Mel Sole

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How to avoid topping the golf ball.

How to avoid topping the golf ball.

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC.  We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993.  We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tips by the Mel Sole Golf School.

This month's Mel in Motion video golf tip is especially for the high handicappers and beginner golfers out there. Topping is a problem many of us have to overcome. Work on Mel's drill to learn how to avoid topping, and you'll hit more solid shots than ever before.

The Cause.

There are only two causes that result in topping the ball. First, these swing flaws prevent one basic golf swing fundamental - controlling the bottom of the arc consistently. If you cannot control the bottom of the arc with every swing, you cannot be a decent golfer.  Period.  So my Correction Drill below is the drill that most beginners should repeatedly do until the clubhead can brush the grass each time they swing.  The nice thing here is you can do this without a ball in your backyard if necessary.

The Reasons.

This drill is a drill I teach to 90% of my students.  Why?  Because 90% of my students cannot control the bottom of the arc consistently!  This is a must if you want to play at a reasonable level.  The two causes of topping the ball are raising the spine angle (some people call it picking up your head), but the head is attached to the spine. Hopefully, it is not the head but the spine that raises.  The second reason is what we call "the chicken wing." This is when the lead arm collapses and shortens the distance from the head to the ball.  So even if you keep your head perfectly still but break down the lead arm, you will still top the ball.

The Drill.

The drill is called the 9 o clock to 3 o clock drill.  By keeping the lead arm straight and the head in the same position, you should brush the grass with the club's bottom.  Start with a short swing (9 to 3), and as your skill level improves and you can brush the grass every time, allow the swing to get gradually longer.  At some point, you will be able to do a full swing and still brush the grass. By this time, you will know How to avoid topping the golf ball.

https://youtu.be/4JNlCSZwgO8

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for watching - How to avoid topping the golf ball.  This is for my beginner students!

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