Bad Golf Shots – What They Are and How to Fix Them

If you’ve ever looked at your scorecard and felt that a few holes just sucked, you’ve probably made a bad golf shot. Those moments are frustrating, but they’re also a chance to learn. Below we break down the most frequent trouble shots, why they happen, and easy fixes you can try on the next round.

Common Bad Shots and What Causes Them

First up is the dreaded slice. It’s the ball curving right (for right‑handed players) and often lands in the rough or out of bounds. The main cause is an open clubface at impact, usually from an over‑active hands‑away motion. Next, the hook – the opposite of a slice – spins left and can even disappear into a bunker. A closed clubface and an inside‑out swing path are the usual culprits.

Then there’s the fat shot, where the club hits the ground before the ball. It steals distance and can leave you with a short approach. Most of the time you’re standing too far from the ball or lifting your shoulders too early. Finally, the thin shot – hitting the top half of the ball – sends it flying low and fast, often into a hazard. That one usually comes from trying to swing too hard or not keeping your weight centered over the ball.

Quick Fixes to Reduce Bad Shots

Start with your grip. A neutral grip (the "V" formed by your thumb and forefinger should point somewhere between your chin and right shoulder) helps keep the clubface square. Practice a few slow swings in the range, focusing on keeping the clubhead low through impact. You’ll feel the difference quickly.

Work on your stance. For a slice, bring your feet a little more open (right foot slightly behind the left) and aim the clubface at the target while keeping the swing path more inside‑out. For a hook, close the stance a touch and aim the clubface slightly right of the target. A little adjustment can straighten out the ball in no time.

When you notice a fat shot, drop the ball an inch or two back in your stance and shift a bit more weight onto your front foot during the downswing. That encourages a clean strike. To beat the thin shot, try to keep the ball a little forward in your stance and focus on a smooth, rhythmic swing instead of a hard, fast one.

One practical drill is the "gate" drill. Place two tees just outside the ball, forming a narrow gate. Your goal is to swing the club through the gate without hitting the tees. It forces you to swing on the correct path and keep the clubhead low, which tackles slices, hooks, and thin shots all at once.

Finally, keep your head steady. It’s tempting to look down after a bad hit, but that only disrupts balance. Stay relaxed, watch the ball for a split second after impact to see the flight, and adjust your next swing based on what you saw.

Bad golf shots are part of the game, but with a few simple tweaks you can turn them into learning moments. Try the grip, stance, and gate drills on your next practice session and watch those errant balls start to behave. Happy golfing!