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Topping the ball and hitting it fat are two of the most frustrating problems in golf — and they usually share the same root cause. PGA Golf Coach Claire Batista breaks down exactly what needs to happen at impact with your irons, hybrids and fairway woods, and shares three practical drills to help you fix it. If inconsistent ball striking is costing you shots, this video is well worth your time.
Claire Batista – From the Fairway
Poor impact is behind most topped and fat shots, and Claire Batista explains clearly why it happens and what to do about it. The video covers how the club is designed to work, why trying to lift the ball is the enemy of good contact, and how three targeted drills can help you find the correct position at impact. Whether you struggle with the occasional duff or feel like your ball striking is completely unpredictable, this session offers a straightforward path to more consistent contact.
Key Takeaways
Sweet spot to the equator
Sweet spot to the equator
Aim to strike the ball with the sweet spot — five grooves up from the bottom of the face — making contact at the equator of the ball, not underneath it.
Hands ahead at impact
The handle must be slightly ahead of the clubhead as you strike the ball, creating a small forward shaft lean that delivers a descending blow and ensures ball-first contact.
Three drills to build the feel
The two-tee drill, an impact bag and the relaxed-grip “hinge and bow” drill all help you train the correct hand position at impact without needing to overthink the full swing.
Take the two-tee drill to the practice range and spend a few minutes clipping tees before you ever hit a ball — it is one of the quickest ways to feel what a proper descending strike actually is. This video suits anyone who struggles with topped shots, fat contact or unpredictable ball flight and wants a clear, drill-based explanation of why it is happening and how to change it.
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