MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Topped shots: checks and practice

An iron clubhead beside a golf ball on short grass. — Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

A topped shot contacts near the top of the ball and often rolls or hops. It is a contact-location result, not a diagnosis of one body fault.

Possible causes

Changing arc height
Reaching or losing balance
Ball position or club length mismatch

Simple checks

Reduce the swing to a short motion.
Check comfortable distance from the ball.
Use a lofted iron and inspect impact location.

A practice drill

Hit a small set from a very low tee, then a good lie. Record whether the ball leaves the ground. A coach can help connect repeated top contact with movement.

Avoid this trap

Avoid trying to help the ball into the air. Do not keep hitting full-speed drivers after contact becomes unrecognizable.

The checks narrow the possibilities; they do not confirm a diagnosis. Keep a record of several shots and ask a qualified coach to connect the pattern to your swing.