What is a Shank in Golf?

A shank in golf is when a golfer hits the ball with the hosel of the golf club (the point where the clubhead meets the shaft). Causing the ball to travel almost sideways of the desired target.

Believe it or not the shank happens to everyone. The sweet spot of a golf club and the hosel are less a golf ball apart. Don’t believe me, watch Tiger Woods himself, hit a shank in a tournament.

Why does the Shank happen?

There are many different reasons why a shank occurs. With all the different, odd, and unnatural swings you will find on the golf course it’s hard to pin down one reason. It could come down to bad hand eye coordination or just awful rotation. 

However, for more experienced players with an accurate handicap, there are basic reasons for the shank. Todd Kolb, one of my favorite youtube coaches, breaks down the two reasons he believes the shank happens.

For high handicappers, he believes the expose the hosel to the ball by swinging the club extremely out to in. Keeping the club face opening and addressing the ball hosel first.

For low handicappers or professionals, Kolb states they bring the club inside to out. Which ultimately exposes the hosel in a sweeping motion towards the ball. 

In both scenarios, the club is further away from the player when the club comes into contact with the ball.

Check out his video teaching for US Golf TV.

How to fix a Shank in Golf

If the causes of the shank are related to the club path. Then this is exactly where we need to work on. 

Fixing the Shank for High Handicappers

As Todd Kolb said, high handicappers shank due to extreme in to out swing path. So without thinking of the dreaded shank anymore than we have to, let’s focus on just fixing our swing path. Simply enough. 

Listen to Ryan Hager explain an odd drill that can help you identify the feel of an in to out swing path. The drill is called The Wiff Drill.

The drill will get you hitting more off the toe of the club and creating the proper habits for a proper swing path.

Fixing the Shank for Low Handicappers

For low handicappers, shanks arise more commonly from coming too much from the inside. Some would call it “getting stuck inside”.

Watch JChownGolf list three reasons you get stuck inside and provide three drills or feels that can help you overcome this.

Radical Conclusion

The shank is one of golf’s most frustrating and humbling mishits, but it’s also a challenge that every golfer—whether amateur or professional—faces at some point. Understanding the causes, whether it’s an extreme out-to-in path for high handicappers or an inside-to-out path for more experienced players, is the first step to conquering it. By using the drills and advice from coaches like Todd Kolb, Ryan Hager, and JChownGolf, you can work on correcting your swing path and build the habits needed to hit the ball more consistently. 

Remember, the shank is just a temporary glitch, not a permanent flaw. With practice, awareness, and a little patience, you’ll get back to finding the sweet spot and enjoying the game. Happy golfing!