The dreaded shank has surfaced, shown its ugly face and won't go away. I'm hoping this will be the first, last and only post I ever write about this topic. I do not want to pay any attention to "the shank" other than right now. I'm having serious issues getting rid of this errant shot that is plaguing almost 1 out of every 2 short irons shots. It's creating such a destructive, confidence eliminating mindset. Every time I stand over a shot, I'm saying to myself, "Don't shank it, don't shank it, don't shank", and then THWACK! that horrid sound results. I'm seriously on the verge of tears of frustration out on the course but I'm addressing the problem thanks to tips from the pros (see video below). I'm determined to get back on track.
Drill: Try this drill: Place a headcover just outside the ball, and practice hitting wedges. To miss the headcover, you have to swing from the inside with the face more open (left). If you're hitting shanks on the course, imagine the headcover in place and miss it from the inside.
—Butch Harmon / Golf Digest Teaching Professional
