How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf: Essential Tips

Learn how to eliminate the two-way miss in golf with expert tips on swing path and club face control for consistent performance.

Watch the full 5-minute video lesson

Understanding the Two-Way Miss

The two-way miss is a common challenge many golfers face as they progress in their game. Initially, golfers may struggle with an over-the-top swing resulting in a big banana slice. However, as they improve and learn to approach the ball more from the inside, they can develop a new issue: the two-way miss.

For those unfamiliar with this term, the two-way miss refers to a situation where the golfer can hit the ball both left and right of the target. This inconsistency makes it incredibly difficult to play golf with any level of confidence. The primary culprit often lies in the swing path and how it interacts with the club face.

Path and Club Face Relationship

When your club approaches the ball from too far inside, the outcome largely depends on the orientation of the club face at impact. If the club face is square to the path, you might hit a shot that goes 30 yards right. Conversely, if the face closes too quickly, you could end up with a shot 30 yards left of your target. Most golfers mistakenly believe that a shot going left indicates an over-the-top swing. In reality, it's often caused by a swing path that is too far from the inside.

When the club swings shallowly, it tends to rotate the toe around the heel, causing the face to close rapidly. Timing this movement can be incredibly challenging, leading to unpredictable shot outcomes. Thus, fixing your swing path should be your priority if you find yourself battling the two-way miss.

Identifying the Cause

The primary reason golfers develop a path that is too far from the inside is their hips driving the motion while the arms get stuck behind the body. This scenario often occurs when a golfer aggressively rotates their hips and shifts laterally, resulting in excess secondary axis tilt at impact. When your body is in this position, the club tends to come from the inside too much, forcing you to flip the club to save the shot, which can lead to the dreaded two-way miss.

Drills to Fix the Two-Way Miss

To address the two-way miss, one of the most effective drills is to focus on keeping the hips quiet at impact while ensuring that your right heel remains grounded. This approach helps prevent excessive secondary tilt and allows the club to drop down on the correct plane.

Here’s how to practice:

  1. Start with half swings, focusing on a 'nine to three' swing motion.
  2. Concentrate on maintaining a stacked position over your joints, keeping your torso aligned with your hips.
  3. Make sure your right heel stays down on the ground throughout the swing.
  4. Feel the difference in your posture—avoid leaning back and instead, keep your knees steady and your feet planted.

This drill encourages you to feel tall at impact and helps you release the club correctly. As a result, it becomes more challenging to swing too far from the inside, reducing the likelihood of those errant shots.

Final Thoughts

When practicing this drill, remember that your hips may feel more square than they actually are. By focusing on being anchored and solid to the ground, you will develop a better awareness of your swing path. Ultimately, this can help you eliminate the two-way miss and improve your overall golf game.

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