15 Oct Tips to avoid hooks in golf
There are shots in golf that can make the difference between a memorable day and a frustrating one. The hook is, without doubt, one of them. That ball which leaves the tee with confidence, only to curve sharply left (for right-handed players), veering off target and forcing you to play from the rough, the trees, or even lose the ball altogether.
It not only ruins the look of your swing, it chips away at your confidence. The good news is that the hook can be fixed: by understanding why it happens, adjusting your technique, and training with the right mindset. And on a course like Vistabella Golf, where Manuel Piñero’s undulating design combines beauty with challenge, learning to control your ball flight is essential to fully enjoy every hole.
What exactly is a hook and why does it happen?
A hook is an exaggerated side-spin that makes the ball turn sharply to the left (for right-handers) after impact. Technically, it occurs when the clubface is too closed at the moment of impact and the swing path moves from outside to in.
This excessive spin is the result of several factors, which may appear individually or in combination:
- An overly strong grip. With the hands turned too far to the right, the clubface closes prematurely.
- Incorrect alignment. Closed stances and feet angled too far inwards force the swing into unnatural paths.
- Excessive hand rotation. An overly aggressive release causes the clubface to shut down too quickly, generating side-spin.
- Tension and loss of rhythm. Rushing the swing and chasing power over fluidity only multiplies the error.
Identifying which applies to you is the first step towards correcting it.
How to correct the hook
The grip: the foundation of a consistent swing
In golf, everything starts with how you hold the club. A grip that is too strong is almost always a trigger for hooks.
- Check your left hand (for right-handers). If you can see more than three knuckles, the clubface is probably closing too much. Ideally, you should see only two.
- The “V”s of both hands. Imagine the lines formed by your thumbs and forefingers pointing towards your right shoulder. That indicates a neutral grip.
- Light pressure. Don’t grip the club as if it might escape. A pressure of about “4 out of 10” allows the hands to work together without stiffness.
A correct grip not only helps prevent hooks, it also improves your sense of control on every shot.
Posture and alignment: your body speaks too
Often, the mistake begins before the club is even in motion. A closed stance inevitably leads to an inside-to-out swing path, which, when combined with a closed clubface, produces a textbook hook.
- Keep your feet parallel to the target line, as if standing on rails.
- Ensure your shoulders and hips are also aligned.
- Maintain a slight knee flex and distribute your weight evenly.
A useful tip is to practise in front of a mirror or record yourself: what we think we do and what we actually do can be very different.
Controlling the clubface at impact
El momento de la verdad ocurre en apenas una fracción de segundo: el impacto. Ahí es The moment of truth lasts only a fraction of a second: impact. It is here that the ball’s fate is sealed.
- Avoid shutting the hands too quickly. The release should be natural, not forced.
- Short-swing drills. Practise half-swings, focusing on keeping the clubface square to the target after impact.
- Feel of extension. Imagine pushing the ball forward, not dragging it left.
Rhythm: less force, more flow
Many hooks stem from anxiety. Chasing distance with more power often results in the hands, arms and body falling out of sync.
The secret lies in tempo. Think of your swing as a piece of music: it should have a smooth beginning, a controlled crescendo, and an elegant finish. Training with a metronome or silently counting “one-two-three” during the swing can help maintain a steady rhythm.
Practical drills to eliminate the hook
- Low tee. Place the ball slightly lower than usual. This encourages a more controlled swing and reduces the tendency to shut the face.
- Swing at 80%. Hit a series of shots at 80% power. The aim is not distance but accuracy.
- Alignment rods. Lay two rods on the ground: one parallel to your feet and another towards the target. The simplest way to train a neutral swing path.
- The towel drill. Place a towel under your right arm (for right-handers). Keeping it in place throughout the swing strengthens the connection between arms and body.
- Simulator training. With Trackman or Toptracer technology, you can measure clubface angle, path, and spin. The fastest way to understand where your hook is coming from.
The mental side: play with confidence
A hook is not only a technical fault; it is also a psychological adversary. The more you fear it, the more likely it is to appear. The key is to:
- Visualise the shot. Before swinging, imagine the ball flying straight to the target.
- Avoid over-correcting. Opening the face too much or drastically changing your stance only swaps one error (hook) for another (slice). Seek balanced adjustments.
- Accept the mistake. Even the best players in the world hit hooks. What matters is not letting it affect the rest of your round.
Vistabella Golf: the perfect course to refine your swing
If there is an ideal place to train and put these tips into practice, it is Vistabella Golf. Our 18-hole, par-72 course, designed by former world champion Manuel Piñero, combines the beauty of the Mediterranean with the strategy of a modern layout.
- Undulating fairways and strategic bunkers. An environment that rewards precision and punishes hooks.
- A defining lake. Water is unforgiving: here you will learn to align and control every shot.
- First-class facilities. Driving range with 23 bays, a putting green beside the Clubhouse, and a practice bunker – everything you need to refine your technique.
- Academy for all levels. From juniors to advanced golfers, our professionals know how to correct faults and enhance strengths.
At Vistabella Golf, every round is more than just a game: it is a journey of learning, challenge and enjoyment in the unique setting of the Costa Blanca.
From fear to control
Avoiding the hook is not about luck. It is about technique, training, and above all, confidence. Adjusting the grip, improving alignment, maintaining rhythm and practising specific drills are straightforward steps that yield visible results in little time.
Most importantly, don’t let the fear of a hook ruin the beauty of a good swing. Golf is, after all, a game of precision and pleasure, and every mistake is simply an opportunity to improve.
If you are ready to take your game to the next level, don’t wait. Book your tee time at Vistabella Golf and discover how a course designed for precision can transform the way you play. Here, every shot counts, and every hole is an invitation to excel.