it at all).

Practice the Conditions You’ll Encounter

Some shots are very regular and predictable, others less so. But in all cases, you should practice the conditions you’ll encounter on the course.

It’s easy to hit shots from a nice, fluffy, manicured green, but when you’re standing in that shaggy rough, it’s a different story. And don’t forget about the weather conditions, either. If it’s windy, you might have to play a shot that is completely different from what you have practiced.

However, you can also practice the conditions you’ll encounter on the course. To do so, you need to get a little creative. One way to practice the conditions is to take an iron and put a piece of duct tape on the club head. Use a different piece of duct tape for every shot you want to practice. You can also use different colored duct tape to represent different conditions.

Shifting Your Weight and Grip

When hitting a fat shot, you might be hitting the ball off of the toe of the club, or you might be hitting the ball fat because your weight is too far forward.

For example, if you’re trying to hit a low shot and your weight is too far back, you’ll hit the ball fat. It’s important to know how to shift your weight properly to hit the shot you’re trying to hit.

Another important thing is how you hold the club. If you’re hitting a low shot, your hands should be lower on the club. For a high shot, you should hold the club higher.

Take a Break From Golf

Maybe you’ve been playing a bit too much golf lately and you’re just too frustrated with the game and hitting fat shots. This happens to all golfers and is completely normal.

Sometimes, you need to take a break from the game. When you’re too frustrated, it’s important to take a break and give yourself time to relax and be away from golf. When you come back to the game, you’ll have a different mindset and won’t be as frustrated.

You can also try to find a new place to play and see if there’s anyone you can play with who can help you with your game.

Mechanics Checkup

A lot of times, hitting fat shots is a result of mechanics.

Make sure that you’re not open too much, or you’re closing too much.

Make sure that your arms are not too straight or too bent, and that your wrists are not bent too much or too little.

Make sure that you’re not shifting your weight too much. There are many things you need to make sure are correct with your mechanics before you try to go back out and play more golf.

Also, check your tempo. This is the speed at which you move the club through your swing. If you’re swinging too fast or too slow, you might hit the ball fat because you’re not getting enough power from your swing.

Fixing your swing path and timing

Sometimes, you may just be hitting the ball fat because your swing path is wrong. It’s important that you maintain a neutral or slightly closed club face during your backswing and downswing. If your club face becomes too open or closed during your swing, you’ll have to adjust your shot. This can result in a fat shot. You should also make sure that you’re timing your swing correctly. If you’re taking too long during your swing, you’ll also hit the ball fat. You need to be precise and quick with your swing so that you hit the ball in the right spot.

Find Out Why You’re Hitting Fat Shots

You’ve made sure that your mechanics are correct and that you’re timing your swing perfectly. However, you’re still hitting fat shots. It may be that you’re simply not swinging with enough power. This can happen to new golfers, as well as some intermediate and advanced players.

There are many ways to work on your power. The most common way is to use heavier clubs. You can also add a weight to your belt or even wear a weighted vest while practicing. Keep in mind that you don’t want to use these clubs or add the weight permanently. You should only use them while you’re working on your power. Once you’re confident with your power, you can remove the weight and go back to your regular clubs.

Add Distance To Your Shots

One way to stop hitting fat golf shots is by adding distance to your shots. This can be done by increasing the clubhead speed or by hitting the ball further back in your stance. Another way to add distance to your shots is by using a driver with a larger head.

Don’t Let Incorrect Swing Habits Set In

If you start developing incorrect swing habits, it will be harder to stop hitting fat golf shots. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the correct swing mechanics and make sure that you are using them when you practice.

Review Your Shots

After each round of golf, review your shots and identify where you tend to hit fat golf shots. This will help you identify problem areas in your swing that need to be addressed.

Change Your Shaft and Grip Combination

If you are still having trouble stopping fat golf shots, try changing your shaft and grip combination. This can help you get more control over your shots and make it easier to keep the club on plane during your swing.

Take a Lesson From a Good Instructor

If you want to stop hitting fat golf shots, one of the best things you can do is take a lesson from a good instructor. A good instructor will be able to help you identify what you’re doing wrong and show you how to fix it. They’ll also be able to give you drills and exercises to help you groove the correct swing.

Practice Your Short Game

Another great way to stop hitting fat golf shots is to practice your short game. By spending some time on your chippingand pitching, you’ll develop a feel for how to properly strike the ball with your irons. This will pay off when you’re out on the course and find yourself in situations where you need to make a shot over a bunker or water hazard.

Identify and Fix Your Problem Areas

If you’re still having trouble with fat golf shots, take some time to identify your problem areas and then work on fixing them.

Are you getting too steep on your downswing?

Are you failing to transfer your weight correctly?

Once you know what the issue is, you can start working on correcting it with drills and practice swings.

Commit to Consistent Practice

One of the most important things if you want to improve your game is to commit to consistent practice. If you only practice sporadically, it’s going to be difficult to make any real progress. But if you set aside some time each week for focused practice sessions, you’ll start seeing results quickly. In no time, those fat golf shots will be a thing of the past!

Importance of Equipment

In the game of golf, having the right equipment is essential to improve your game and avoid fat golf shots. The two most important equipment considerations are club selection and ball choice.

Correct Club Selection

Selecting the right club is crucial to avoid fat golf shots. A golfer must know the distances they can hit with each club in their bag. Using a club that is too long for the shot will cause the golfer to overreach and make contact with the ground too soon. On the other hand, using a club that is too short for the shot will cause the golfer to make contact with the ball too high up on the clubface.

Choosing the Right Ball

Choosing the right ball is also important in avoiding fat golf shots. The right ball can help the golfer achieve the desired distance, trajectory, and spin, leading to better ball flight and less likelihood of making poor contact.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right golf ball, including the golfer’s swing speed, desired ball flight, and the condition of the course. Golfers with slower swing speeds typically benefit from using a lower compression ball, as it will help them achieve greater distance. For golfers who prefer a softer feel, a ball with a lower compression rating will provide the desired feel.

Read: Golf ball compression vs Swing speed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some things to avoid:

Overthinking

Overthinking is a common mistake that golfers make. When you’re trying to hit the perfect shot, it’s easy to get in your head and become too analytical. This can lead to tension in your swing, which can cause you to hit fat shots. Instead of overthinking, try to trust your swing and let your body do what it knows how to do.

Trying to Hit the Ball Too Hard

Many golfers make the mistake of trying to hit the ball too hard. This can lead to tension in your swing and cause you to lose your balance, resulting in a fat shot. Instead of trying to crush the ball, focus on making solid contact.

Poor Preparation

Poor preparation is another common mistake that can lead to fat shots. Make sure you’re warming up properly before your round and taking the time to stretch. You should also make sure your clubs are clean and in good condition.

Neglecting Physical Fitness

Golf requires a certain level of physical fitness. Neglecting your physical fitness can lead to fatigue, which can cause you to lose your balance and hit fat shots. Make sure you’re staying active and engaging in exercises that will help you improve your golf game.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can start to improve your golf game and cure those fat shots.

The Mental Game

Here are some mental game techniques that can help improve your golf game and avoid golf fat shots:

Confidence Building

Confidence is key to playing a great game of golf. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t be able to perform to the best of your abilities. You can build your confidence by practicing your swings, learning the correct techniques, and setting achievable goals. When you have confidence in your ability, you can focus on your shots without worrying about the outcome.

Visualization Techniques

Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you improve your golf game. Before you hit the ball, imagine the perfect shot in your mind. Visualize the ball’s trajectory and see it landing where you want it to. This technique helps you get into the right mindset and prepares you for a successful shot.

Dealing with Frustration

Golf can be a frustrating game, and how you handle that frustration can make a big difference in your mental state. It’s important to stay positive, even when things don’t go as planned. Don’t let a bad shot ruin your game. Take a deep breath, refocus, and get back in the game.

By using these mental game techniques, you can improve your golf game and avoid making fat shots. It’s essential to stay confident and focused and maintain a positive mindset. Don’t let the game frustrate you, keep practicing, and strive to improve your skills. Remember, golf is a game, and the ultimate goal is to enjoy yourself while playing.

How to stop hitting fat iron shots?

Why am I hitting fat shots with my irons?

Hitting fat iron shots is a common problem for golfers of all skill levels. There are a number of reasons why you might hit a fat shot, but the most common cause is simply mis-hitting the ball. When you mis-hit an iron shot, the club will make contact with the ground before it hits the ball, resulting in a fat shot.

There are a few reasons why you might be hitting your iron shots fat.

• One common reason is that you’re not properly connecting with the ball. This can happen if you’re gripping the club too tightly, or if your swing is too shallow.
• Another possibility is that you’re setting up too close to the ball, which will cause you to hit down on it and create a fat shot.
• Finally, make sure that you’re not getting caught up in trying to hit the ball too hard. If you focus on swinging smoothly and making solid contact, you’ll avoid hitting fat shots.

The solution

• First, make sure you’re using the proper clubs for your game. If you’re unsure which clubs to use, seek out the advice of a professional golf instructor or club fitter.
• Second, practice your iron play as often as possible. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your swing and the less likely you are to mis-hit the ball.
• Finally, be sure to pay attention to your grip pressure and swing tempo. Too much grip pressure can lead to tense muscles and a choppy swing, while too little grip pressure can cause you to slice the ball. Swing tempo is also important – try to keep a smooth, even tempo throughout your swing.

By following these tips, you can dramatically improve your iron play and stop hitting those dreaded fat shots.

How do I stop Fatting wedge shots?

Why am I hitting my wedge shots fat?

There are a few reasons you might be hitting your wedge shots fat.

• One common reason is that you’re not making contact with the ball in the sweet spot of the clubface. When you do this, the ball doesn’t compress as much and doesn’t launch as high, resulting in a lower, shorter shot.
• Another common reason for hitting fat wedge shots is having too much weight on your back foot at impact. This causes you to hit down on the ball too much, resulting in a low shot that doesn’t spin much. You can correct this by shifting your weight forward at impact.
• Finally, another common cause of fat wedge shots is an incorrect swing path. If you swing too far inside-out or outside-in, you’ll likely hit the ball fat. You can fix this by working on swinging the club on a more vertical plane.

The solution

• First, make sure you have the proper loft on your wedges.
• Second, check your grip and make sure you’re not gripping the club too tightly.
• Third, make sure you’re making a smooth swing and not rushing your downswing.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shot types and swings until you find what works best for you.

How to Avoid Hitting Fat Shots in Wet Conditions?

When playing golf in wet conditions, you can take a few actions to avoid hitting fat shots.

• First, make sure you have the correct clubs for the conditions. For example, if the fairway is wet, you will want to use a club with more loft to avoid hitting the ball too far.
• Second, take your time and make sure you have a good grip on the club.
• Third, make sure to keep your weight forward and avoid shifting your weight back as this will cause you to hit the ball fat.
• Finally, make sure to follow through with your swing and don’t stop your swing prematurely.

If you do all of these things, you should be able to avoid hitting fat shots in wet conditions.

How to Correctly Address the Ball to avoid fat golf shots?

In order to correctly address the ball and avoid hitting fat golf shots, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind.

• First, you want to make sure that you have the correct grip.
• Second, you want to make sure that your stance is correct. You should be standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
• Finally, you want to make sure that you are looking up at the ball and not down at it.

If you can keep these things in mind, you will be well on your way to avoiding fat golf shots.

The Importance of a Good Swing Plane to avoid fat golf shots.

A good swing plane is one of the most important aspects of avoiding fat golf shots. The swing plane is the angle of the clubface relative to the ground at impact. If the swing plane is too flat, the club will strike the ground before hitting the ball, resulting in a fat shot. Conversely, if the swing plane is too steep, the club will hit the ball on an upward trajectory, causing it to fly over the green.

To ensure you have a good swing plane:

• First, make sure your grip is correct. A good grip will allow you to control the clubface and keep it square to the target.
• Second, take a lesson from a professional instructor to help you understand how to properly swing on an inclined plane.
• Finally, practice regularly and commit to consistent practice so that you ingrain proper muscle memory for your swings.

The Importance of a Good takeaway to avoid fat golf shots.

The takeaway is the first part of the golf swing and sets the tone for the entire swing. A good takeaway will ensure that the rest of your swing is on plane and in sync. There are a few key points to remember when taking your golf swing back:

• Keep your shoulders square and level
• Slightly cock your wrists
• Slowly turn your hips back while keeping your weight on your inside (right) foot
• Keep your head down and eyes focused on the ball throughout the entire backswing

If you can master these key points, you’ll be well on your way to hitting consistent, solid golf shots.

The Importance of a Good backswing to avoid fat golf shots.

In order to have a good backswing, you need to first understand the mechanics of the golf swing. The backswing is initiated by the uncoiling of your hips, followed by the shoulders, and finally the arms. This should all happen in a smooth and fluid motion. If any part of your body moves too early or out of sync, it will disrupt the timing of your swing and can lead to hitting fat golf shots.

One drill that can help you develop a proper backswing is to take your club and place it behind your head, resting it on your neck. From here, take your hands and grip the club as you would normally do. Now try to make a full backswing without moving your head or upper body. This will force you to use your lower body muscles more and help you get the feel for how they should move during the swing.

Another common cause of fat golf shots is when people try to hit the ball too hard. They think they need to put all their muscle into it in order to hit it further. However, this often leads to poor form and an inconsistent swing. Instead of trying to hit the ball harder, focus on making a smooth swing with correct form. The speed will come naturally if you let it.

The Importance of a Good downswing to avoid fat golf shots.

A good downswing is essential to avoiding fat golf shots. Here are some key facts to have in mind:

• Start the downswing by shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot. This will help you maintain balance and control throughout the swing.
• As you start the downswing, turn your hips and shoulders towards the target. This will help you generate power and avoid swinging too high or too low.
• Keep your hands close to your body as you swing down, and make sure to hit the ball with the sweet spot of the clubface. Hitting the ball on the toe or heel of the club can cause fat shots.
• Accelerate through the ball, and follow through with your swing until your arms are fully extended. This will ensure that you have hit the ball with maximum power and accuracy.

The Importance of a Good follow through to avoid fat golf shots.

After you’ve hit the ball, it’s important to maintain your follow through in order to avoid fat golf shots. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure your weight is shifted forward. This will help you keep your balance and avoid hitting the ball fat.
• Keep your head down and eyes on the ball until it has been struck. This will ensure that you make solid contact with the ball.
• Swing through the ball and finish high. This will help you avoid scooping or hitting behind the ball, which can lead to fat shots.

Practicing these tips will help you develop a better follow through and produce straighter, more consistent shots.

Drills to help you stop hitting fat shots

The Impact Tape

Impact tape is a useful tool for identifying where the clubhead is making contact with the ball. Placing the tape on the clubface before hitting a shot can help golfers see if they are hitting the ball too high or too low on the face, which can lead to fat shots. Adjusting the swing and ball position accordingly can help improve contact and avoid fat shots.

This drill involves attaching impact tape to the sole of your club and hitting shots. The tape will reveal the location of the ball strike on the clubface, helping you identify if you’re hitting the ball too low on the clubface. You can then adjust your swing accordingly and try to make better contact with the ball.

The Towel Drill

Another popular drill for improving contact is the towel drill. Placing a towel under the ball during practice swings can help golfers focus on hitting the ball before hitting the ground. This can help improve swing consistency, improve your ball-striking ability and reduce fat shots.

The towel helps you focus on making contact with the ball first and avoiding hitting the ground before it.

The Divot Drill

The divot drill involves hitting shots off a tee and examining the divot left behind. A proper divot should be taken after the ball, not before. Practicing this drill can help golfers adjust their swing path and improve contact with the ball.

Take your normal swing and try to hit the ball while taking a divot in the correct location. This drill can help you improve your contact with the ball and ensure that you’re hitting the ball before the ground.

The Swing Plane Drill

This drill involves using an alignment rod or a golf club to check your swing plane. Place the rod on the ground and make sure that your swing is following the correct plane. A proper swing plane ensures that you’re making solid contact with the ball and can help prevent fat shots.

The Footwork Drill

This drill involves focusing on proper footwork during your swing. Start by setting up in your normal address position, and then lift your front foot off the ground while taking your backswing. Make sure to transfer your weight onto your back foot and then onto your front foot during your downswing. This drill can help you improve your weight transfer and promote a more consistent swing.

The Video drills

Set up a camera so that it captures your swing from behind. As you swing, pay attention to how your club moves through the impact zone. If you see that your club is getting too far behind your body, then you know you need to make a change.

The Table head drill

This drill helps you keep your head still during the swing. Set up a golf ball and tee so that they are in line with your left shoulder. As you swing, focus on keeping your head still and not moving it forward or backward. You should feel a slight stretch in your neck as you do this drill.

The Book-on-head drill

This drill helps you keep your spine angle consistent throughout the swing. Place a book on top of your head and make sure it doesn’t fall off as you swing back and through. You may need to adjust the position of the book depending on how tall you are, but the goal is to keep it from falling off as you swing.

The Take out the tee drill

This Drill simulates what it feels like to make contact with the ball without actually hitting it. It also helps ingrain proper impact position. To set up this Drill, place two Golf tees in the ground just outside of where your feet would be at address. As you Swing back and through, try to take both tees out of the ground without moving them forward or backward.

The Wrist Cock Drill.

This drill is designed to help stop hitting fat shots by teaching you how to cock your wrists correctly during the backswing. This will ensure that you have proper wrist hinge and avoid casting (a common cause of fat shots).

Here’s how to do it:

• Set up like you’re going to hit a normal shot, but don’t take your grip on the club just yet. Instead, hold onto the shaft with your left hand only and position your right hand underneath your left armpit (as if you were holding a chicken).
• From this position, take a few practice swings while keeping your right hand in place (don’t let it move out from under your left armpit).
• Once you feel comfortable with this movement, take your grip on the club and continue swinging using this same motion. You should feel a ‘cocking’ sensation in your wrists as they rotate through impact (this is what we want).
• Practice this drill until it feels natural, then take it to the course!

The last drill for you

This drill is designed to help you make contact with the ball in the correct spot on the clubface. It also helps you to keep your weight forward and avoid hitting fat shots.

Here’s how to do it:

• Tee up a ball and place another tee 2 inches behind it.
• Take your normal stance and swing, trying to hit the back tee.
• If you hit the back tee, you’ve made good contact with the ball. If you hit the front tee, you’ve hit the ball too far back on the clubface (which will cause a fat shot). Keep practicing until you can consistently hit the back tee.

Thin vs fat golf shot

A thin golf shot and a fat golf shot are two different types of shots that can be used in the game of golf. A thin golf shot is one that has less loft, and is hit with less force than a fat golf shot. This type of shot generally travels a shorter distance, but can be more accurate as it doesn’t fly as far off-course.

A fat golf shot, on the other hand, is one that has more loft and is hit with more force than a thin golf shot. This type of shot usually travels a farther distance, but can be less accurate as it tends to go off-course more easily. Both types of shots can be useful depending on the situation, so it’s important for golfers to know how to use both effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Why fat shots happen?

The number one cause of fat shots is swinging too far from the inside on the downswing. This results in the club getting ‘stuck’ behind you and hitting the ground before it reaches the ball. The second most common cause is poor weight transfer; if you don’t shift your weight properly to your front foot on the downswing, you’ll again get ‘stuck’ and hit the ground before reaching the ball.

Can a strong grip cause fat shots?

A strong grip can contribute to hitting fat shots, as it can lead to the club face being closed at impact. A closed club face will cause the ball to fly lower and to the left (for a right-handed golfer). This can be remedied by adjusting your grip so that your hands are closer to the center of the club.

Read: Strong grip vs weak grip

What causes fat chip shots?

Fat chip shots are caused by swinging too steeply. When a golfer takes the club too far back and down on the backswing, they must then hit up on the ball to get it airborne – resulting in a fat chip shot. The clubhead is still in contact with the ground during impact, resulting in a chunked shot.

To prevent this from happening, golfers should keep the swing shallow and ensure that their wrists hinge correctly on the downswing to help them hit down more on the ball. This will help them to get more control and accuracy on their chip shots.

Does early extension cause fat shots?

Early extension is a common cause of fat shots. When the club is extended too early, it can cause the club to travel on an upward path instead of swinging down and through the ball. This can result in a loss of power and accuracy. There are several drills that can help you avoid early extension, such as the video drill, stable head drill, book-on-head drill, and take out the tee drill.

Does casting the club cause fat shots?

Casting is a common cause of fat shots. When you cast, you release the clubhead too early and allow it to travel outside the proper swing plane. This can cause the club to approach the ball from too much of an inside-out path, resulting in a fat shot.

To correct this problem, try to keep your wrists cocked until late in the downswing. This will help you keep the club on plane and make solid contact with the ball.

What are the most common mistakes that lead to fat golf shots?

The most common mistakes that lead to fat golf shots are hitting behind the ball, lifting the head during the swing, and poor weight transfer.

How can I fix a fat golf shot?

To fix a fat golf shot, you can use practice drills such as impact tape, towel drill, and divot drill to improve your contact. You can also work on fixing your swing plane by analyzing your swing path and making adjustments. Improving your weight transfer through proper footwork and body rotation can also help. Finally, keeping your head steady by focusing on a spot or using mirrors can also be effective.

What are some good drills to improve contact?

Good drills to improve contact include using impact tape to get feedback on your clubface position at impact, practicing the towel drill to train your body to hit the ball first, and using the divot drill to ensure you are taking a divot after the ball.

How can I improve my weight transfer during my swing?

To improve your weight transfer during your swing, you can focus on proper footwork and body rotation. This includes shifting your weight onto your back foot during your backswing and then onto your front foot during your downswing. Your hips should rotate towards the target during your downswing to ensure proper weight transfer.

How important is equipment in avoiding fat golf shots?

Equipment is important in avoiding fat golf shots. Correct club selection and choosing the right ball can make a significant difference in your game. Using clubs that fit your swing and choosing a ball that matches your swing speed and spin rate can help you hit the ball more consistently and avoid fat shots.

Conclusion

Hitting fat shots is one of the most frustrating things for any golfer to deal with. There are a lot of things that could be causing you to hit fat shots, and it can be hard to figure out exactly what the problem is.

If you want to stop hitting fat golf shots, follow these. First, identify the problem areas in your swing and work on fixing them. Second, commit to consistent practice and set a goal for each round. Finally, take a lesson from a good instructor to help you improve your technique. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce the number of fat shots you hit.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas of what you can do to improve your game and start hitting better shots.