Rory’s hook shot to winning

Rory McIlroy is awarded the Green Jacket by 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler after winning 2025 Masters at Augusta National. | AFP

Rory McIlroy is awarded the Green Jacket by 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler after winning 2025 Masters at Augusta National. | AFP

Image by: Michael Reaves, Getty Images via AFP

Published Apr 16, 2025

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It was an epic victory for Rory Mcilroy this past week as he achieved his long time dream of the ultimate grand slam of golf.

While he may have had some encounters were he would have thrown the tournament away,  it was his shot on hole 15 that, in my view, won him the Green Jacket.

His drive stuck behind a tree, Rory had to play a hook shot for his second and went into it to make an eagle three. 

A hook is a type of shot that curves sharply to the left (for right-handed golfers) or right (for left-handed golfers). It's often used to navigate around obstacles or to reach the green from a difficult angle.

The hook shot is a powerful tool in any golfer's arsenal, but it requires a deep understanding of the swing path, clubface alignment, and ball position.

To hit a hook shot, you'll need to master the following key elements:

Clubface alignment - The clubface needs to be closed relative to the swing path to impart sidespin on the ball. This requires a precise alignment of the clubface and body.

Swing path - A hook shot requires an inside-out swing path, where the clubhead approaches the ball from inside the target line. This promotes a draw-biased shot that curves to the left (for right-handed golfers).

Ball position - The ball position can affect the swing path and clubface alignment. For a hook, the ball is often positioned slightly back in the stance.

Grip - A stronger grip can help promote a hook shot, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to a slice or other issues.

To hit a hook shot, follow these tips:

-Practice your swing path - Focus on swinging the clubhead from inside the target line to promote an inside-out swing path.

-Adjust your clubface alignment - Make sure the clubface is closed relative to the swing path to impart side spin on the ball.

-Pay attention to ball position - Experiment with different ball positions to find what works best for you.

-Use the right club - Choose a club that allows you to control the trajectory and spin of the shot.

Mastering the hook shot in golf requires practice, patience, and attention to detail.

By understanding the key elements of a hook shot and practicing the right techniques, you can add this valuable shot to your arsenal and improve your overall game.

With time and practice, you'll be able to hit hook shots with confidence and precision, taking your golf game to the next level. Catch you on the fairways!

-Sewgolum is a PGA AA golf professional , Golf Pro for Saudi Aramco and was voted Top 5 International PGA professional for the year 2022. 

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