What is a Skulled Golf Shot (and 5 Tips to Stop The Problem)

Although it may not happen often, skulling the golf balls is something that seems to occur after a good drive or when you are leading in a match against a friend. Is there something about this shot that sneaks up at the worst possible moments? 

We will examine what a “skulled” golf shot is, how it happens, and, most importantly, how we can fix it. This guide can help you, no matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced player. 

 

What is a Skulled Shot of Golf?

A skulled shot refers to a ball that flies just above ground level, or almost on the ground. A skulled shot is usually not controllable and will fly further than you expected. 

The result of a very thin golf ball is a skulled shot. The leading edge of the golf clubs strikes the upper portion of the ball. The goal of golf is for the clubface to touch the ball, and not the leading edge. 

 

Common Causes of a Skulled Gun

Skulling a hole shot is not always a bad thing. There are a few things you can do to improve your golf swing and eliminate the problem. Here are some common causes of a skewed shot. 

Losing Spine Angle

A skulled shot can be caused by losing your ability to hit the fairway. spine angleThe backswing. Sometimes, players will stand up and get more vertical during their backswing. The spine angle must be restored when they return to the ball. It is often too late to hit it on the center of a clubface. 

Too much hand involvement 

Some players use their hands for picking up the ball from the ground. Depending on which sports you have played, and the games that you are skilled at, picking up the ball with your hands can feel more natural and consistent. 

But it’s not!

Too much hand involvement and the desire to hit the ball rather than swinging through it can sometimes lead to a skulled shot. 

It’s not enough to turn 

Golfers who do not incorporate a lower backswing body turn often have trouble with a skulled shot. A downswing that is not as grounded will result in a slightly higher swing arc, which can cause a skulled shot. 

Golfers who have a good starting position will be able to play well. Strong hip turnA square clubface on takeaway has much more luck. 

False Mental Picture

Do you know how to lift a golf club in the air. Many players mistakenly think that lifting a golf ball in the air is the same thing as getting it in the air. This is especially important for chip shots, pitch shots, wedges and pitch shots. The ball isn’t lifted into the air. Instead, the ball is compressed and flies in the air after contact. 

Take a look at the top golfers and see how they look at impact. The pictures could change your perception of impact. 

 

5 Tips to Stop Golf Shot Skulling

After determining what causes your skulled golf shot, it’s time to implement a fix. There are many ways to stop the ball from hitting the ground in both your short and long game. 

1. Stay more centred 

Golfers often slide laterally when swinging. This will make it much more difficult to get the club face back to square and grounded. If you are able to stay more centered, pivot, and your weight loads up on your back foot, it will transfer to your frontfoot as you swing through the ball. 

To stay centered, you need to have good posture and core strength. Make sure the ball is in the correct position in your stance. Also, make sure your head is in the right place. 

Amateur golfers often believe they must move more than what they actually do in their swings. You can increase power and your ability by staying centered. 

2. Use Your Legs

Your legs will be used to turn the club, and your wrists and hands will help you hit the square. Some players will lift the club up on the backswing, and the clubface’s bottom edge never returns back to the bottom of the ball. 

Using your legs will help you stay more grounded and make it easier for you to golf more consistently. 

Overuse of hands and wrists in the short-game can lead to sloppy shots, skulls, and fat shots. You will feel more confident when you incorporate your legs into your swing. 

3. Try to Hit the Grass 

It’s a good idea to practice hitting the grass. You must also hit the grass to properly strike a golf club. Even if the ball is not picked from the ground, it will still touch the ground and help improve the overall launch. 

You can even clip the grass by taking small chip-and-pitch shots in your backyard). If you continue to swing and miss the grass, the ball will be placed in the same way. 

Be sure to have a proper stance, posture, and set-up. You can also use a better pivot for your arms to pull them down and through the ball. 

4. A Little Weight on the Left 

You might find it difficult to hit the skulling shot if you add a little weight to your left side during setup. This should not be overdone as it can affect ball flight. Instead, feel slightly lean and try to return to the same position at impact. 

Sometimes, a little weight on the left can be enough to remind you to keep the club down and in the grass. 

This trick is very useful when hitting pitch shots and chip shots around a green. Skulling a small chip across the back of green is very frustrating. It can also lead to a double-bogey. Setup your arms so that you feel a little tired. Just before you take the club back, lean to the left. 

5. Maintain the Spine Angle 

Your golf swing will be more enjoyable if you maintain a proper spine angle. Keep your spine in the same position at the beginning of your swing to maintain a proper angle. 

Take a video of your golf swing to see if it is rotating around a fixed point, or if your spine angle changes as you swing. 

As players try to get the ball in the air, the spin angle often changes. It is not something that a golfer will do intentionally to get a golf ball up in the air. It happens because of a great swing.