To stop taking big divots in golf, focus on a shallower angle of attack, proper weight distribution, and consistent ball positioning. Avoid a steep swing plane by working on a flatter downswing and keeping your wrists controlled. Practice drills on grass driving ranges or mats to refine your technique and aim for a proper divot—a shallow, bacon-strip style divot instead of a deep or cavernous divot.
Process of Reducing Divot Size
| Factor | Impact on Divots | Recommended Adjustment | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angle of Attack | Steep angle causes deep divots | Aim for a shallow angle (~3–5°) | High |
| Ball Position | Incorrect ball placement leads to improper divots | Position ball slightly forward for irons | Moderate |
| Weight Distribution | Excess back-foot weight causes fat shots | Keep weight balanced at impact | High |
| Swing Path | Steep path digs into ground | Focus on a shallower swing plane | High |
| Wrist Control | Overactive wrists lead to chunky divots | Maintain firm wrist positions | Moderate |
| Club Selection | Using inappropriate clubs leads to variability | Use game improvement irons for consistency | Moderate |
What Causes Big Divots in Golf?
Before we discuss how to prevent large divots, it’s essential to understand what causes them. Taking big divots usually results from one or more of the following issues:
- Steep Swing Path: If your swing is too steep or upright, the clubhead may strike the ground with more force, leading to larger divots.
- Poor Angle of Attack: A steep angle of attack can also cause the club to dig into the ground, leading to a big divot.
- Improper Weight Distribution: Shifting too much weight onto your back foot or front foot during the swing can affect how the club contacts the ball and the ground.
- Overactive Hands or Wrists: Excessive wrist movement can cause the clubface to strike the ground harder than necessary, resulting in a large divot.
- Incorrect Ball Position: A ball position that is too far forward or too far back can influence how your club makes contact with the ground.
- Club Selection: Using clubs with more loft or longer shafts can sometimes cause a deeper divot if your swing mechanics are not in sync.
Now that we know the main causes, let’s look at how to correct them and stop taking big divots.
1. Flatten Your Swing Path
One of the most common reasons for taking big divots is a steep or upright swing path. If your swing is too steep, the clubhead will dig too deeply into the ground, taking a large divot. To fix this, you need to flatten your swing.
How to Flatten Your Swing Path:
- Focus on a shallower angle of attack: The goal is to keep your club more level through impact and avoid steep drops.
- Adjust your posture: Standing a little lower to the ball with a slight bend in your knees can help flatten the swing path.
- Swing with your body: Avoid using your arms too much and let your body rotate through the shot. This promotes a more horizontal swing plane.
- Drills: Practice with drills like the “one-piece takeaway” to help you start the swing with a more level motion. You can also try the “pump drill,” where you practice making half swings without taking a divot.
2. Improve Your Angle of Attack
The angle of attack refers to the way the clubhead enters the ball. A steep angle of attack leads to deep, heavy divots, while a shallow angle of attack results in cleaner ball striking with minimal turf interaction.
How to Improve Your Angle of Attack:
- Make sure the ball is in the correct position: Position the ball in the middle of your stance for shorter irons, and slightly forward for longer irons and woods. This encourages a more shallow strike.
- Focus on hitting the ball first: Practice striking the ball cleanly before the ground by focusing on brushing the turf lightly, rather than digging into it. This ensures the clubhead doesn’t dig too deeply.
- Use a slightly descending blow: While you should avoid a steep angle, a slight downward angle of attack is necessary for solid contact with the ball. This will produce a controlled divot.
3. Proper Weight Distribution and Balance
Incorrect weight distribution often leads to poor ball striking and larger divots. Shifting too much weight onto the back foot or front foot during the swing can alter the club’s path and cause it to dig deeper into the ground.
How to Improve Weight Distribution:
- Distribute your weight evenly: Ensure your weight is balanced between your feet at address. Keep it centered, with a slight lean toward the balls of your feet.
- Maintain stability during the swing: Avoid swaying or excessive movement in your body. Try to keep your lower body stable and let your upper body rotate freely.
- Drills for balance: Practice swings while focusing on keeping your head still. This encourages better weight transfer and reduces the chance of taking big divots.
4. Control Your Hands and Wrists
Overactive hands or wrists during the swing can cause you to hit the ground too hard, resulting in a deep divot. A more controlled wrist action will help you make cleaner contact with the ball, preventing big divots.
How to Control Your Hands and Wrists:
- Keep your wrists firm: Try to maintain a more stable wrist position throughout the swing. Avoid excessive flipping of the wrists, especially at impact.
- Focus on body rotation: Let your body do the majority of the work. When your body rotates properly, the hands will naturally follow, reducing the need for excessive wrist movement.
- Drills to reduce wrist action: Practice the “low and slow” drill, which encourages minimal wrist movement and helps develop a more consistent, controlled swing.
5. Adjust Your Ball Position
Improper ball position can affect how your club interacts with the ground, leading to larger divots. If the ball is positioned too far forward or too far back in your stance, it can throw off your swing and cause inconsistent contact.
How to Correct Your Ball Position:
- For short irons and wedges: Position the ball in the center of your stance to promote a more vertical clubhead path and a shallower strike.
- For longer irons and woods: Place the ball slightly forward in your stance. This will help you catch the ball on the upswing and avoid taking big divots.
- Experiment with ball position: It may take some experimentation to find the ideal ball position for each club in your bag. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to make cleaner strikes and reduce divots.
6. Choose the Right Club for the Situation
Sometimes, taking big divots is simply a result of using the wrong club for the shot. If you’re using a club with too much loft or the wrong length, it can encourage a deeper divot, especially if your swing mechanics aren’t adjusted accordingly.
How to Select the Right Club:
- Choose clubs based on distance: Select clubs that match the distance you need to hit. Using an appropriate club will help you focus more on your swing and reduce the chances of a large divot.
- Use a club with the right loft: A more lofted club like a sand wedge or pitching wedge can often lead to bigger divots if not swung correctly. Consider using a less lofted club for a shallower strike.
- Adjust your setup: Make small adjustments to your stance or grip to ensure the club you’re using is optimal for the shot.
7. Practice with Purpose
The key to eliminating big divots is consistent practice. Simply hitting balls without paying attention to your technique will not solve the problem. Instead, focus on the fundamentals of your swing and make adjustments as needed.
Practice Tips to Reduce Big Divots:
- Slow down your swing: Practice hitting shots at a slower pace, paying close attention to your angle of attack, swing path, and contact.
- Use a divot pattern drill: Mark a spot on the ground and aim to hit just the ball while avoiding taking a large divot. This will help you develop a more controlled swing.
- Video your swing: Recording your swing can give you a visual reference to identify where you’re going wrong. You may notice issues with your swing path, ball position, or weight distribution.
Why do I take huge divots during my golf swing?
Huge divots occur when your golf club hits the ground too hard, often due to a steep angle of attack, improper weight distribution, or overactive wrists. The swing path and ball position are also key factors. When the attack angle is too steep, the club digs into the turf, causing deep or cavernous divots. Additionally, placing the ball too far back in your stance can result in a fat shot.
How does ball position affect my divots?
Ball position determines where your club interacts with the ground. For irons, the ball should be slightly forward in your stance, allowing for clean contact at impact. If the ball is too far back, the club hits the ground before the ball, leading to deep divots. A correct ball position produces proper divots—shallow and bacon-strip style—improving ball flight and consistency.
What is the role of angle of attack in divot size?
The angle of attack greatly influences divot size. A steep angle of attack will lead to deep divots or even giant soup bowl-style divots. A shallow angle, on the other hand, helps create perfect divots. For optimal results, aim for a negative attack angle with irons (slightly descending) and a positive angle for woods (slightly ascending). This balance ensures better turf interaction and cleaner shots.
How can I improve my swing plane to reduce divots?
A steep swing plane often results in deep divots. To flatten your swing, focus on a proper spine angle and rotate your body smoothly during the downswing. Drills like the “90-90 hip mobility drill” can help improve hip rotation, which is key for maintaining a shallow swing path. Practicing on grass ranges or range mats would allow you to monitor and adjust your swing plane effectively.
What are fat shots, and how do they relate to big divots?
Fat shots occur when the golf club strikes the ground before the golf ball, leading to deep or chunky divots. Fat golf shots are often caused by poor weight distribution, a steep attack angle, or an incorrect downswing shaft plane. Avoiding fat shots requires consistent weight transfer and a proper angle of attack.
Are there tools or aids to help with divots?
Yes, tools like a Divot Board or practice aids available at grass driving ranges can help monitor your divot patterns. These tools allow golfers to track their swing path, attack angle, and contact point, making it easier to correct issues causing discomfort with divots or inconsistent shots.
How does club selection influence divots?
The type of golf club used affects divot size and shape. For example, irons with graphite shafts or hybrid irons are designed for better turf interaction and can help inconsistent iron players reduce enormous divots. Game improvement irons are also recommended for players struggling with deep divots, as they provide better control and forgiveness.
What is the best way to practice avoiding big divots?
Practice drills targeting swing mechanics are essential. Start with the cast drill to prevent early wrist release. Focus on center contact and monitor your divot size on an outdoor range or using mats. Images from URL resources like Golf Monthly and individual posts by instructors can also provide visual references for proper technique. Use irons with proper loft and check your swing path periodically.
Why do recreational golfers often struggle with divots?
Recreational golfers may lack the golf instruction or consistent practice needed to develop a perfect swing plane or proper divots. Issues like incorrect ball positioning, improper wrist angles, or a steep angle of attack can lead to deep or chunky divots. Following tailored guidance and practicing on grass ranges can help improve their golf game.
Can discomfort with divots indicate a deeper issue?
Yes, discomfort with divots may point to core issues like a steep attack angle coming into the ball, legitimate hip mobility issues, or poor body release. Addressing these problems through drills, proper technique, and professional guidance can improve your ball flight, reduce divot holes, and enhance overall performance.
How do professional golfers handle divots?
Professional golfers focus on creating consistent divots, often bacon-strip style, by maintaining a shallow angle of attack and proper weight distribution. They use techniques like a steady upper body rotation, proper wrist angles, and accurate ball positioning to achieve this. The divot explanation from pros highlights the importance of balance and precision in making effective golf shots.
Final Thought
Taking big divots can be frustrating, but it’s a problem that can be fixed with the right approach. By flattening your swing path, improving your angle of attack, adjusting your weight distribution, controlling your wrist action, and ensuring proper ball position, you can reduce the chances of taking deep divots.
Consistent practice and attention to detail will help you develop a more efficient and controlled swing, leading to better performance on the course. With time and dedication, you’ll be able to make cleaner ball contact and stop taking big divots, improving your overall game and enjoyment of golf.