Ray Hawkins – Angle of angle of attack
Today, we’re diving into the topic of Angle of Attack with expert golf instructor Ray Hawkins, and how golfers, especially amateurs, can improve their strike.
One of the most common issues I see when people come in for lessons is that many amateurs struggle with either hitting the ground before the ball (also known as “catching it fat”) or making contact with the ball using the leading edge of the club (hitting it thin). This is often the result of an incorrect angle of attack, which is a key factor in achieving consistent, solid contact with the ball.
To help fix this issue, Ray Hawkins recommends a simple yet effective drill that can make a significant difference in improving your strike. Start by placing a tee about an inch or two in front of the ball on the ground. The goal of this drill is to train your hands to be slightly more in front of the ball at impact, creating an “inverse shaft” position. In simpler terms, you want to feel like the hands are leading the clubhead through the ball rather than flipping the hands or adding dynamic loft before contact. Many amateurs unknowingly add loft or flip their wrists, causing them to either hit the ground first or make contact with the ball using the leading edge.
A great way to feel this more down-and-through motion is by imagining that the club is working down into the ground. This is opposite to the feel you might have when hitting a driver, where you typically want to strike the ball with an upward angle. So, instead of trying to sweep the ball off the ground, think about making a downward motion, ensuring that you hit the ball with a descending blow.
Using advanced technology such as the Trackman, you can get a precise reading of your angle of attack. For reference, the tour average for a 7-iron is around -4.3 degrees, meaning that most professional golfers strike the ball with a slight downward angle of about 4.3 degrees. While it’s not necessary to match this exactly, aiming for an angle of attack in the range of 4 to 6 degrees down will help you achieve a better, more consistent strike.
In the example I’ve provided, my low point distance is 12.2 cm after the ball, with an attack angle of 5.8 degrees downward. This is a good representation of what you’re aiming for – a slight descending strike that creates a solid, clean contact with the ball.
Ultimately, the most important thing to focus on is the feeling of the club working down and in front of the ball. By doing this, you’ll prevent adding dynamic loft or catching the ground too early, resulting in a more precise strike and better overall ball control.
I hope these tips help you improve your game. If you’re interested in more personalized advice, Ray Hawkins is available for lessons and club fittings at precisiongolf.com.au. Feel free to book a session and take your game to the next level!