Shank in Golf: What It Is, Causes & How to Fix It

TL;DR

A shank in golf is when the ball hits the hosel, flying sideways; fix it with better setup, balance, and path.

Key Takeaways

• Shank = hosel contact sending ball sharply off-line.
• Caused by setup, balance, and swing path errors.
• Fix with proper distance, posture, and inside-to-out path.
• Drills like Tee Gate and Two-Ball retrain strike position.
• Stay calm, shanks are fixable with focus and patience.

What Is a Shank in Golf?

A shank in golf is when the ball hits the club’s hosel instead of the face. This mis-hit sends the ball almost sideways, usually far right for right-handers and left for left-handers, and is often called a “hosel rocket.”

Unlike slices or pushes, which still strike the clubface, a shank comes from poor contact caused by setup, posture, or swing path issues.

What Causes a Shank?

A shank in golf is caused by the club’s hosel hitting the ball instead of the face. This happens when your setup, balance, or swing path brings the club too close to the ball at impact.

Common causes of a shank include:

• Standing too close to the ball: reduces space for a clean strike.
• Leaning weight onto the toes: shifts the swing arc toward the ball.
• Over-the-top swing path: pushes the hosel toward the ball at impact.
• Crowding the ball on the downswing: body moves closer mid-swing.
• Incorrect ball position: too far forward or back, disrupting contact point.
• Early extension: losing posture and thrusting hips toward the ball.

Shank vs. Other Mis-Hits

A shank in golf is different from other mis-hits because it strikes the hosel, not the clubface. While all mis-hits send the ball off target, the point of contact and resulting ball flight make each one unique.

Key differences:

• Shank vs Slice: A shank shoots almost sideways from hosel contact; a slice curves right (for right-handers) from an open clubface.
• Shank vs Push: A shank is caused by hosel contact; a push is a straight shot right from correct face contact but poor alignment or path.
• Shank vs Toe Hit: A shank comes off the hosel; a toe hit comes off the outer edge of the face, usually resulting in a shorter, weaker shot.

A shank is unique because it comes off the hosel, sending the ball almost sideways, while other mis-hits still strike the clubface but miss the sweet spot, creating different ball flights.

How to Fix a Shank

A shank in golf is fixed by improving setup, balance, and swing path to avoid hosel contact. The goal is to create more space between the club and the ball at impact while keeping the strike centered on the clubface.

Steps to fix a shank:

• Check your distance from the ball: stand far enough to allow a full swing arc.
• Balance weight evenly: avoid leaning onto your toes during the swing.
• Adjust ball position: place it correctly for the club you’re using.
• Maintain posture: prevent early extension by keeping your spine angle steady.
• Promote an inside-to-out swing path: keeps the clubhead moving away from the hosel.
• Focus on center-face contact: use impact tape or spray for feedback.

Remember, even the best golfers shank the ball sometimes. Focus on these fixes, stay patient, and you’ll see the problem disappear.

Best Drills to Cure a Shank

The best drills to cure a shank focus on improving contact, spacing, and swing path so the ball meets the clubface instead of the hosel. Tee Gate, Ball-Off-the-Toe, Two-Ball, Impact Feedback, and One-Foot Balance drills help retrain your setup and swing for more consistent strikes.

• Tee Gate Drill: place two tees slightly wider than your clubhead; swing through without touching them.
• Ball-Off-the-Toe Drill: address the ball slightly toward the toe to train centered contact.
• Two-Ball Drill: set a second ball outside the target ball; strike the inside ball cleanly to avoid the hosel.
• Impact Spray or Tape Check: use visual feedback to confirm center-face strikes.
• One-Foot Balance Drill: practice half-swings balancing on your lead foot to improve stability and spacing.

Practicing these targeted drills builds better contact, spacing, and control, making shanks far less likely to appear in your game.

How to Prevent Shanks

You prevent shanks in golf by maintaining proper setup, balance, and swing fundamentals every time you play. Consistent technique keeps the clubface on target and away from the hosel.

Tips to prevent shanks:

• Check distance from the ball: give yourself enough room for a full swing arc.
• Balance weight evenly: avoid leaning forward onto your toes.
• Keep correct ball position: adjust placement based on club length and shot type.
• Maintain posture throughout the swing: no early extension or crowding.
• Use an inside-to-out swing path: keeps the hosel away from the ball.
• Inspect equipment regularly: make sure lie angles and grips fit your swing.

Stay committed to these simple habits, and you’ll build the confidence to swing freely without fearing a shank.

Psychology of the Shank

You overcome the mental side of shanks by staying calm, refocusing on fundamentals, and avoiding fear-based swings. A single shank can shake confidence, but dwelling on it often leads to more mistakes.

Mental tips to handle shanks:

• Accept it quickly: even pros hit shanks; it’s part of golf.
• Reset your focus: think about your setup and target, not the last shot.
• Use a routine: consistent pre-shot steps reduce tension and panic.
• Visualize solid contact: picture the ball striking the center of the clubface.
• Breathe and slow down: tension makes a shank more likely.

Remember, a shank is just one swing, your next shot can be perfect if you let it.

FAQs About Shanks in Golf

Is a shank the worst shot in golf?

Yes, most golfers consider a shank one of the worst shots because it flies almost sideways and feels embarrassing, but it’s completely fixable.

Can a pro golfer shank the ball?

Yes, even tour professionals hit the occasional shank, especially under pressure or when making swing changes.

Is a shank the same as a slice?

No, a shank comes from hosel contact; a slice comes from an open clubface and spins the ball sideways.

How do I stop shanking instantly?

You stop shanking by stepping slightly farther from the ball, balancing your weight, and focusing on center-face contact.

Can equipment cause a shank?

Yes, clubs with incorrect lie angles, worn grips, or shafts that don’t suit your swing can contribute to shanks.