Hood Golf Term

Hood

When you begin your journey as a golfer, you quickly realize that the game comes with a language of its own. From hooks to slices, birdies to bogeys, there are numerous golf-specific terms that can sometimes feel overwhelming. One such term is “hood.” Let's explore what this term means in the world of golf.

When golfers refer to a “hood,” they are usually talking about the position of the clubface at the start of the downswing. Hooding the clubface means closing it, which results in a lower trajectory and a left-to-right curve for right-handed golfers.

  • Clubface Position: The hooded position of the clubface occurs when the leading edge of the clubface is tilted towards the ground. This means that the toe of the club is closer to the ground than the heel.
  • Usage: Golfers may choose to hood their clubface intentionally to control the trajectory of their shots. This technique is especially useful in certain situations, such as when playing in the wind or when trying to hit low, penetrating shots.
  • Draw Shot: Hooding the clubface can also help golfers hit a draw, which is a shot that curves gently from right to left for right-handed players. By closing the clubface, you can encourage the ball to start right and curve back towards the target.

It is important to note that while hooding the clubface can be advantageous in specific scenarios, it is generally not recommended as a default position. When the clubface is hooded, it decreases the loft of the club, resulting in reduced distance and increased difficulty in getting the ball airborne.

Now, let's take a look at a step-by-step guide on how to hood the clubface:

  1. Address the ball in your regular setup position.
  2. At the top of your backswing, rotate your hands to close the clubface slightly. Be cautious not to overdo it, as this can lead to a hook.
  3. Begin your downswing, maintaining the closed clubface position.
  4. Trust the closed clubface and swing through impact with confidence.

By practicing this technique on the driving range, you can become more comfortable with hooding the clubface and develop a feel for controlling the ball's trajectory.

In conclusion, hooding the clubface refers to the intentional closing of the clubface at the start of the downswing. Golfers use this technique to control the trajectory of their shots and can be particularly useful when playing in challenging conditions or when looking to hit a draw. However, it is essential to remember that hooding the clubface should not be the default position as it can reduce distance and make it harder to get the ball airborne. With practice and a good understanding of this technique, you can add another valuable shot-shaping tool to your golfing arsenal.