Hitting it Low

 

There are some things in our set up position and golf swing that can help us keep the ball down, or hit the ball low in certain situations. This is helpful in windy conditions or if you need to keep trajectory low, perhaps under branches of a tree. This instruction is not intended for those who may be popping shots up. If this is the case, I suggest you visit our angle of attack article as you may have some other swing issue.

If we’re looking to keep the ball down, I suggest taking an extra club or two depending on the situation. In setting up to the ball, we push the ball back in our stance a couple inches to promote a more descending angle of attack. This will also promote more forward shaft lean and less effective loft on the club face, with hands more forward at impact.

As far as the swing goes, we’ve got plenty of club, therefore we don’t need a full speed golf swing. Keep your balance centered, with less shifting of your weight laterally to the right and making sure we get to the left side at impact. I suggest making a shorter, more controlled golf swing, with less swing speed than your normal full shots. This will help impart less spin on the ball and help us to better control our shot. We finish with our arms and hands lower to limit the release of the club and to launch the ball lower.

In summary, whenever we are trying to produce a lower trajectory, take an extra club or two. Move the ball back in your stance to promote a descending angle of attack, and with hands forward at impact. Make a shorter, more controlled golf swing, maintaining your balance and without transferring your weight excessively. Finish with your arms and hands in a lower position to launch the ball lower and to limit release of the club in the follow through.