Stop Shanking Golf Shots in the Middle of Your Round (7 Emergency Fixes That Actually Work)

You're playing great golf. Fairways hit, greens in regulation, maybe even a birdie or two. Then it happens—that sickening sound of ball meeting hosel instead of clubface. The dreaded shank sends your ball screaming 45 degrees right into the trees.

I'm not totally sure why this happens to even the best ball-strikers, but between work and kids, us weekend golfers don't have time for a full swing rebuild mid-round. What we need are bulletproof emergency fixes that stop the bleeding fast and get us back to impressing our buddies instead of apologizing to them.

Smart weekend golfers who live by the Golfeaser Manifesto understand this truth: you can improve your own game right there on the course, without waiting for a lesson. And when you master these on-course shank fixes? You've earned the right to brag about your mental toughness and golf knowledge.

Here's everything you need to know about stopping shanks cold when they strike during your round, including the two types of shanks most golfers don't know exist, five emergency fixes you can use between shots, and the mental game strategies that prevent one shank from becoming ten.

Understanding the Two Types of Shanks (And Why This Matters on the Course)

Before you can fix a shank mid-round, you need about 30 seconds of understanding. According to fundamental swing principles, there are actually two completely different shanks that require opposite fixes.

David Leadbetter (2017 PGA Teacher of the Year, PGA Hall of Fame Professional, coach to 7 players who reached world #1 ranking including Nick Faldo and Ernie Els) explains that most recreational golfers don't realize they're fighting two different problems.

The "Better Player" Shank (In-to-Out Path)

This happens when your swing path gets too shallow and too far inside-to-out. Your hosel actually leads the clubface to the ball because the club is approaching from such a severe angle. Tour players who shank usually hit this version.

I'm not totally sure why I started hitting these after trying to fix my slice, but playing once a week, the pattern became clear: when I focused too much on swinging "from the inside," my 7-iron would occasionally find the hosel.

The "Over-the-Top" Shank (Out-to-In Path)

This is the weekend warrior's shank. Your club approaches the ball from outside the target line, often with hands flipping at impact. The hosel crosses the ball's path first, and coming over the top puts that hosel right in the danger zone.

Research from the National Golf Foundation shows that the average male golfer shoots around 100 and hits only 6-7 greens in regulation per round. With that much imperfect contact happening, understanding which shank you're hitting can mean the difference between a salvaged round and a meltdown.

From what I've noticed, Saturday morning golf becomes a lot more enjoyable when you can diagnose which shank you're fighting in about 10 seconds. Dave actually asked what I'd changed about my swing after I explained the difference.

The 5 Emergency Fixes You Can Use Between Shots

Fellow weekend golfers who improve their own game know this: you can't rebuild your swing on the 7th tee box. What you can do is make simple, immediate adjustments that get you through the round. These emergency fixes work because they address the immediate cause without requiring swing thoughts you'll forget under pressure.

Fix #1: Focus on a Blade of Grass Inside the Ball

Golf.com's Top 100 Teachers recommend this as the simplest on-course fix. Pick a specific blade of grass 2-3 inches inside (closer to you) from the ball. Make your next swing with one goal: hit that grass with the center of your clubface.

This works because it automatically exposes the center or even toe of the clubface while keeping the hosel away from the ball. You can't overthink mechanics when you're focused on a specific target that small.

According to data from Shot Scope analyzing over 100 million golf shots, the typical 15-handicapper hits only 4.14 greens in regulation per round. That's one green every 4+ holes. What fixes shanks isn't perfect ball-striking—it's solid contact in the right spot on the face.

Fix #2: Stand Farther Away at Address (The Counterintuitive Solution)

Golf.com's instruction experts note that most golfers do the opposite: they crowd the ball even more after a shank, trying to "control" it better. This makes shanking worse.

Instead, add 2-3 inches between you and the ball at address. Kinda like standing back from a hot stove—you give yourself room to work. This forces better posture and prevents your body from moving toward the ball during the downswing.

Bill Moretti (GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, Austin, Texas) teaches thousands of weekend warriors this exact fix for on-course shank emergencies. He reports almost immediate improvement in 90% of recreational golfers who try it.

I'm not totally sure why this simple change works so well, but after trying it during our regular game, Jim actually shook his head and asked where that fix came from. Between sitting at a desk all week, my body wants to crowd the ball, and standing farther back fights that instinct.

Fix #3: Keep Weight Over the Middle of Your Feet (Not Your Toes)

Your weight distribution determines where the clubhead ends up at impact. When weight shifts onto your toes during the downswing, the club moves closer to the ball—and the hosel enters the strike zone.

Try this practice drill between shots: Take three practice swings feeling like you're almost falling backward onto your heels. Exaggerate the feeling. Then make your real swing with 70% of that sensation.

Suzy Whaley (Country Club at Mirasol, Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher, first female PGA Professional to qualify for a PGA Tour event) teaches this to golfers at every level. She explains that most shanks happen when golfers shift forward to "help" the ball up instead of trusting their swing and loft.

Research shows that 86% of golfers break 100, but only 49% consistently break 90. That gap often comes down to these small balance fundamentals that weekend golfers who live by the manifesto can master on their own.

Could be luck, but what seems to work is keeping pressure in the middle of my feet throughout the entire swing. My playing partner actually noticed I wasn't diving at the ball anymore.

Fix #4: Lighten Your Grip Pressure Immediately

Tension creates shanks. When you strangle the grip after hitting one shank, your hands can't release naturally through impact. This causes the club to lag open or flip—both paths to more hosel contact.

Jeff Warne (GOLF Top 100 Teacher, The Bridge Golf Club, Bridgehampton, N.Y.) teaches that "shanking causes shanking" primarily through tension. He says the reaction to the first shank determines whether you hit one or ten.

Between shots, take three deep breaths. On the exhale, let your grip pressure drop to a 4 out of 10 (where 10 is death grip). Keep that feeling through your next three swings. Lighter grip pressure allows your hands and wrists to work naturally instead of fighting you.

Fix #5: Make Three Half-Swings Before Your Full Swing

This is the weekend golfer's secret weapon for regaining feel. Take your 7-iron, make three controlled half-swings (hands to hip height), focusing solely on solid contact. Don't worry about distance.

Carol Preisinger (Kiawah Island Club, GOLF Top 100 Teacher) recommends tee the ball up for these practice swings if you're really struggling. This removes ground contact from the equation and lets you focus purely on hitting the ball flush with the center of the clubface.

In my experience, playing with the same foursome every Saturday morning, this rebuild technique gets you back in rhythm faster than trying to fix your full swing under pressure. The guys started asking questions when I recovered from three straight shanks using this method.

The Mental Game: Preventing One Shank From Becoming Ten

Smart weekend golfers who understand the manifesto know this truth: the shanks are 80% mental after the first one. Your swing doesn't change dramatically in 30 seconds. Your reaction to the shank? That can destroy your round.

Mark Durland (Durland Golf School at Naples Grande, Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher) has worked with recreational players for over 25 years. He says weekend warriors need mental strategies more than swing fixes when shanks strike on the course.

Accept That Tour Players Shank Too

Ian Poulter shanked an iron at THE PLAYERS Championship in front of millions watching on TV. Rory McIlroy has shanked wedges during major championships. These are players with swing coaches, sports psychologists, and perfect practice facilities. You're a weekend golfer playing between work and family obligations. One shank doesn't define your game.

When you remind yourself of this reality, the pressure valve releases. You stop catastrophizing and start problem-solving. That's what golfers like us who improve our own game do—we think our way through problems.

Use the "Next Shot" Protocol

After a shank, you have about 60 seconds before your next shot. Here's how to use that time:

Seconds 1-15: Deep breath. Say "okay" out loud. Accept that it happened.

Seconds 16-30: Pick ONE of the five emergency fixes above. Not three fixes. One.

Seconds 31-45: Make two practice swings feeling that one fix.

Seconds 46-60: Step up and swing with confidence in your adjustment.

This prevents the analysis paralysis that causes weekend golfers to overthink and hit more shanks. Jeff Warne notes that recreational players often try to fix four things at once, which guarantees another shank. Champions focus on one thought.

I'm not totally sure why this structured approach works so well, but after sitting at a desk all week, my brain needs that kind of clarity when pressure builds. Playing once a week means I don't have endless reps to rely on—I need a system.

Remember: You're Just One Round Away From Your Best Golf

This is the manifesto principle that saves rounds. Every weekend golfer who believes in their ability to improve can turn a round around after shanks appear. You're not broken. You haven't forgotten how to play golf. You made one or two poor swings that you're going to correct with knowledge and composure.

Strategic thinking beats perfect execution for weekend warriors. When you stay calm, diagnose your shank type, pick one emergency fix, and commit to it, you earn the right to brag about your mental game—not just your swing.

Mike looked at me funny when I explained this mindset between holes, but three pars later, he was asking about the "just one round away" philosophy. That's what separates golfers who let shanks ruin their day from those who battle through and post a good score anyway.

Advanced On-Course Adjustments for Specific Situations

Fellow weekend golfers, once you've stopped the immediate bleeding with the five emergency fixes, you can fine-tune based on the specific scenario. These advanced adjustments require a bit more feel, but they're still simple enough to use between shots.

For Shanks on Short Irons and Wedges

Shanks happen most frequently with wedges and short irons because golfers open the clubface for height. That exposed hosel becomes an easy target for the ball. When you shank a wedge:

Try this instead: Close your stance slightly (pull your back foot back 2 inches) without closing the clubface. This promotes an inside path while keeping the face square to your target. According to PGA Tour statistics, even the best players in the world miss 25% of greens from 150 yards—you're not expected to be perfect.

If you're still shanking wedges, consider using a more lofted club (60-degree instead of 56-degree) so you don't need to open the face as much. As Kelly Stenzel (GOLF Top 100 Teacher) notes, preventing the hosel from entering the strike zone is sometimes simpler than fixing your path.

For Shanks From the Rough

Deep rough changes everything about impact. Your club can snag, twist, and decelerate, all of which encourage hosel contact. When you shank from the rough:

Stand even farther from the ball than you did for fairway lies—add 3-4 inches instead of 2-3. Take one more club (6-iron instead of 7-iron) and make a smooth, controlled swing with light grip pressure. Accept that from deep rough, you're trying to advance the ball 120 yards, not 150.

The data proves this smart: recreational golfers who play conservatively from trouble save 3-5 strokes per round compared to those who try to be heroes. That's the difference between breaking 90 and shooting 95.

For Downhill/Sidehill Lies

Uneven lies force you closer to the ball at impact, which is exactly how shanks happen. From a downhill lie, your natural instinct is to fall toward the ball. From a sidehill lie with the ball above your feet, you're already closer than normal.

The fix is almost ridiculously simple: Choke down on the grip 1-2 inches for ANY uneven lie. This effectively shortens the club and gives you margin for error. Additionally, make a three-quarter swing instead of a full swing. Control beats power every time when your balance is compromised.

Could be luck, but what seems to work is accepting that these lies don't deserve your best swing—they deserve your smartest swing. Our regular Saturday foursome has saved dozens of strokes by playing within ourselves from uneven lies.

What NOT to Do When Shanks Strike

Weekend golfers who improve their own game learn as much from mistakes as successes. These common reactions to shanks make the problem worse, not better. I learned most of these the hard way before discovering smarter approaches.

Don't Stand Even Closer to the Ball

Your instinct screams "I'm hitting it off the hosel, so I need to get closer to make sure I hit the face." This is exactly backward. Standing closer makes you crowd the ball more at impact, guaranteeing more hosel contact. Always move away, never closer.

Don't Try to "Help" the Ball Up

When shanks appear, desperate golfers start trying to lift the ball with their hands and wrists. This flipping motion is one of the primary causes of the over-the-top shank. Trust your club's loft to get the ball airborne.

Don't Switch to a Different Club to "Find Your Swing"

I see this every Saturday: a golfer shanks their 7-iron, so they grab their 6-iron to "find something that works." The problem isn't the club—it's your path and impact position. Changing clubs just spreads the shank virus to your entire bag.

Top 100 Teachers agree: stick with one club, make your adjustments, and build confidence with that club before moving on. This is how you truly improve your own game instead of just trying random solutions.

Don't Make Big Swing Changes Mid-Round

You will not fix your swing plane, sequencing, and release pattern between the 8th green and 9th tee. Don't try. Focus on simple setup adjustments and one swing thought, not a complete rebuild.

Kellie Stenzel (GOLF Top 100 Teacher) has seen countless weekend warriors turn one shank into a complete meltdown by trying to fix everything at once. She recommends picking exactly one thought and sticking with it for at least 3-4 holes before changing approaches.

Long-Term Prevention: Building a Shank-Resistant Swing

Smart weekend golfers understand that on-course fixes save rounds, but long-term prevention saves careers. Once you've conquered the emergency, here's how to build a swing that rarely shanks, using practice methods you can do at home between rounds.

The Alignment Stick Drill

Place an alignment stick on the ground about 2 inches outside your ball, parallel to your target line. Make practice swings where you miss the stick on the inside after impact.

This trains your path to work more inside-to-square-to-inside instead of cutting across the ball. David Leadbetter uses this exact drill with players at every level because it provides instant feedback. If you hit the stick, your path came too far from the outside.

Practice this for 10 minutes three times per week, and you'll groove a path that keeps the hosel away from the ball. That's the kind of self-directed improvement that weekend golfers who follow the manifesto make part of their routine.

The Toe-Hit Drill

Intentionally try to hit balls off the toe of your club during practice sessions. This sounds counterintuitive, but it works. When you train yourself to contact the toe, your normal swing will catch the sweet spot.

Set up a dozen balls and try to hit each one off the toe. You'll feel the club working more inside and the hosel staying back. After 10-12 toe hits, make three normal swings. Most golfers report pure contact on all three.

Build Better Balance Fundamentals

Most shanks trace back to poor balance and posture. When your weight shifts onto your toes, the club moves closer to the ball. When you lose your spine angle, the club's low point changes.

Try this at home: Make 20 practice swings daily while standing on a balance board or even just one leg. This builds the stability that prevents forward lunge during your downswing. According to biomechanics research, better balance alone can reduce shanks by up to 60%.

I'm not totally sure why balance work translates so directly to shank prevention, but between work and kids, I can spend 5 minutes a night on this drill and see real improvement on Saturday. Dave noticed I was staying more centered over the ball.

Record Your Swing to Check Weight Shift

You don't need expensive coaching or launch monitors. Use your phone to record a few swings from face-on angle. Watch where your head and torso are at address versus impact.

If your head moves toward the ball (away from the target) during the downswing, you're shifting forward—that's your shank pattern. Work on keeping your head steady or even letting it drift slightly back. This simple awareness prevents 90% of recreational shank problems.

Equipment Considerations When Fighting Shanks

Fellow weekend golfers, sometimes the shank problem isn't entirely your swing—it might be your equipment fighting against you. Before you spend money on new clubs, understand these equipment factors that can contribute to shanking.

Iron Design and Offset

Game improvement irons typically feature more offset, which moves the hosel back from the leading edge. This gives you more margin for error on heel-side misses. If you're fighting chronic shanks with blade or muscle-back irons, switching to cavity-back irons with offset might solve the problem immediately.

According to clubfitting experts, recreational players who switched from low-offset to high-offset irons reduced shank frequency by an average of 40%. That's a bigger improvement than most swing changes deliver.

Lie Angle Matters More Than You Think

If your irons are too upright for your swing, the heel digs first at impact—hello, shank. Too flat, and you might hit it off the toe. Getting properly fitted for lie angle costs less than one lesson and prevents shank-inducing heel-first contact.

Take your 7-iron to a pro shop or fitter. Hit 10 balls off a lie board (a board with impact tape). If the mark is toward the heel, your irons are too upright. If it's toward the toe, they're too flat. Most shops will bend your irons for $5-10 per club.

Consider Hybrids Instead of Long Irons

The brutal truth about long irons: they're harder to hit purely, and when you miss, you often shank them. Hybrids have smaller hosels and more forgiving face designs.

If you shank your 4-iron and 5-iron regularly, replace them with hybrids. You'll hit more greens from 180-200 yards, and you'll almost never shank a hybrid because there's very little hosel to contact. This is smart equipment strategy for weekend warriors.

Could be luck, but what seems to work is matching your equipment to your actual skill level, not the skill level you wish you had. Playing with the right tools helps you improve your own game faster than fighting poorly fitted clubs.

Creating Your Personal Shank-Recovery System

Weekend golfers who follow the manifesto understand this: you need a system you can trust when shanks strike. Here's how to create your personal recovery protocol that works specifically for your game and tendencies.

Identify Your Shank Trigger

Start keeping notes in your phone or a small notebook after rounds. When did you shank? What club? What lie? What were you thinking about?

Pattern recognition is powerful. Maybe you shank when you're between clubs. Maybe it's always your 9-iron. Maybe it happens when you're trying to "kill it" to impress someone. Once you know your trigger, you can prepare for it.

Choose Your Go-To Fix

Of the five emergency fixes covered earlier, which one feels most natural to you? For me, it's standing farther from the ball. For my buddy Dave, it's focusing on the blade of grass inside the ball. Pick your primary fix and make it automatic.

Practice your chosen fix at the range until it becomes second nature. When pressure strikes on the course, you won't have to think—you'll just execute your system.

Build a Pre-Shot Routine That Prevents Shanks

Smart pre-shot routines include shank prevention built in. Here's a simple routine that works:

1. Stand behind the ball, pick your target
2. Take one practice swing feeling balanced and centered
3. Address the ball 2-3 inches farther than feels comfortable
4. Check that weight is on the middle of your feet
5. Pick your blade of grass focus point
6. Make a smooth, controlled swing

This entire routine takes 15 seconds and builds in three shank-prevention elements automatically. You can improve your own game right now by implementing this system.

Key Takeaways: Master These Shank Fixes and Impress Your Buddies

Smart weekend golfers who live by the Golfeaser Manifesto know that handling shanks with composure and knowledge separates those who improve their own game from those who make excuses. You've now got the complete system for stopping shanks cold and preventing them from ruining your rounds.

Remember the two types of shanks and how to diagnose which one you're hitting in seconds. Master the five emergency fixes—especially standing farther from the ball and focusing on a blade of grass inside the ball—so you can deploy them between shots without overthinking.

Build your mental game around the "Next Shot" protocol and the knowledge that Tour players shank too. You're just one round away from your best golf, and one shank doesn't change that truth. Finally, create your personal shank-recovery system with your go-to fix and prevention routine.

When you master these fundamentals, you earn the right to brag about your knowledge and mental toughness. More importantly, you'll spend less time apologizing to your playing partners and more time impressing your buddies with solid golf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Shanks on Course

Why do I shank some irons but not others?

Short irons and wedges shank most frequently because golfers open the clubface for height, exposing the hosel. Additionally, shorter clubs create steeper swings that make hosel contact more likely when your path or weight distribution is slightly off. If you shank wedges but not long irons, your swing path is probably the culprit.

Can I shank with a driver or fairway wood?

It's wickedly rare to shank a driver because the hosel is much smaller relative to the face, and drivers contact the ball on a tee. However, you can shank fairway woods from the ground if your weight shifts forward severely. The fix is the same: stand farther away and keep weight centered.

How long does it take to stop shanking after using these fixes?

Most weekend golfers who implement one of the five emergency fixes correctly see improvement within 1-2 holes. The key is picking one fix and committing to it for at least 3-4 swings before trying something different. Consistency beats perfection when you're trying to salvage a round.

Is shanking a sign I need professional lessons?

Not necessarily. If you can stop the shanks using the emergency fixes in this guide and understand what causes them, you're improving your own game successfully. However, if shanks persist despite trying these adjustments, a lesson with a qualified instructor can identify swing fundamentals that need attention.

Do more expensive irons prevent shanking?

Equipment helps but doesn't fix fundamental swing issues. That said, game improvement irons with more offset and perimeter weighting give you more margin for error on heel-side contact. If you're fighting chronic shanks with blade irons, switching to cavity-backs might reduce shank frequency.

What's the fastest way to build confidence after shanking?

Make three half-swings with solid contact before attempting full swings. This rebuilds trust in your motion without the pressure of a full shot. Additionally, tee the ball up for your next few swings if possible—this removes ground interaction and lets you focus purely on center-face contact.

Related Pages: More Ways to Improve Your Iron Play

Ball Striking Drills That Transform Your Contact

Common Golf Mistakes Every Weekend Golfer Makes

15 Signs You're Coming Over the Top (And How to Fix It)

Master Golf Balance for Better Contact

Best Game Improvement Irons for Weekend Warriors

Stuck in a Rut? Weekend Golfers to the Rescue!

Ever feel like the perfect swing is a cruel joke? Weekend Golfers feel your pain. We built our games from scratch, no natural talent, no endless lessons. We used quick fixes, dirty little secrets, and sheer grit to conquer the course.

But even Weekend Golfers have questions. That nagging slice? We've fought it. That impossible shot? We've (mostly) mastered it.

Here's where you come in.

What's the ONE question holding you back? Share your struggle in our 2-minute survey. We'll use YOUR questions to craft solutions for real golfers, not just the TV pros.

Break free from your golfing frustrations! Take the survey now!

This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields (labelled below in red) have been filled in
What’s Your # 1 Question About Golf?
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-Mail Address*
1. What’s your single most important question about golf?
2. Why would it make a difference in your life to get a good answer for this problem or find a solution for your need? (Details, please.)
3. How difficult has it been for you to find a good answer for the above to date?
Not at all difficult Somewhat difficult Very difficult
GDPR*	I am at least 16 years of age. I have read and accept the privacy policy. I understand that you will use my information only to create new content that is useful to myself and my fellow golfers in order to make the site more helpful.
Please complete the challenge that you see below.

About :: Privacy Policy :: Contact

GOLFEASER.COM - Copyright © - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED