Few things are more frustrating for new golfers than watching a topped shot skid low across the fairway. It’s a common mistake, and the good news is that it’s usually the result of a simple technical error rather than a lack of strength or talent. By understanding what causes this mis-hit and making a few key adjustments, you can eliminate topped shots and start making solid, consistent contact.
Why Topped Shots Happen
A topped shot occurs when the club strikes the upper half of the golf ball or grazes it instead of making clean contact. The result is a weak, low-flying shot that rarely travels far. In most cases, the culprit isn’t your hands or the club—it’s your body positioning, particularly your shoulder movement during the swing.
The Role of Shoulder Angle
Your shoulder rotation sets the foundation for your entire swing. Ideally, your shoulders should turn along the same angle as your spine during the backswing, creating a stable plane. Many beginners, however, unintentionally lift their lead shoulder upward rather than rotating it downward.
From a front-facing view, this looks like the left shoulder is moving up instead of toward the ground. When this happens, the upper body tilt is disrupted, causing your head to rise more than it should. Once your head lifts, the club naturally follows, moving off its intended path.
The Chain Reaction
That upward motion creates a domino effect. As your head lifts, the club moves with it, making it difficult to strike the ball at the right point. Instead of compressing the ball, the clubhead skims across the top, resulting in a topped shot. It’s a small movement with a big impact—but it’s also one of the easiest issues to fix with awareness and practice.
How to Correct the Problem
1. Focus on Shoulder Rotation
During your backswing, concentrate on turning your lead shoulder downward, matching your spine’s angle. This keeps your swing on plane and encourages a more solid strike.
2. Practice in Slow Motion
Take a few slow, deliberate swings to build muscle memory. Practicing at a reduced pace helps you feel the proper shoulder movement without rushing through the motion.
3. Keep Your Head Steady
Your head acts as the anchor of your swing. Avoid lifting it during the backswing or early in the downswing. A stable head position allows the club to return to the ball consistently.
4. Get Professional Feedback
Sometimes, small flaws in your technique are hard to spot on your own. A golf instructor can provide personalized feedback and drills to reinforce the correct movements.
Final Thoughts
Topped shots can be discouraging, but they’re also one of the simplest problems to solve with the right approach. By paying attention to your shoulder angle, maintaining steady head positioning, and practicing with intention, you can eliminate topped shots and build a more reliable swing. With these adjustments, you’ll start making cleaner contact and see a noticeable improvement in both distance and accuracy.
