How to Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots
We’ve all been there. Improving your golf game requires understanding and addressing the common mistakes that lead to fat shots.
Standing on the fairway, addressing the ball confidently, only to hit a dreaded fat shot that sends the ball skittering along the ground instead of soaring through the air.
Fat shots, where the club strikes the ground before the ball, are a common frustration for golfers of all skill levels.
But the good news is that they are correctable!
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the common causes of those frustrating fat shots and provide actionable tips, drills, and techniques to help you stop hitting fat golf shots and achieve cleaner contact and more consistent ball striking.
We’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform your game from setup and swing mechanics to weight transfer and balance.
Say goodbye to those frustrating misses, and hello to a more confident and enjoyable round of golf!
Understanding Fat Golf Shots
What is a Fat Golf Shot?
A fat golf shot is a frustrating mishit that occurs when the golf club strikes the ground before making contact with the ball.
This results in a shot that lacks both distance and accuracy, often leaving the golf ball short of the target.
Fat golf shots are commonly referred to as hitting the ball “fat” or “heavy,” and they can plague golfers of all skill levels.
The primary culprit behind a fat golf shot is the club hitting the turf before the ball, which can be caused by several factors.
Incorrect ball position is a frequent issue. If the golf ball is too far forward in your stance, your club may bottom out too early.
Poor posture and an inconsistent golf swing can also contribute to this problem.
Understanding these causes is the first step towards correcting your swing and achieving more consistent golf shots.
By addressing these underlying issues, you can eliminate fat golf shots from your game and enjoy cleaner, more accurate ball striking.
Causes of Fat Golf Shots
Fat shots happen for many reasons, including incorrect ball position, sliding hips, improper setup, poor posture, and wrist flipping.
Many golfers hit fat shots due to improper hip movement and poor weight transfer.
Incorrect Ball Position
If the golf ball is too far forward in your stance, you may hit the ground before the ball, resulting in a fat shot.
The ideal ball position for most irons is in the center of your stance, while the driver should be positioned slightly forward of center.
As the length of the golf clubs increases, you should move the ball forward in your stance for optimal swing mechanics.
Sliding Hips
Sliding your hips during the downswing causes you to lose your posture and swing plane, resulting in a fat shot. To correct this, focus on rotating your hips instead of sliding them.
Improper Setup
An improper setup can also lead to fat golf shots. This includes standing too close to the ball, poor posture, and incorrect grip pressure.
To correct this, ensure that you are standing a comfortable distance from the golf ball, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
Your posture should be athletic, with your spine tilted slightly forward.
Wrist Flipping
Wrist flipping occurs when you try to scoop the golf ball into the air with your wrists rather than letting the clubhead do the work.
To correct this, focus on keeping your wrists firm throughout the swing.
Drills to Prevent Fat Shots
Towel Behind the Ball Drill
The towel behind the ball drill is a simple yet effective drill to help you stop hitting fat shots.
Place a towel about an inch behind the ball to perform this drill. As you swing, focus on hitting the ball first and then the towel.
This will help you to shallow your angle of attack and make cleaner contact with the ball.
Feet Together Drill
The feet together drill is another excellent way to help you improve your swing arc and prevent fat shots.
This drill helps you focus on hitting shots more accurately and prevents mishits.
To perform this drill, stand with your feet together and hit some shots. This will force you to use your upper body more in the swing and prevent you from swaying your hips.
As you become more comfortable, gradually move your feet further apart until you reach your normal stance.
Step Drill
The step drill is a more advanced drill that can help you improve your weight transfer and impact position.
To perform this drill, take a small step forward with your lead foot as you start your downswing. This will help you to shift your weight forward and make solid contact with the golf ball.
These are just a few of the many drills you can use to help you stop hitting fat golf shots. Experiment with different drills to find the ones that work best for you.
Remember to focus on your swing mechanics and maintain good posture throughout the drill.
With practice and patience, you can eliminate fat shots from your game and start hitting crisp, clean iron shots.
Grip and Wrist Technique
Grip Pressure
Grip pressure is crucial in preventing fat shots. Gripping the club too tightly can create tension in your hands and arms, leading to a loss of control and an inconsistent swing.
Aim for firm but not tense grip pressure, allowing a smooth and controlled swing.
Wrist Mechanics
Maintaining proper wrist mechanics is essential for preventing fat shots. At the top of your backswing, your lead wrist should be flat or slightly flexed.
Avoid excessive wrist hinge or flipping at impact, as this can cause you to lose your swing plane and hit the ground before the golf ball.
Adjusting Grip
Adjusting your grip on the golf club can also help prevent fat shots.
Gripping down on the club can help you control the clubface and prevent it from opening at impact. This can be particularly helpful when hitting from the rough or when playing in windy conditions.
By focusing on your grip pressure, wrist mechanics, and grip adjustments, you can improve your swing consistency and reduce the number of fat shots you hit.
Remember to practice regularly and experiment with different grip techniques to find what works best for you.
Setup and Address Position
The setup and address position are crucial for preventing fat shots. A proper setup ensures a consistent swing and clean ball striking.
Ball Position
Position the ball correctly in your stance based on the club you are using.
For middle irons, the ball should be in line with the sternum, and for short irons, slightly behind the sternum.
For longer clubs, the ball is positioned further forward in the stance.
Stance Width and Weight Distribution
Your stance width should be shoulder-width apart for middle irons, slightly wider for long irons, and narrower for short irons.
Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, with a slight tilt towards the balls of your feet.
Body Positioning and Posture
Maintain an athletic posture with a slight bend at the hips and knees. Keep your back straight, and your spine tilted slightly forward.
Your arms should hang naturally with a comfortable amount of space between your hands and body.
Focusing on these key elements of setup and address position can create a solid foundation for your swing and reduce the likelihood of hitting fat shots.
Practice regularly to ensure consistency, and develop a pre-shot routine incorporating these elements.
Swing Arc and Angle of Attack
Swing Arc
The swing arc is the path the clubhead travels during the swing. A consistent swing arc is crucial for preventing fat shots.
An overly steep swing arc can cause you to hit the ground before the ball, resulting in a fat shot.
Conversely, a shallow swing arc can cause you to hit the top of the ball, resulting in a thin shot.
Angle of Attack
The angle of attack is the angle at which the clubhead strikes the ball. A downward angle of attack is ideal for making solid contact with the ball.
However, an overly steep angle of attack can cause you to hit the ground before the ball, resulting in a fat shot.
Swing Path Consistency
Swing path consistency is also important for preventing fat shots.
An inconsistent swing path can cause you to hit the ball with an open or closed clubface, resulting in a loss of accuracy and distance.
By focusing on your swing arc, angle of attack, and swing path consistency, you can improve your ball striking and reduce the fat shots you hit.
Practice regularly and develop a consistent swing that delivers the clubhead to the ball at the correct angle and path.
Weight Transfer and Balance
Fundamentals of Weight Transfer
Proper weight transfer is essential for a powerful and accurate golf swing.
During the backswing, your weight should shift naturally to your back foot.
As you transition to the downswing, your weight should transfer smoothly to your lead foot, allowing you to generate power and hit the ball with a descending blow.
Lower Body Lead
Starting the downswing with your lower body is crucial for proper weight transfer. Your lower body should initiate the downswing, pulling your upper body through the swing.
This ensures that your weight moves forward as you strike the ball, preventing fat shots and promoting solid contact.
Maintaining Centered Weight
While weight transfer is essential, it’s equally crucial to maintain a centered weight on your feet throughout the swing.
Avoid swaying excessively or leaning too far forward or backward. This will help you maintain balance and stability, allowing for a more controlled and consistent swing.
Mastering weight transfer and balance is key to eliminating fat shots and improving your ball striking.
Practice drills like the step drill to enhance your weight transfer and develop a feel for proper lower body lead.
Remember to maintain a centered weight on your feet throughout the swing for optimal balance and control.
How to Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots
FAQs
How do you stop hitting a golf ball fat?
Hitting the golf ball fat, which means hitting the ground before the ball, is a common problem for many golfers. It’s often caused by a combination of factors in your setup and swing.
To improve, check your ball position, stance width, and weight distribution. Make sure you have a good posture and grip.
During your swing, focus on a consistent arc and angle of attack, and avoid flipping your wrists at impact. A smooth weight transfer, led by your lower body, is also essential.
Why am I hitting my pitch shots fat?
You’re hitting pitch shots fat due to poor weight distribution, excessive wrist action, or a steep swing angle. Keep your weight slightly forward, maintain a shallow swing path, and ensure clean ball-first contact.
A steady tempo and proper ball position can also help prevent chunking your pitch shots.
How to avoid hitting fat shots in wet conditions?
Wet conditions definitely make things trickier. To avoid those fat shots, try positioning the ball further back in your stance. This will help you hit down on the ball more effectively.
Consider taking a slightly shorter swing to maintain better control. As always, focus on a smooth, controlled rhythm and tempo.
Can a strong grip cause fat shots?
Yes, a strong grip can make you more prone to hitting fat shots. This is because a tight grip creates tension in your hands and arms, which can restrict your wrist movement and make your swing less fluid.
If you think your grip might be too strong, experiment with loosening it a bit and see if that helps you achieve a more controlled and consistent swing.