Tip: What causes a shank, with PGA Tour pro Webb Simpson

Webb Simpson is undoubtedly a very fine player but is rather prone to hitting the dreaded J Arthur Rank, or Lucy Locket.

Why should this be?

Well, the problem arises from the extreme lag position, or, if you will, the late hit position that he obtains on the downswing.

It is not easy to see in the two-dimensional photograph here, because the club shaft, while on plane, is coupled to a very narrow swing arc.
As the arms move out, the hosel of the club presents itself to the ball and, hey presto, a shank results. Webb’s right elbow can get very close to his right hip. Many times his right elbow drops several inches below the position of his left elbow, whereas most top players’ elbows are relatively level with each other during the downswing.

What does this result in? When the arc narrows excessively, Simpson is forced to do one of two things; straighten his body, resulting in poor contact and also to swing the club away from his body in order to make room for the through swing.

As the arms move out, the hosel of the club presents itself to the ball and, hey presto, a shank results.