How to stop topping it
Top a ball once and you might just shrug it off as a lack of concentration. If you repeatedly do it, however, the frustration might make you want to bail on the remaining holes and head for the bar. The most common reasons golfers top it are trying to "help" the ball in the air with a scoopy swing, or failing to shift toward the target early enough. Ball position also might be an issue. Let's fix all of this with these simple steps. —Maureen Farrell, director of instruction at Oakwood Country Club in Kansas City, Mo.
- To ensure good contact, play the ball in the middle of your stance (above)
- Let the club's shaft lean slightly toward the target
- Set your weight fairly evenly between your feet
- Feel balanced and stable
- Get your weight off your back foot (above, left) before the end of your backswing
- Feel like you're pushing into a trampoline with your lead leg
- Let it straighten as the club approaches the ball (above, right)
- Rehearse this trampoline push while waiting to hit
- Focus on hitting the ball before the club contacts the turf
- Sweep the grass blades after the strike
- Keep the clubface low after impact (above)
- Don't flick at the ball with your wrists; stay solid
- Get into your normal iron setup
- Then lift your trail foot up and back
- Rest it on your toes
- Now hit some shots at half-speed (to keep your balance)
- Rehearse and re-create this feeling out on the course