Curving the Ball Around a Tree
Also known as: hook it around a tree, hook around a tree, slice around a tree, curve it around a tree, curve the ball around a tree, bend it around a tree
To hook the ball around a tree as a right-hander, aim your body well right of the tree and point the clubface just right of it, where you want the ball to start. Swing along your body line. The face is closed to that path, so the ball curves left. For a slice, reverse it.
The ball starts close to where the face points and curves away from the path. So the start line comes mainly from the face, and the curve comes from the gap between face and path.
For a hook around a tree, the path must be farther right than the face. Aim your feet and shoulders along that path and swing along them. For a slice, aim your body left and point the face just left of the tree.
Lower-lofted clubs curve more. A 6-iron bends far more than a wedge with the same swing. A hook also runs more after landing, while a slice lands softer. Leave room for error, because shaped shots are harder to control.
Tips by skill level
Practice both curves on the range, aiming at a flag with a stick for the obstacle.
Think in face-to-path terms. A bigger gap means more curve, and less loft magnifies it.
Example
A tree blocks the way to the green. She aims her body right, points the face just past the tree, swings along her feet, and the ball draws back toward the green.
Why it matters
Curving the ball gives you a way forward when a straight line is blocked. It turns some lost shots into chances.
Common mistakes
- Aiming the face at the target instead of the start line
- Trying to curve a wedge a long way
- Choosing a curve you never practice
- Forgetting the extra roll after a hook
Frequently asked questions
Is it easier to hook or slice around a tree?
Usually the shape you already hit is easier. A hook runs more after landing, while a slice lands softer and stops sooner.
Why won't my ball curve when I try to hook it?
The path and face are probably too close together. Swing more to the right and keep the face more closed to that path. A lower-lofted club curves more than a wedge.
Related terms
- Curve Ball FlightA curve ball flight is any shot that bends noticeably left or right in the air. It happens when clubface angle and swing path differ enough at impact to tilt the ball's spin axis away from horizontal.
- How to Hit a DrawTo hit a draw, swing the club on a path to the right of your target with the face closed to that path. The face should still point slightly right of target at impact. Aim your body a little right, aim the face nearer the target and swing along your body line.
- Face-to-PathFace-to-path is the difference between face angle and club path at impact. It is the single number that determines how much, and which way, the ball curves.
- Ball Flight LawsThe ball flight laws are the impact variables that decide how a shot flies. They are face angle, swing path, attack angle, strike location, dynamic loft, and clubhead speed.
- Recovery ShotA recovery shot is played from trouble like deep rough, trees, a bad lie, or an awkward stance. Its goal is getting back into play, not maximum distance.
Related guides & benchmarks
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