How to Stop Topping
Stop topped golf shots. Several of the most common causes of topped golf shots and solutions are clearly described in this video. It is common for players to top the ball when they flatten the swing plane out early in the forward swing. Flattening the swing plane often occurs as players push at the ball with their arms and wrists early in the forward swing. This flattening causes the club head to hit high on the ball as it is traveling on an upward path as it approaches the ball. A second common reason for topped golf shots is hitting down on the ball from the outside. This occurs as the player either rotates shoulders on a too flat plane or pushes arms and wrists on a too flat plane. The club is pushed on a path outside the original intended line and then quickly moves back into the ball from the outside. Often times the club will hit far too high on the ball topping it. These shots will skitter across the ground to the pulled side of the golfer.
Two common misconceptions are that most topped shots are caused by standing up or lifting your head. Remedies for topped golf shots include how to maintain a steeper angle of approach and how to keep your club traveling on the plane. Ultimately quieting and relaxing your arms and wrists and allowing the rotation of your hips and trunk remedy the problem. Both solutions are described in this video from Dave Cahill PGA Master Professional at Cahill Golf Schools Loggers Trail Golf Course, Minnesota & Palm Springs, CA.