Golf Ball Flying Too High? Too Low? Here’s The Fix For Both

Golf is hard enough without your ball launching into the clouds or barely getting off the ground. As a new golfer, you’re just happy to see it airborne. As your game improves, gaining control over your ball flight becomes essential. Whether you balloon every iron shot or hit low worm burners, learning to manage high and low trajectories is a game-changer. Here’s what causes each issue and how to fix it.

If you’re hitting the ball too high

High shots that float with little distance often result from too much loft at impact. The clubface is open, the hands are behind the ball and you’re probably not taking a divot. The strike might feel OK but you’ll find that the high carry doesn’t always result in extra distance.

Try these adjustments

• Move the ball slightly back in your stance: Move the ball an inch or so back from the center. It will help you reduce the loft and impact and encourage a downward strike.
• Deliver the handle forward: Try thinking about getting the grip to your lead thigh before the clubhead reaches the ball. That forward shaft lean is key to hitting it lower while still striking it clean.
• Practice stopping halfway down in your swing: At the “last parallel” (just before impact), the clubface should be pointing slightly down. If it’s pointing up, you’re likely adding loft.
• Control the clubface in transition: If your clubface is pointing at the sky halfway down, you’re going to add loft unless you flip it shut. Flipping it can lead to hooks. Instead, work on rotating the face down toward the ground in your rehearsal swings. That’s the move that helps de-loft the club without overdoing it. Try the Motorcycle Drill to fix this.

If you’re hitting the ball too low

Low shots that never get above tree height usually come from too little loft or a steep, punchy swing. While you may like the roll on a lower shot, you’ve lost control and, ultimately, distance by hitting it that low.

Try these adjustments

• Move the ball slightly forward: Position it just ahead of center to let the clubface present more loft naturally at impact.
• Create speed: Slower swings don’t launch the ball as high. Increase your speed through the ball by focusing on a full finish and aggressive turn through impact.
• Finish with high hands: This is a simple fix. Instead of cutting off your follow-through, focus on getting your hands up over your head after the shot. It helps keep loft on the club and improves your launch angle.

Final thoughts

Once you resolve the issues causing your ball to fly too high or too low, begin training yourself to hit both high and low golf shots. Having the ability to adjust the ball flight can help you get out of a variety of situations on the course, which will help lower your scores.