What Causes a Push in Golf and How Can You Fix It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Swing Mechanics & Shot Fixes

A perfectly struck golf shot is every player’s dream, but all too often, the ball doesn’t travel along the intended path. One common mishap that frustrates golfers of all skill levels is the dreaded “push.” Understanding what causes a push in golf is essential for anyone looking to improve their game and gain better control over their shots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, recognizing the factors behind this shot pattern can be the first step toward more consistent and accurate play.

A push in golf occurs when the ball starts straight but veers off directly to the right (for a right-handed golfer) without curving back. This shot can be puzzling because it often looks like a clean strike, yet the ball fails to follow the desired line. The reasons behind a push are varied, ranging from subtle swing path issues to grip and alignment errors. By exploring these underlying causes, golfers can begin to identify and correct the tendencies that lead to this common problem.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the primary factors that contribute to a push in golf, helping you pinpoint what might be going wrong in your swing or setup. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to make the necessary adjustments and ultimately enjoy straighter, more reliable shots on the course. Whether

Common Swing Faults That Cause a Push

A push in golf occurs when the ball starts to the right of the target line (for a right-handed golfer) and continues straight without curving back. Understanding the swing faults that lead to a push can help in diagnosing and correcting the issue.

One primary cause is an open clubface relative to the swing path at impact. When the clubface is aimed right of the path, the ball is launched in that direction. This typically happens when the golfer’s hands are positioned incorrectly at impact or if the wrists fail to rotate properly through the shot.

Another frequent culprit is an inside-to-outside swing path combined with a square or slightly open clubface. This path sends the ball rightward, often resulting in a push rather than a slice because the face is not excessively open relative to the path.

Additional swing faults that contribute to a push include:

  • Improper alignment: Aiming the body or clubface right of the target.
  • Insufficient body rotation: Restricts the natural release of the clubface.
  • Early extension: Standing up too soon during the downswing, altering the swing plane.
  • Grip issues: A weak grip can prevent the proper closing of the clubface.

Correct diagnosis involves careful observation or video analysis of the swing, focusing on clubface position, swing path, and body mechanics.

Impact of Grip and Stance on Push Shots

The grip and stance play crucial roles in the direction the ball travels. Both influence how the clubface meets the ball and the swing path during impact.

A weak grip, where the hands are rotated too far towards the target (left for right-handers), often leads to an open clubface at impact. This can cause the ball to push right. Conversely, a strong grip can promote a closed clubface, potentially eliminating pushes but increasing the risk of hooks.

Proper stance alignment ensures that the body is set up square to the target line. If the feet, hips, or shoulders are aligned to the right, the natural swing path tends to follow, leading to pushes.

Key points regarding grip and stance:

  • Grip pressure should be firm but relaxed, allowing for natural wrist hinge and release.
  • Hands should be placed so the “V” formed by the thumb and forefinger on each hand points between the chin and right shoulder (for right-handers).
  • Feet, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the target line to promote a neutral swing path.
  • Ball position slightly forward in the stance encourages a more inside-to-square path, reducing pushes.
Grip Type Clubface Position at Impact Likely Ball Flight
Weak Grip Open Push or Slice
Neutral Grip Square Straight or Slight Draw
Strong Grip Closed Hook or Pull

Role of Swing Path and Clubface Angle

The relationship between swing path and clubface angle at impact is the definitive factor in ball direction. Understanding how these two elements interact is vital for addressing pushes.

  • Swing Path: The direction the clubhead is moving at impact relative to the target line. An inside-to-outside path tends to push the ball right.
  • Clubface Angle: The angle of the clubface relative to the swing path at impact. A face pointing right of the path sends the ball right.

For a push, the swing path is often inside-to-outside, while the clubface is square or slightly open relative to the path. This combination produces a ball flight that starts right and travels straight.

Adjustments to correct this include:

  • Encouraging a more neutral or slightly outside-to-inside path.
  • Working on wrist and forearm rotation to square the clubface at impact.
  • Drills focusing on releasing the clubhead properly through impact.

Physical and Technical Factors Contributing to a Push

Beyond mechanics, several physical and technical factors can contribute to a push in golf shots.

Physical limitations such as restricted hip rotation or lack of flexibility can force compensations in the swing that promote a push. For example, limited hip turn may cause the golfer to cast the club early, opening the face.

Technical issues include:

  • Poor sequencing of the downswing, leading to an open clubface.
  • Inconsistent ball position causing erratic swing paths.
  • Over-the-top swings that alter the clubhead’s approach angle.

Addressing these factors may require fitness work, swing drills, or professional coaching to identify and correct underlying issues.

Drills and Practice Tips to Fix a Push

Implementing specific drills can help golfers correct the causes of a push and promote a more consistent ball flight.

  • Alignment Drill: Use alignment sticks to ensure feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target.
  • Swing Path Drill: Place an object just outside the target line and practice swinging inside-to-square, avoiding contact with the object.
  • Clubface Awareness Drill: Practice half-swings focusing on rotating the forearms through impact to square the clubface.
  • Grip Check Drill: Regularly assess grip position to maintain neutrality.

Consistency in practice and gradual incorporation of these drills into regular sessions can significantly reduce the occurrence of push shots.

Common Causes of a Push in Golf

A push in golf occurs when the ball starts to the right of the intended target line (for a right-handed golfer) and flies straight without curving. Understanding the root causes of a push is essential for correcting this misalignment and improving shot accuracy.

Several factors can contribute to a push, often related to setup, swing path, and clubface orientation at impact. These elements are interconnected and require precise control and awareness.

  • Clubface Alignment: One of the primary causes of a push is an open clubface relative to the swing path at impact. If the clubface points right of the target line while the swing path is straight or slightly inside-out, the ball will start right and travel straight.
  • Swing Path: A swing path that moves from inside to outside (relative to the target line) without closing the clubface can cause a push. The ball will start right and not curve back because the clubface is not closed enough to impart draw spin.
  • Setup and Aim: Improper alignment at address, such as aiming the body or clubface right of the target, can lead to a push. Even a slight misalignment causes the ball to start right, especially if the swing path remains neutral.
  • Grip Pressure and Hand Position: A weak grip or overly relaxed hand position can prevent the golfer from rotating the clubface through impact, resulting in an open face and a pushed shot.
  • Body Mechanics: Insufficient rotation of the forearms and wrists during the downswing can keep the clubface from closing, causing the ball to push.

Technical Factors Influencing Push Shots

To diagnose the cause of a push, it is important to analyze the relationship between swing path and clubface angle at impact. The interplay determines ball flight direction and curvature.

Impact Condition Swing Path Clubface Angle Resulting Ball Flight
Push Straight or Inside-Out Open (pointing right of path) Ball starts right and flies straight
Fade Inside-Out Open (but less than push) Ball starts left and curves right
Slice Outside-In Open (significantly) Ball starts left and curves severely right
Draw Inside-Out Closed (relative to path) Ball starts right and curves left

From this table, it is evident that the push is characterized by a clubface that is open relative to a neutral or slightly inside-out swing path. This combination produces a ball flight that pushes right without side spin.

How Setup Alignment Affects a Push

Setup alignment is often overlooked but critical in preventing a push. Proper alignment ensures that the clubface and body are aimed correctly at the target, allowing the swing to deliver the clubhead squarely.

  • Body Alignment: The shoulders, hips, and feet should be parallel to the target line. Aiming the body right of the target commonly leads to a push, as the swing path will often follow the body’s direction.
  • Clubface Aim: The clubface should be aligned directly at the target at address. An open clubface at setup is a frequent cause of pushing shots because the ball will start where the face points.
  • Ball Position: Placing the ball too far back in the stance can cause the clubface to be open at impact, contributing to a push.
  • Stance Width: A stance that is too narrow or too wide can alter swing mechanics, possibly resulting in an inconsistent clubface angle and swing path that cause pushes.

Role of Grip and Wrist Action in Causing a Push

The grip and wrist mechanics are fundamental to controlling the clubface during the swing. A push is often the result of insufficient clubface rotation through impact.

  • Weak Grip: A grip where the hands are rotated too far to the left (for a right-handed golfer) can prevent proper forearm rotation, leaving the clubface open at impact.
  • Inactive Wrists: Failing to hinge and release the wrists properly during the downswing reduces the ability to square or close the clubface.
  • Grip Pressure: Excessive tension in the hands can restrict wrist movement and clubface control, while too light a grip may cause inconsistent face angles.

Common Swing Path Errors Leading to a Push

A consistent swing path is vital for accurate ball flight. Errors in path often originate from body movement patterns during the swing.

  • Over-the-Top Move: This causes an outside-in path that usually produces slices rather than pushes but can sometimes contribute to pushing if the

    Expert Insights on What Causes a Push in Golf

    Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). A push in golf typically results from an open clubface at impact combined with a swing path that is too far inside-out. This combination sends the ball traveling straight but off to the right of the target for a right-handed golfer. Correcting the clubface alignment and refining the swing path are essential to eliminate this common error.

    Michael Reynolds (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Fairway Golf Academy). One of the primary causes of a push is an improper grip that leads to insufficient clubface rotation through the hitting zone. Many players unknowingly hold the club too weakly, which prevents the face from closing properly and results in a push. Adjusting grip pressure and hand positioning can significantly reduce this issue.

    Sarah Nguyen (Golf Performance Coach, Elite Golf Training Center). A push often stems from a misalignment of the body and feet at address, causing the golfer to swing along a path that directs the ball rightward. Ensuring proper stance alignment and consistent pre-shot routine helps golfers maintain a neutral swing path and avoid pushing the ball unintentionally.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is a push in golf?
    A push in golf occurs when the ball starts straight but travels directly to the right of the target line (for right-handed golfers) without curving.

    What causes a push shot in golf?
    A push is typically caused by an open clubface at impact combined with a swing path that is too far inside-out relative to the target line.

    How does grip affect a push in golf?
    A weak or neutral grip can contribute to an open clubface at impact, increasing the likelihood of pushing the ball.

    Can stance and alignment lead to a push?
    Yes, aiming the body and clubface too far right can promote an inside-out swing path, resulting in a push.

    How can I correct a push in my golf swing?
    Focus on squaring the clubface at impact, adjusting grip strength if necessary, and aligning your body parallel to the target line to promote a neutral swing path.

    Is a push different from a slice in golf?
    Yes, a push travels straight right without spin-induced curve, whereas a slice curves dramatically right due to an open clubface and outside-in swing path.
    a push in golf is primarily caused by an improper swing path or an open clubface at impact. When the clubface is aimed right of the target line and the swing path is either straight or slightly out-to-in, the ball tends to travel directly right without curving, resulting in a push. Common technical factors contributing to this include poor alignment, an over-the-top swing motion, or insufficient body rotation during the swing.

    Addressing a push requires careful analysis of the golfer’s setup and swing mechanics. Ensuring proper alignment, maintaining a square or slightly closed clubface through impact, and promoting an inside-to-out swing path are essential adjustments. Additionally, consistent practice and possibly professional instruction can help golfers correct these faults and achieve straighter, more accurate shots.

    Ultimately, understanding the root causes of a push in golf empowers players to make targeted improvements. By focusing on swing path and clubface control, golfers can minimize pushes, enhance shot precision, and improve overall performance on the course.

    Author Profile

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    Jeffrey Patton
    Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

    Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.