How to Stop Hooking the Ball in Golf

A hook can be one of the most frustrating shots in golf—it shows up when you least expect it (or want it), sending your golf ball curving hard left (for right-handed players) and off target. 

You step up to the tee feeling good, only to watch your shot veer into the trees or rough. Sound familiar? It’s not just you! Many golfers struggle with this, and while quick fixes might seem tempting, the real solution starts with understanding why it’s happening.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your hook, taking golf lessons online to receive expert feedback can be a game-changer. Skillest connects you with top coaches who can analyze your golf swing and help you hit the ball straight when that’s all you’re aiming for.

A little guidance can go a long way in turning that hook into a controlled, reliable shot that stays in play.

What Is a Golf Hook?

If you’ve ever watched your ball start off straight (or slightly right) and then take a sharp left turn into trouble, you’ve experienced the dreaded hook. 

For right-handed golfers, a hook is caused by sidespin when the clubface is too closed relative to the club path at impact. Instead of a smooth, controlled draw, the ball takes a hard left turn—often straight into the rough, a hazard, or even out of bounds. It’s the same issue for left-handed golfers, just in the opposite direction.

A small draw can be a great shot to have in your arsenal, helping with roll and ball positioning. But when that draw turns into a hook, you lose control and distance. One quick way to tell the difference?

A draw moves gently and stays in play, while a hook snaps left (or right for lefties) and can be much harder to recover from.

Why Does a Golf Hook Happen?

A few key factors contribute to a hook:

• Grip – A grip that’s too strong (meaning your hands are turned too far to the right on the golf club) makes it more likely that the clubface will close too much at impact.
• Stance & Alignment – If your shoulders are aiming too far right, you might naturally compensate by flipping your hands through impact, shutting the clubface too aggressively.
• Swing Path – A slight inside-to-out swing path can create a controlled draw, but if the clubface is too closed relative to that path, it exaggerates the spin, causing a hook.

The good news is that once you understand what’s causing your hook, you can make small adjustments to get your shots back on track. And if you’re struggling to pinpoint the issue, a remote coach on Skillest can analyze your swing and help you straighten things out.

Common Causes of a Golf Hook

If you’re struggling with a hook, you’re not alone. Many golfers don’t realize that small tweaks to their grip, stance, or swing path can make a big difference. The good news?

Once you know what’s causing that sharp left turn, you can start making adjustments to straighten things out. 

The Role of Grip and Setup

Your grip and stance set the foundation for your swing, and if they’re off, a hook can sneak into your game. If your hands are rotated too far to the right (for right-handed golfers), your clubface is more likely to close at impact, sending the ball left.

Your stance plays a role, too. If your feet, shoulders, or hips are misaligned—pointing too far left or right—you might unconsciously adjust mid-swing, leading to unwanted compensations.

A simple fix? Check that everything is lined up with your target and experiment with a slightly more neutral grip (seeing fewer knuckles on your lead hand) to keep the clubface from shutting too aggressively.

Clubface Alignment and Impact

The position of your clubface at address and impact is one of the biggest factors in whether your shot stays on target or hooks left. If the face is closed when you start your swing, chances are it’ll stay closed at impact, putting that unwanted sidespin on the ball.

A good rule of thumb: Make sure your clubface is either square or slightly open at address. Using alignment sticks or checking your setup in a mirror can help reinforce the right positioning so you’re not unknowingly setting yourself up for a hook.

Swing Path and Body Rotation

Your downswing path plays a huge role in shot shape. An inside-to-out swing path can produce a nice, controlled draw, but if your clubface is too closed relative to that path, the ball will hook hard left.

One of the best ways to keep things in check? Focus on syncing your hips and shoulders throughout the swing. If your lower body stalls while your hands and arms keep moving, the clubface can snap shut.

But when your rotation stays smooth and connected, your clubface and path are more likely to match up—giving you straighter, more consistent shots.

Steps to Fix a Golf Hook

If you’re struggling with a hook, a few small adjustments can help you straighten out your shots and regain control of your ball flight. By tweaking your grip, checking your clubface alignment, and refining your swing path, you can stop guessing and start shaping your shots with confidence.

Adjusting Your Grip and Setup

Your grip has a huge influence on ball flight, and if it’s too strong (meaning your hands are rotated too far to the right for a right-handed golfer), your clubface is more likely to close at impact, sending the ball left.

Try easing your grip toward a more neutral position—this means seeing fewer knuckles on your lead hand and letting your bottom hand sit more naturally on the handle.

Changing your golf grip might initially feel awkward, but it’ll help keep the clubface from shutting too early.

Your setup matters, too. Make sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned with your target. A proper stance helps you swing freely without making last-second adjustments that can lead to hooks. The more you practice this at the range, the more natural it will feel.

Aligning the Clubface Correctly

Your clubface position at address plays a major role in whether your ball flies straight or veers left. If it’s too closed before you even start your swing, it’s likely to stay that way at impact. Instead, aim for a clubface that’s square or slightly open to the target line.

A great way to check this is by using an alignment stick near your feet as a visual guide. When you take the club back, focus on keeping the face stable—avoid twisting it closed. The more you reinforce this habit, the more consistent your golf shots will become.

Improving Your Swing Path

A controlled, balanced swing path is key to eliminating hooks. Instead of an exaggerated inside-to-out motion, work on a more neutral path that promotes a gentle draw rather than an aggressive hook.

One simple drill to help with this: Place two alignment sticks on the ground—one pointing straight at your target and the other slightly inside that line.

Practice swinging through this “corridor,” making sure your club face stays stable at impact. Over time, this will help you develop a repeatable, tension-free swing that produces straighter, more predictable shots.

How to Hit a Hook—on Purpose

Hitting hooks isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, when controlled, it can be a game-changer. Skilled players sometimes use a planned hook to navigate obstacles, shape their shots into tricky greens, or even gain extra roll on certain fairways.

Learning how to hook the ball on command gives you more shot-making options and can boost your control. 

Strengthening Your Grip

One of the easiest ways to encourage a hook is by strengthening your grip. For right-handed golfers, this means rotating both hands slightly to the right so you see more knuckles on your lead hand. This position naturally promotes a closed clubface, which helps create right-to-left spin.

Start by making half-swings with this grip and paying attention to how the ball curves. If the spin is too extreme, dial it back by adjusting your hand position slightly. Once you find the right balance, you can take it to a full swing and start using your hook intentionally when needed.

Closing Your Stance

Your stance also plays a big role in shaping the ball’s flight. Pull your lead foot slightly back from the target line to encourage a hook. This closed stance helps shift your swing path from inside to out, making it easier to curve the ball from right to left.

Make sure your shoulders and hips match this new alignment without leaning too much. If done correctly, this setup will encourage the ball to start slightly to the right before bending back left—perfect for hitting around trees or working with a dogleg.

Swinging Inside-to-Out

The final piece of the puzzle is your swing path. To produce a controlled hook, you’ll want to bring the club back on a shallower, inside path and swing out toward your target. Keep your arms close to your body, and make sure your hands are leading the clubface at impact.

Control is important here—if you exaggerate the inside path too much, you might end up with a wild, uncontrollable hook. Instead, focus on a smooth, moderate motion.

With a bit of practice, you’ll have a reliable hook shot in your arsenal, ready to help you navigate tight fairways, curve around obstacles, and take your golf course management to the next level.

Turning a Hook into a Strategic Advantage

A solid golf game isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about having a plan for every shot. What might have once felt like a frustrating, uncontrollable hook can become a valuable tool when used intentionally.

You can turn an unpredictable curve into a reliable shot shape by fine-tuning your grip, clubface position, and swing path.

One of the best ways to speed up this process is through video analysis and guided feedback. Seeing your own swing and getting expert insights makes it much easier to spot the difference between an accidental hook and a controlled draw.

That’s where Skillest comes in—connecting you with top instructors who can tailor their advice to your swing.

With patience, small adjustments, and consistent practice, you’ll start seeing the hook as an opportunity rather than a setback. Instead of dreading that left curve, you’ll learn to use it to your advantage, adding more confidence and creativity to your game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a hook in golf?

A hook is a shot that starts on or near the target line but then curves sharply left for right-handed golfers (or right for left-handed players). It usually happens when the clubface is too closed relative to the swing path at impact.

How to get rid of a hook in golf?

If you’re hooking the ball unintentionally, try loosening a strong grip, making sure your stance is square to the target, and avoiding an exaggerated inside-to-out swing path. Working with a coach or using training aids can also help fine-tune your mechanics.

What is the difference between a hook and a slice?

A hook curves from right to left for right-handed golfers, while a slice does the opposite—moving from left to right. A hook happens when the clubface is closed relative to the swing path, while a slice is caused by an open clubface at impact.

What swing path causes a hook?

A hook is often the result of a swing that comes too much from the inside paired with a closed clubface at impact. The ball picks up right-to-left spin (for right-handed golfers), leading to a strong curve. A slight inside path can still create a gentle draw without turning into a full hook.