What Causes a Push in Golf

In golf, a push is a shot that travels straight to the right of the target for right-handed golfers and straight to the left for left-handed golfers. This type of shot can be frustrating for golfers, as it can result in missed fairways, greens, and ultimately, higher scores. There are several factors that can cause a push in golf, including:

1. Alignment: One of the most common causes of a push is improper alignment. If a golfer’s body is aimed to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be aimed in the same direction, resulting in a push.
2. Grip: Another common cause of a push is an incorrect grip. If a golfer’s grip is too weak (meaning the hands are turned too far to the left for right-handed golfers or too far to the right for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
3. Swing path: The swing path is the direction the club travels during the swing. If a golfer’s swing path is too much to the right (for right-handed golfers) or too much to the left (for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
4. Weight transfer: The weight transfer is the movement of the body during the swing. If a golfer’s weight stays too much on their back foot during the downswing, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
5. Clubface angle: The clubface angle is the position of the clubface at impact. If the clubface is open at impact, it can cause the ball to go to the right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers), resulting in a push.
6. Ball position: Another factor that can cause a push in golf is improper ball position. If the ball is too far forward in a golfer’s stance, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Conversely, if the ball is too far back in the stance, it can cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook.
7. Swing tempo: Swing tempo refers to the speed and rhythm of a golfer’s swing. If a golfer’s swing tempo is too fast or jerky, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Slowing down the swing and focusing on a smooth, fluid motion can help correct this problem.
8. Mental game: Finally, the mental game can play a role in causing a push in golf. If a golfer is feeling anxious, tense, or distracted on the course, it can affect their swing and lead to errant shots. Learning to stay focused, relaxed, and confident on the course can help prevent pushes and other types of mishits.
9. Equipment: Equipment can also play a role in causing a push in golf. If a golfer’s clubs are not properly fitted to their body type and swing, it can result in a push or other types of mis-hits. For example, if the shaft of a golfer’s club is too stiff, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Conversely, if the shaft is too flexible, it can cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook.
10. Physical limitations: Finally, physical limitations can also contribute to a push in golf. For example, if a golfer lacks flexibility in their shoulders or hips, it can limit their ability to rotate through the swing, causing the clubface to be open at impact and resulting in a push. Similarly, if a golfer lacks strength in their core or upper body, it can affect their swing path and lead to errant shots. Working with a fitness professional to address these physical limitations can help golfers improve their swing and prevent pushes on the course.

To fix a push, it’s important to identify the root cause. A golf instructor can help diagnose the problem and provide drills and exercises to help correct it. Common fixes include adjusting alignment, strengthening the grip, changing the swing path, improving weight transfer, and adjusting the clubface angle at impact. With practice and patience, a golfer can overcome a push and hit more accurate shots.

 

Factors Related to Golf Club

Golf Club Factor	Description	Example	Effect on Push	Potential Solution
Clubface Angle	The position of the clubface at impact	Open Clubface	Ball starts right and curves further right	Adjust grip and swing path
Clubhead Speed	The speed at which the clubhead moves through impact	Fast Clubhead Speed	Ball goes further right due to the side spin	Focus on hitting more centered shots
Shaft Flexibility	The flexibility of the golf club shaft	Too flexible shaft	The clubhead may lag behind the hands causing a push	Use a stiffer shaft
Clubhead Design	The design of the golf club	Offset clubhead	The clubface may be closed causing a push	Use a clubhead with less offset
Club Length	The length of the golf club	Too long club	The golfer may stand too far from the ball causing a push	Use a shorter club length

Swing Mechanics Factors

Swing Mechanics Factor	Description	Example	Effect on Push	Potential Solution
Swing Path	The direction in which the clubhead moves during the swing	Over the top swing path	The clubface will be open at impact causing a push	Focus on a more inside-out swing path
Swing Tempo	The speed and rhythm of the golf swing	Fast tempo swing	The clubface may not have enough time to close causing a push	Slow down swing tempo
Body Alignment	The alignment of the body to the target	Open body alignment	The golfer will swing in the direction of their feet causing a push	Square body alignment to the target
Grip Pressure	The tightness of the grip on the golf club	Too tight grip	The golfer may have difficulty releasing the club causing a push	Use a lighter grip pressure
Weight Distribution	The distribution of weight during the swing	Too much weight on the back foot	The golfer may not transfer enough weight to the front foot causing a push	Focus on transferring weight to the front foot

Common Swing Faults

Fault	Description	Cause	Effect	Fix
Over-the-Top	Swinging too much from outside-to-inside	Early release of hands	Ball starts right of target and stays right	Work on sequence and keeping hands closer to body
Open Clubface	Clubface is pointed too far to the right at impact	Grip too weak or too strong	Ball starts right of target and continues right	Adjust grip or focus on squaring clubface at impact
Aim	Alignment is incorrect	Feet, hips, and shoulders are aimed too far to the right	Ball starts right and continues right	Check alignment before each shot
Ball Position	Ball is too far forward in stance	Too much weight on front foot	Ball starts right and continues right	Move ball back in stance and distribute weight evenly
Swing Plane	Swing is too steep or too shallow	Club comes too far from inside or outside on backswing	Ball starts right or left of target	Work on maintaining a consistent swing plane

Physical Limitations

Limitation	Description	Cause	Effect	Fix
Poor Flexibility	Inability to rotate shoulders and hips through swing	Tight muscles or joint restrictions	Inconsistent contact and ball flight	Improve flexibility through stretching and mobility exercises
Lack of Strength	Inability to generate clubhead speed	Weak muscles	Shorter shots and loss of distance	Work on building strength through weightlifting and resistance training
Balance Issues	Inability to maintain balance throughout swing	Poor posture or stability	Inconsistent contact and ball flight	Work on improving balance through exercises and drills
Injury	Physical limitations due to injury	Previous injuries or chronic conditions	Loss of range of motion and strength	Seek medical attention and follow rehabilitation plan
Age	Natural decline in physical abilities	Reduced strength and flexibility	Shorter shots and loss of distance	Adjust swing and equipment to compensate