Hook
The hook is the unwanted ball curve that bends strongly to the left for right-handers.
The hook is the ball's aggressive left curve: it usually starts right or in the middle and then turns strongly to the left, for right-handers. It is caused by a strongly closed clubface relative to the swing path. The hook is the bigger brother of the intentional draw. While the draw moves a few meters left in a controlled way, the hook loses control completely. It often ends in the left rough, behind trees or out of bounds.
Typical causes are a grip that is too strong, a swing path coming too far from the inside or active hands at impact. An example: on a par 4 with a dogleg left, you want to play a draw around the corner. Your hands rotate too early, the ball starts left and keeps pulling into the trees. The intended draw became a hook. The difference lies in a few degrees of clubface position.
The quick fix on the course: check your grip, take some pressure out of your hands and club down. On the driving range, the drill with alignment sticks helps to control the swing direction. If you understand the hook, you will also recognize its counterpart, the slice, which bends to the right. Both curves are among the most discussed faults in amateur training.
FAQ
How do I get my hook back under control quickly?
First check your grip and take pressure out of your hands — a grip that is too strong closes the clubface too early. As an immediate measure on the course, it helps to club down and position the ball a little further right. On the driving range you can train the swing direction with alignment sticks.
What is the difference between a hook and a draw?
The draw is the intentional, controlled curve of a few meters to the left, while the hook loses control completely. The difference often lies in just a few degrees of clubface position at impact. A planned draw becomes a hook when the hands rotate too early.
Is a hook worse than a slice?
Not fundamentally — both curves are faults and like to end in the rough or out of bounds. The hook is considered more dangerous, because with plenty of swing force it turns far and unpredictably to the left, while the slice usually loses height and distance. Which fault costs you more strokes depends on the course and your game.