This will go along with the "hippy" thread a few days ago...

[bdcrowe]

As with others who apparently share this problem, I get the hooks if my hips don't power through the ball correctly-- leading the swing, so to speak. Needless to say, I've been hooking a bit lately.

I happened to remember Jack Nicklaus writing that if he wanted to fade the ball, he would angle his left foot about 40* towards the target as opposed to perpendicular to target-line. Upon thinking of this, I could see how this would make it easier for the hips to clear, etc... Tried it for the past few days, and what do you know? The ball straightened up, feels like clubhead speed is up, and the ball is even going farther.

Ideas> Thoughts anyone?

[Silver]

I've always done that as a method of helping get my lower body through, as this helps to prevent me from leading with my upper body (the biggest problem in my swing) and get my hips turned out at impact. I'm still not very good at it, but I'm even worse at it when my left foot is perpendicular to the target line. I don't get hooky though, I get way over the top/outside in and end up with pulls and slices...dependent on clubface angle.

[DaveE]

Between the not so good back and hitting 51 this year, it's the only way I can get my junk all the way through.

I've been doing that since the lessons a few years back. The other benefit is that is keeps the hips from turning too far on the back swing creating more torque.

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by bdcrowe

As with others who apparently share this problem, I get the hooks if my hips don't power through the ball correctly-- leading the swing, so to speak. Needless to say, I've been hooking a bit lately.

I happened to remember Jack Nicklaus writing that if he wanted to fade the ball, he would angle his left foot about 40* towards the target as opposed to perpendicular to target-line. Upon thinking of this, I could see how this would make it easier for the hips to clear, etc... Tried it for the past few days, and what do you know? The ball straightened up, feels like clubhead speed is up, and the ball is even going farther.

Ideas> Thoughts anyone?

Yes this is a time-honored technique. As you know, Hogan fought a hook and this was his exact left foot position on all his shots.

I videotaped the great instructional video that Jim McLean did on Hogan and sent it to DaveE in Texas. I think it is awesome.

It describes this foot position in detail.

If you would like a copy - let me know and I will get it to you.

b

[bdcrowe]

I'll IM the info. If you send it, make sure to leave a return address so I can cover whatever expenses you entail.

Despite what Rock says about you, B. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by bdcrowe

I'll IM the info. If you send it, make sure to leave a return address so I can cover whatever expenses you entail.

Despite what Rock says about you, B. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

No prob about the expenses. USPS Priority Mail will cost about $3 between here and there...

The tape is an hour long....way too much to digest at once. It starts with commentary by Crenshaw and others who talk about how Hogan "put up a wall" down the left side of the fairway and his shots would not cross it. So listening to this discussion should give you a great deal of hope about his techniques for turning a hook into a pure ball striking straight shot.

And the advice on grip and set up is just Gold...

IM with your address and I'll have it on the way in a day or so.

[bdcrowe]

B, that would be such a nice way to play golf. I see the value in taking half the fairway out of the picture. I play straight to draw golf with occasional hooks that send the score up. If I could stand on the fairway, feel confident that there is NO WAY my ball will mistake left and aim accordingly... Yah, werd up...

[Silver]

Wait until you start missing to the right. Trust me, it's no picnic.

[bdcrowe]

Understood. But a fade miss is safer than a hook miss usually, since a hook will land and roll and roll and roll...

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by bdcrowe

Despite what Rock says about you, B. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Hey, that was between you and me.

R35

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by bdcrowe

Understood. But a fade miss is safer than a hook miss usually, since a hook will land and roll and roll and roll...

You just described in one sentence the exact concept.

And the fade will hold the green better etc...

[nsherman2006]

i beg to differ...i was playing a fade early this season, and my scores ballooned as much as my ballflight did. Now i play a draw and my scores are better than ever, worst round was yesterday with an 85, and my handicap is down 2 strokes to an 8 and still dropping. I find that when i hit the slice, that thing goes on a power trip and flies over everything. A hook miss stays along the ground, where it is more likely to be stopped by something before it goes ob. Also, i hit the ball farther and much more consistently with a draw. Though the hands not clearing the clubhead enough caused a slice, it did help my shortg ame a bit, so there was one good thing, but i would never go back to the fade now. JMO

[MAHALLEDAY]

Umm maybe its me but, I turn my left foot to TOO hook the ball more. It prevents misses to the right, not helps you to hit it right.

[Rockford35]

I drop the right foot straight back about 2" for an intentional draw.

R35

[dave.]

Who are we to argue with Jack? but he had some very particular swing idiosyncacies that worked well for him

angling the left foot for most people would definately promote more power