Curing a Hook A hook shot is caused by the ball spinning in a counter clockwise direction. This type of spin is a combination of the swing action and the clubface working against one another and this can be corrected by adjusting your grip and stance.

Your grip has a lot to do with where your clubface is pointing at impact. Although different grips suit different players there are a few general guidelines to follow in order to cure a hook. When addressing the ball you should be able to look down and see two knuckles of the top hand of your grip, this will ensure your grip is not too far left or right. If you can see three or four knuckles this could be contributing to your hook.

Golfers who hook the ball generally try to compensate by aiming outside of the intended target area but this will only intensify the hook. To counteract this double check that you are not aiming too far right or left. This can be done through laying a club on the ground parallel to your target line and making sure your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are parallel to this club which in turn will improve your aim and will help improve your hook.

THE VALLEY

6th Hole at The Royal Dublin Golf Club, The Bull Island, Dublin This deceptively long par 5 is one of the brand new holes that Martin Hawtree introduced by removing both the old par 3 sixth and the short par 4 seventh. The tee shot presents a narrowing right to left fairway which is guarded on both sides by sloping hills and strategically placed sand traps. The fairway then curves right to left with a raised knuckle of rough with a cratered centre guarding a landing area beyond.

The green is partially hidden by dunes on the right hand side and it slopes severely from the back right and is guarded on the left by a deep greenside bunker. Wind assisted this hole can offer up some birdie chances but if it is playing into the wind take your five and be happy.

Emmanuel Riblet, Golf Pro, Premier Golf Santry