Shank
The ball shoots sharply and low to the right, hit off the hosel instead of the clubface.
Why it happens
A shank happens when the ball contacts the hosel (the neck where the shaft meets the clubhead) instead of the face, usually because the swing moves too close to the ball, either from setup or during the downswing.
Possible causes in your swing, and how to fix each one
Tap any cause to see its fix. Work through them one at a time, usually one or two are the real culprit.
01
Standing too close to the ball
At setup, standing too close to the ball brings the hosel into play instead of the face.
Recheck your setup distance so your arms hang naturally. On the range, place a spare ball or headcover just outside your ball and practice swinging without hitting it.
02
Weight or hands drifting toward the ball
A lateral sway toward the ball during the swing has the same effect as standing too close.
Keep the lower body still and rehearse the stroke in front of a mirror or against an alignment rod to check for drift.
03
Steep, out-to-in path with an early release
This combination can push the hosel into the ball's position at impact.
Work on a rounder, more inside swing shape, and practice syncing the arms with your body rotation rather than swinging with the arms alone.
Recommended video
CURE THE DREADED SHANK
Meandmygolf
How do you compare to the pros?
Greens in regulation
A Shank is one of the main reasons an approach shot misses the green instead of hitting it in regulation.
Sources: PGA Tour greens in regulation stats (season average, about 65 to 68%); Break X Golf amateur data aggregate, 15-handicap band (about 26%).
When to stop self-diagnosing
If you've genuinely worked through two or three of these causes over several range sessions and the miss keeps showing up, that's not a failure since it usually means the real cause is something you can't feel or see in your own swing. A single 30-minute lesson with a certified instructor, who can watch you hit balls, will find it faster than any website. Bring this page along and tell them what you've already ruled out; it'll save you both time.