Shank

What does shank mean in golf?

The shank is widely considered the most dreaded shot in golf. It occurs when the ball contacts the rounded hosel instead of the clubface, producing a shot that rockets sideways at nearly a right angle to the intended line. Shanks can be psychologically damaging because the fear of shanking often causes the player to unconsciously alter their swing, sometimes triggering more shanks. Common causes include standing too close to the ball, excessive weight on the toes, or an overly inside-out swing path.