THE HOOK – [G]
The most common flaw causing the golf ball to hook or fly left of the target line in a curved ball flight is a grip that is too strong. The left-hand grip is likely overly rotated on the handle so that all the knuckles are visible while the righthand grip is placed under the club handle. If this is the only flaw, then adjust the grip as follows to a more neutral grip. The left-hand grip should be set so that you can see the two large knuckles prominently which faces the back of the lead hand to the right of the target by about 25-30-degrees. The righthand grip should snug into the righthand with its lifeline covering the left thumb.
Another possible flaw is misalignment of the feet, or the shoulders. If the trailing foot is pulled back away from the target line [a closed position to the target] then his can produce a curved ball flying left of the target, or a hook.
Yet another possible flaw is when the golfer grips the club with the trailing hand which drops the trailing shoulder down. But sometimes, the golfer inadvertently drops the shoulder out as well. This is called the down and out shoulder position. This leads to a hook most of the time but can also cause the ball to pull straight left.
Gear Effect is even another flaw that can cause a hooked ball. This usually means that the ball was struck from the heel of the clubface which causes it to close more and the ball spins across the club face towards the toe creating the gearing effect.
And finally, it may simply be that the golfer set the clubface in the closed position when addressing the ball. This is often employed when the golfer intentionally wants to create a hook to maneuver around a tree, or other object in the way of the ball’s flight to the target.
Copyright, August 2020, Glen Bowen, Certified Professional Golf Coach, US Golf Teachers Federation