Control of the ball’s flight is entirely dependent on the impact of both the club and the ball.
To make a straight shot, the club head must align with the flight line. The ball should travel straight along the line. To get a straight shot, the ball should be hit directly at the sweet spot on the club face.
Since it involves all the factors mentioned above, the straight flying shot has been a favorite of golf instructors for many years. Most top players prefer to draw or fade to avoid erring.
It generally works. However, sometimes, the curvature causes the shot to be taken in an opposite direction than intended.
This is especially important when the golf swing involves a rolling action of the forearms.
Straight shots are easier than other types of shots because the forearms don’t roll under impact. It is well-known that a straight line runs the longest distance between two points.
A straight shot is the best way to maximize ball compression. Every error on the shot or angle of the clubface at impact reduces compression. For any given club headspeed, more compression means less distance. In other words, we can get significant distance with perfect clubball contact.
These are the rules for ball flight that will determine how powerful, accurate and what shape the shot is.
Straight shot-club face square. Traveling straight down target line with adequate loft. Side spin is not possible as the ball only carries back spin.
Fade-The club’s face should be open to the flightline so the club head can travel directly down it. A square club face will cause the face to fade. However, it shouldn’t go straight down and the face must not face the flightline. You will see a mixture of side and back spin on the ball.
Draw- This is exactly the reverse of the fade.
Slice- A slice refers to a bigger version of the fade. This can be caused by not rolling the arms to the square position or an out to inclub head path. An open club face may be created by this out-to in club head path, which can create a larger slice.
Hook – This is the exact opposite of the slice.
Now you’re halfway there.
Dan Shauger