Taking a Divot

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By GGonzalez

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  • 8 Replies
  1. GGonzalez

    GGonzalez

    I've worked a lot to reduce casting and early extension - and it's definitely helped.

    However, I can't seem to take a divot for the life of me. My only real swing thought right now is "ball then turn", in order to work on better ball striking. However, I'd like to be able to take a divot as well.

    I feel a little more comfortable with this using wedges, but even then, I typically pick it clean or create a tiny divot.

    Can anyone share some good drills that have helped with divots and ball striking? TIA

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Before you continue, know that there have been some great “pickers” like Tom Watson for one. Also not long ago, Tiger said when his swing is at its best, he does not take a divot. As long as you are not scooping or blading the ball, picking is not a bad thing, especially if you play in wet or soft fairways.
  3. EddietheKarp

    EddietheKarp
    Pennsylvania

    Basically all we’d be trying to do is move the bottom of our swing arc forward a touch. Tee the ball up very slightly and place another tee at the same height about 1/2” in front of of the ball. Practice hitting the ball first and then the tee in front. That will give you the feeling your looking for.
  4. francisco b

    francisco b

    I struggle a lot as well usually hit the ball dead center but I'll always top it practice swings are my favorite for confidence and reminder for how to swing the club. For my practice swing I pretty much go slower than most people, like slow-mo swing for practice
  5. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military
    How are your shots working out when you don't take a divot? Do you get stopping power on the greens? If the shape and performance of the shot is good, why are you trying to change so that you take a divot? Is there a reason that you believe doing so will improve your shots or their performance? If not, I would not change a thing unless working with a professional indicates one.
  6. Alistair M

    Alistair M
    New Zealand 🇳🇿

    I am definitely no golf expert. Is there a reason you are trying to take a divot? Will it help your outcome of the shot?
    That famous YouTube clip of Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler comes to mind. Tiger was saying he doesn’t take a divot when he is “flushing” his iron shots. Again, not an expert, but perhaps it is not necessary to take a divot to have a positive outcome.
    Keep up the good practice and keep it in play.
    All the best.
  7. DStover

    DStover
    Smithfield, NC

    I seam to be the same. if im striking the ball well Im picking it clean / just cutting the grass.
  8. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    You have to imagine the club hits the ground AFTER it hits the ball. You MUST hit down on the back of the ball with a slightly descending blow, you're not sweeping the ground with a broom. There are many things I'd recommend you try, but I'll tread lightly since I haven't seen your swing. Find a local pro that can play a little, they seem to understand the move through the ball better than most.

    *** You can be a very good player being a picker of the ball, taking light divots, or very small divots!
  9. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    Sounds like you have a very shallow angle of attack.Think of hitting the ball first, then the turf.Have someone record your swing, so you can see what's actually going on.

    If you're happy with your ball striking, I wouldn't change too much.

    Not taking a divot isn't the worst thing.....

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