Avoiding "Shanks" and Choosing the Right Putter Hosel: A Guide for Golfers
The Function of a Golf Club's Hosel
In the world of golf, the hosel – a component connecting the shaft and clubhead – plays a significant role in the performance of irons and putters. Understanding its impact can help golfers improve their game.
The Impact of the Hosel in Irons
Irons benefit from a hosel that offers bendability and adjustability. For instance, Srixon's ZXi4 line uses SUS 17-47 material, improving bendability for a wider range of golfers [1]. The hosel's feel and control also matter, as they can affect a golfer's ability to control the clubhead during swings.
The Role of the Hosel in Putters
When it comes to putters, the hosel's design influences factors like toe hang, face balance, stability, and forgiveness. Toe hang impacts the putter's face opening and closing during the stroke, affecting alignment and consistency [2]. A well-designed hosel can help reduce face twisting on off-center hits, enhancing forgiveness and accuracy [4].
Selecting the Right Putter Hosel
To optimise performance, consider the following factors when choosing a putter hosel:
- Type of Stroke: Face-balanced putters are ideal for straight-back, straight-through strokes, while toe-hang putters are better suited for arcing strokes [2].
- Alignment and Stability: A stable hosel can improve accuracy on off-center hits [4].
- Feel and Feedback: The hosel's design can influence the feel and sound of the putter. Choose a putter that provides the desired feedback [3].
- Adjustability and Customization: Some putters offer adjustable hosels or weights, allowing for customization to fit individual preferences and stroke styles.
By considering these factors, golfers can select a putter hosel that enhances their performance and fits their unique swing characteristics.
Common Golf Terminology
- "Shanking" a shot refers to hitting the ball with the hosel instead of the clubface, leading to an unpredictable flight path. Some golfers consider it unlucky and use alternative terms like "hoseling" or "hosel rocket."
- Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers of all time, once said that a perfectly straight shot with a big club is a fluke.
- Some golfers are superstitious about shank shots and avoid saying the word "shank" while playing.
[1] Srixon (2021). ZXi4 Irons
[2] Golf Digest (2020). The Best Putters for Every Type of Stroke
[3] MyGolfSpy (2020). The Best Mallet Putters of 2020
[4] Golfweek (2019). How to Choose the Right Putter
Golfers should consider the type of stroke, alignment and stability, feel and feedback, and adjustability when selecting a putter hosel to enhance their performance. Neglecting the hosel's design can lead to shanking a shot, which is unexpectedly hitting the ball with the hosel instead of the clubface, resulting in unpredictable flight paths.
