How to Stop Hitting Fat Golf Shots

Hitting a fat golf shot can feel like you're trying to dig to China with your club instead of hitting the ball. It's frustrating, embarrassing, and it adds unnecessary strokes to your score. But don't worry, fixing a fat shot is manageable and can make your next round a lot more enjoyable. Let’s break down why this happens and how to fix it, so you can spend more time hitting the fairway and less time excavating divots.

Get to Know Your Fat Shot

Before we tackle the fix, let's understand what a fat shot is. When you hit the ground before the ball, you're essentially losing power and precision. The clubhead hits the turf first, causing a loss of momentum before it ever makes contact with the ball. The result? A short, frustrating shot that leaves you scratching your head and wondering what went wrong. Knowing the cause is half the battle, so let’s uncover some common culprits behind fat shots.

Common Causes of Fat Shots

• Improper Ball Position: The ball might be too far forward or too far back in your stance.
• Poor Weight Transfer: Not shifting your weight correctly during your swing can lead to hitting behind the ball.
• Overactive Hands: If your hands lead the swing too much, the club will dig into the ground.
• Incorrect Swing Path: An outside-to-in swing path can cause the club to hit the ground first.

Understanding these causes can help you diagnose where things might be going awry in your swing. Once you've identified the issue, you're halfway to solving it.

Perfect Your Ball Position

Ball position is like the Goldilocks of golf. Too far forward or backward, and you'll find yourself hitting fat shots or thinning it over the green. Aim to place the ball just ahead of the center of your stance for irons and slightly more forward for woods. This helps ensure the bottom of your swing arc aligns with the ball, not the ground behind it.

A good way to practice is to imagine a clock face at your feet: place your ball at 7 o'clock for short irons, 8 o'clock for mid-irons, and 9 o'clock for drivers. Consistency in ball position is key to avoiding those chunky shots. If you're unsure, record a video of your swing to see where you're striking the ground relative to the ball. Adjust accordingly, and you'll notice an improvement.

Master Weight Transfer

Much like a smooth dance move, a proper weight transfer during your swing can make all the difference. You want to start with your weight slightly favoring your back foot during your backswing, then smoothly transfer to your front foot as you swing through the ball. This helps you hit down on the ball, striking it before hitting the ground.

Try this drill: practice swinging while standing on your lead foot. This forces your weight forward and helps you feel the correct weight distribution. When you return to your normal stance, your body will remember that sensation, and your fat shots will start to disappear.

Calm Those Overactive Hands

If your hands are as jittery as a squirrel on espresso, your club might be digging into the ground too soon. Overactive hands can cause the club to release too early, leading to fat shots. Focus on keeping your hands passive and letting your body lead the swing.

One way to practice this is by using a towel drill. Place a small towel behind the ball and try to hit the ball without hitting the towel. This encourages a downward strike and keeps your hands from flipping the clubhead too soon. Your hands should feel like they’re along for the ride, not driving the bus.

Correct Your Swing Path

Your swing path can often be the sneaky culprit behind fat shots. An outside-to-in path makes it easy to catch too much turf. Aim for an inside-to-out path to ensure you're hitting the ball before the ground.

To visualize this, imagine you're swinging along the edge of a hula hoop laid on the ground. Practicing this swing path can help create more consistent contact. For an added tip, check your divots. If they’re pointing left (for right-handed golfers), you’re swinging outside-to-in. Adjust your alignment and swing path accordingly.

Check Your Equipment

Sometimes, it’s not you—it's your clubs. If your clubs are too long, too short, or not suited to your swing speed, they can contribute to hitting fat shots. Having the right set of clubs is like wearing the right shoes: they should fit just right and work with your natural movement.

Consider getting fitted for clubs or adjusting your current set. Sometimes a small tweak can make a big difference in how you connect with the ball. And while you're at it, keep those clubs clean. A dirty clubface can affect contact, so having a tool like The Club Washer handy ensures your clubs are in top condition every time you tee off.

Practice with Purpose

Heading to the range without a plan can lead to practicing poor habits. Instead, focus on drills that specifically target hitting fat shots. One handy drill is the “tee drill.” Place a tee in the ground about an inch behind your ball and practice hitting shots without touching the tee. This forces you to strike the ball first, not the ground.

Another great drill involves drawing a line in the sand or dirt and practicing hitting the line. This visual guide helps train your swing to consistently strike the ball at the correct point. Practice with a purpose, and you’ll see improvements in no time.

Stay Relaxed and Confident

Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Tension in your body, especially your arms and shoulders, can lead to poor contact. Approach each shot with confidence, relax your grip, and swing smoothly.

Remember, every golfer hits a fat shot now and then—even the pros. It’s part of the game. The key is not to dwell on the bad shots but to focus on the next one. If nerves are getting the best of you, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you love the game.

Consider Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything and the fat shots persist, it might be time to consult a professional. A golf coach can provide personalized tips and drills tailored to your swing. They can spot issues you might not notice and offer solutions that are specific to your game.

Don’t see it as a last resort; think of it as an investment in your enjoyment of the game. A few sessions could be all it takes to get your swing back on track, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Final Thoughts

Fixing fat shots involves understanding the problem, making adjustments, and practicing with intent. Whether it's perfecting your ball position or calming overactive hands, each step moves you closer to a cleaner, crisper shot. And when it comes to maintaining your clubs, The Club Washer can keep them in top shape, ensuring nothing gets in the way of your best performance. By applying these tips, you’ll spend less time in the rough and more time enjoying the game. Happy golfing!