Delo’s Divots: I’m sure a lot of you are in awe of professional
golfers when they are able to hook or slice the ball around a tree
whenever they want to. Bending a ball is not that difficult if you
know how to do it.
I’m sure a lot of you are in awe of professional golfers when they are able to hook or slice the ball around a tree whenever they want to. Bending a ball is not that difficult if you know how to do it.
Heck, just think of the last time you were in the trees. You probably got there by bending the ball without even trying. Just think how good you can do it if you tried.
Bending the ball right to left or left to right follows two simple principles: Aim the club face where you want the ball to end up, and swing the club down the line of where you want the ball to start.
But first, look at the topography around the green. Whenever it is possible, aim to the side that will allow the ball to bounce into the green – not away from it.
I will use the third hole at Gilroy Golf Course as an example. If you sliced the ball to the right and into the trees, and the tree you need to go around is about 20 yards in front of you, then aim to the left of the tree with your body and aim the club face at the green.
Your swing will start the ball toward the left of the tree, then start to slice toward the green. The slope of the ground around the green will help you as the ball bounces from left to right.
If you tried to hook the ball, you would need to get the ball to bounce uphill – not an easy task. When you need to hook a ball around a tree, follow the same principles except aim your body and stance to the right of the tree and swing down that line. It is also helpful to roll your wrist over a little through impact to get that club face to close and help the ball hook.
