Curing the Thin / Top

You're all set for that soaring five wood to the heart of the green, or a towering wedge that drops right by the hole - and what do you get? Your wood runs 50 yards, all along the ground, or the wedge shoots ankle-high straight through the green into the rough behind. The thin or top is a horrible feeling - put a stop to it now!

Please note: all lessons refer to right-handed golfers

• If hit a lot of iron shots thin or fat, or if you are one of the many club golfers who suffers from hitting the ball too high, not getting enough difference in length between your longer irons, there is a very good chance that your impact position requires attention.

• All good, consistent ball strikers have the club shaft and lead arm in line as they strike the ball, and not before!

• To get a feel for this position, try this drill. Put a coat hanger down the left side of the handle of the club and take your grip as normalyl as possible. The coat hanger should be up against the inside of your left forearm. The aim of this drill is to keep the connection of the coat hanger and your left forearm throughout the swing.

• Done correctly your left wrist will be a lot flatter at impact, your right wrist will have a slight hinge and the club and left arm will be in line. This will also give you the feeling of swinging down into the ball.