Imagine yourself on your favorite hole on your home course, holding a 7-iron and aiming for the center of the green. You take a good swing, but the ball starts 15 feet straight and stays there. This is called “pushing” and is a common problem in golf. It’s frustrating when your swing feels strong but the ball doesn’t go where you want it to. To fix your launch direction, focus on one thing: your clubface at impact.
The problem you’re not seeing
Many golfers think that the swing path determines where the ball starts, eg, if you swing right, the ball goes right; if it swings left, it goes left. This sounds logical, but it is not exactly true. Current ball flight rules and launch monitor data indicate that the clubface angle at impact controls about 75 to 85 percent of the ball’s launch direction. Swing path affects the curve more than the baseline.
If your iron shots launch to the right of the target, your clubface is open at impact. If they start to the left, your clubface is closed. Your swing and path may be good, but if the face isn’t square with your target, the ball won’t go where you want it to.
Why is your club open?
A poor grip is the most common reason. If your hands are turned too far toward the target in the setup, with palms facing each other, or with the left hand showing only one wrist, the face of the arm starts open. You will need to adjust your hands during the square face swing, which is difficult to do every time, especially under pressure.
Poor body rotation is another reason. If your body stops moving through impact, but your arms continue to swing, the clubface remains open. Your hands can’t release the club properly because your body isn’t clearing the way. This causes a thrust or a thrust fade.
Sometimes it’s as simple as stretching. You think you’re on target, but your clubface is straight. You make a good swing about your body, but the ball starts where the face is headed, not where you are OPINION you were targeted.
The simplest adjustment
Check your check first. At address, you should see two to three knuckles in your left hand when looking down. Your right hand should land more below the grip, not above it. This stronger position helps the face return to square without manipulation.
If your grip is already strong but you’re still pushing the ball, focus on your release. Try to feel your right hand crossing over your left as you move through the stroke. This is not a flip or a slide. It’s a natural twist that flattens the face. The best players do it without thinking, but many golfers avoid it because it looks like they might hook the ball.
Another easy solution is check your alignment. Place an extension stick or stick on the ground pointing to your target. Set up and control where your club site is actually targeted. You may be surprised. Many golfers drive their body toward the target but leave the clubface open. Straighten the clubface first and then adjust your body to it.
What do good players do differently?
The best ball strikers believe in their release. They don’t try to keep a square face through impact. They let their hands roll naturally, which flattens the face at the right moment. This rotation happens quickly, but it is not forced. It is a product of proper grip, proper body rotation, and confidence.
They also practice with feedback: hitting shots and seeing where they start. If everything is starting right, they adapt. They don’t just keep hitting the same shot hoping it will magically fix itself. Make small changes, observe the results, repeat.
Here’s what separates them: they understand that starting direction is about the face, not the road. You can move in and out and still launch the ball on target if the face is square. You can move out and do the same. The curve comes from the difference between where your clubface is headed and where your drive is moving. The ball bends towards the face and away from the path. The face creates the starting line and face to face relationship creates curve.
How to practice this
When you practice on the range, focus on where your shots start. Pick a target and pay attention to the starting line of the ball, not just where it ends. If your shots start well, try a slightly firmer grip or more arm rotation through the shot. If they start to the left, do the opposite.
Use stretching sticks when practicing. Place one on the ground pointing to your target and another parallel to it for your feet. This takes the guesswork out of alignment and allows you to focus on the clubface angle at impact.
Record your swing from below the line. See where the clubface is pointing at impact. If it’s open, you’ll see it. If it’s closed, you’ll see it too. The video doesn’t lie and seeing the problem makes it easier to fix.
The simple truth
Launch drive is a fundamental part of hitting the ball. Even with a perfect swing path, contact and rhythm, if the clubface isn’t square at impact, the ball won’t go where you want it to. The good news? Adjusting the angle of the face is easier than adjusting your path. Adjust your grip, let your hands drop, and check your alignment. When you see your shots starting from your target and you can trust your starting line, golf becomes a lot easier. The clubface controls the drive, so focus on controlling the clubface. Keep practicing these adjustments, trust your process, and you’ll see your accuracy improve on the course.
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