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HOOKING
When the ball loses it's forward momentum and veers sharply to the left toward the end of it's flight, this is known as a hook (less sharply is referred to as a draw, and more viciously, a snap hook). 
The only way a ball can hook is if the clubface position at impact is in the closed position. First fix: Slow motion swinging.
The drill illustrated on the left is an excellent way to learn how to release the clubhead in the square position. Pull the club down in slow motion to the impact point 2 times in a row. Each time concentrating on returning the clubhead square. On the third swing, use the same action but swing at normal speed and allow the club to follow through. Repeated use of this drill will improve the player's appreciation of release. Start by hitting short shots whilst keeping the sensation of the drill in mind. Gradually increase the distance and length of club until results are satisfactory. Second Fix: A strong grip is one where at least three knuckles can be seen by the player during the address position. Standard grip is around two knuckles and a weak grip would be where only a portion of one knuckle can be seen as illustrated on the left . Grip pressure is also a key element in the release process. If the pressure is too loose at impact then the tendency will for the club to release too early causing the ball to hook. Try various shots with different grip pressures (don't over tighten the grip as this can cause physical problems as well as bad shots!)Third fix: Open the clubhead during the backswing. The easiest way to open the clubface during the backswing is to pre-set the blade at address.Simply open (have the club point to the right of target) the club out at address. If either this does not work or the position is uncomfortable (mentally or physically), then the player must learn to manipulate the clubhead during the swing. It may prove beneficial to the player to move the clubface into the open position at the top of the backswing. The cupped (achieved by "fanning" the clubhead (turning the toe out during the backswing) on the way back) position below right shows the clubface in an open position and may well prove to be a better preference than either the square, middle position or the closed arched wrist illustrated on the left.
Fourth Fix: Impede rotation of the left forearm Another way to impede an early release is by hindering rotation of the left forearm by pulling the handle of the club toward the ball during the downswing with the left hand.To ingrain this concept further, the player could practice hitting balls with the left arm only. Start with short shots (60 yards or so) and then graduate to full 7 iron shots. Never hit more than 20 consecutive shots one handed as this could cause other swing problems. Fifth Fix: Stop clubhead torque closing the clubface. Striking the ball from the toe of the club will cause the clubhead to twist around the shaft thus closing the clubface and causing the ball to slice.Faults & Fixes and work through the suggestions.Sixth Fix: Check out the latest equipment Whilst hooking is not a common problem, there are several design features which may help eradicate the problem:- Doctor Golf's tips for anti Hooking clubs are; a) Square set heads. b) Stiff shafts. c) Higher kickpoint in the shafts. d) Thicker grips. The above features are just some design styles that could offer help.
Talk to your local pro or club maker or call the Golf Factory on 01772 252523 for further advice.
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