Contents
What is a Double Cross in Golf?
Golf Double cross occurs when your golf ball travels in the opposite direction from where you intended.
If, for example, a tree crosses your line to the green, your only option is to fade. As a right-handed golfer, you aim towards the left of your target, expecting a left-to-right hand shape, but you fail to get that shape. As a result, it develops a drawn shape and hooks away from you.
That’s a double-cross.
The Double Cross can be a product of poor aim or caused by an incorrect swing plane that is steeper or shallower than intended. Additionally, it can be caused by a flaw in your release pattern or an incorrect clubface alignment at impact.
In short, a double-cross is when your golf ball moves in an opposite direction than intended — either a draw instead of a fade or a hook instead of a slice.
It’s an occurrence that can lead to missed fairways and poor scores but can be corrected by refining different aspects of your technique. With some practice and improved swing mechanics, you can get back on track and avoid the double-cross.
Causes of a Double Cross:
1. Ball Position
Many golfers make the mistake of positioning their ball too far forward in their stance. This can cause you to swing too steeply, causing the ball to travel left of your target.
2. Grip Pressure:
If you grip the club too tightly, your arms can become sluggish and delay the release. This can cause you to hit a hook.
3. Clubface Alignment:
Improperly aligning the clubface at the address could cause you to hit a hook or draw.
4. Swing Plane:
A steep swing plane can cause the golf ball to travel left. Additionally, a flat swing plane can cause your ball to go right.
5. Release Pattern:
An incorrect release pattern can also contribute to a double-cross. If your hands are too active or passive on the downswing, you could hit a hook or draw instead of a fade.
6. Rotation Speed
If you don’t rotate your body fast enough, your arms and hands can get ahead of the clubhead, creating a draw or hook.
4-Tips to Fix a Golf Double Cross:
1. Correct Your Weight Position
The key to increasing fades is to load your front foot with weight at the address and maintain that weight on your trail leg through impact. That position encourages you to keep your body open through impact.
Experience how your ball fades when you keep the clubface open at impact with half swings.
As you prepare to draw, lift up your back foot and reposition all your weight on your lead leg.
As a result of these drills, you will be able to accurately execute fade and draw shots, and avoid making double crosses consistently.
2. Correct Your Swing Path
The clubface must be positioned at impact to ensure the ball travels in the intended direction when the club veers off the intended swing path. If the clubface is not angled at impact properly, the ball will travel too far.
To maximize your chances of closing your face at impact, swing in and out when preparing to strike a draw.
If you are a right-hander, a fade or slice is a result of an open clubface at the impact that causes left-to-right sidespin. You should widen your stance and place the ball in the center of your stance.
After that, take your club back and out from your body, then follow an inside path on your downswing.
When the clubface cuts across the ball, the open face generates sidespin, causing the ball to fade.
3. Rotate Through Impact
If you manage your hip rotation before impact, your hands lead the clubhead, which often results in a closed clubface position and hooks.
Then, take three practice swings and adjust the hip rotation through impact so that you propel your clubface along the intended line. As a result, you will be more likely to hit your intended shot shape with increased power.
4. Position Your Clubface at Impact
You will notice a difference in your ball striking and clubface position at impact once you implement the above steps into your swings.
In order to keep your club on the plane the entire way, I suggest breaking your backswing down into three parts and then commencing your downswing after you reach the top of your backswing.
It’s important to take baby steps after this drill if your club remains off the plane. Make a half swing, pause, and focus on swinging inside if you want to fade the ball or outside if you want to draw it.
You can improve your consistency and avoid double-cross shots by knowing where your club is when you swing at that point.
FAQs:
You get a double-cross when your golf ball goes the opposite way from where you intended.
To fix a double cross, you should adjust your weight position and ensure that your clubface is aligned properly at impact. You should also adjust your swing path and rotation speed to ensure that the clubface meets the ball with the correct angle.
Finally, focus on breaking down your backswing into three parts and swinging inside for a fade and outside for a draw. This will help you improve your consistency and avoid double-cross shots.
You will be able to tell if you are hitting a double cross by looking at the flight of the ball. A double cross is characterized by a curved trajectory that veers off in both left and right directions, as opposed to one single direction. If you notice your ball trajectory curving in both directions, you are likely hitting a double cross.
Conclusion:
The double cross is a frustrating mistake in golf, but it can be avoided with the right technique. To prevent double crosses, make sure you are positioned correctly and that your swing path and clubface are aligned properly.
Additionally, focus on breaking down your backswing into three parts, and swinging inside for a fade and outside for a draw. With some practice, you can improve your consistency and avoid double-cross shots in your game.
