26
Topping it, hitting it fat, or just not knowing where the ball is going next? PGA Golf Coach Claire Batista breaks down exactly why these impact errors happen and, more importantly, how to fix them. With three practical drills you can take straight to the range, this video gets to the root of one of the most common faults in the game.
Claire Batista – From the Fairway
Claire Batista cuts through the confusion around iron contact by explaining how the club is actually designed to work — and why our instinct to scoop the ball up is the very thing causing the problem. The video covers the key impact positions needed to strike the ball cleanly with irons, hybrids, and fairway woods, then walks through three drills to help you feel the difference. Whether you’re topping it regularly or catching the ground before the ball, this one is worth your time.
Key Takeaways
Sweet spot to the equator
Sweet spot to the equator
The goal at impact is to get the sweet spot — five grooves up from the bottom of the iron face — to strike the equator of the golf ball, not to scoop underneath it.
Hands ahead, descending blow
Your hands must be slightly ahead of the club head at impact, which naturally creates a small forward shaft lean and allows the club to hit the ball first, then the ground.
Three drills to build the feeling
The two-tee drill, an impact bag, and a relaxed “hinge and bow” wrist drill all help you feel what correct hand position and body movement should be at the moment of contact.
Start with the two-tee drill on the range — it costs nothing and immediately shows you whether your club is bottoming out in the right place. This video is ideal for golfers who struggle with inconsistent ball-striking and want a clear, structured way to build a more reliable impact position.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
