Why do you keep topping the golf ball?

Topping the golf ball is a nasty feeling in golf, rivalling the dreaded shank and the damaging fat shot.

It is a type of shot that every golfer needs to avoid, but in order to do this, we need to understand why we are topping the golf ball and how to fix this common problem.

Topping the ball is a common issue among amateur players and it can happen whether you are in the rough or the fairway.

Here, PGA Professional Simon Kerr shares his top tips to help eradicate the 'top' whilst explaining why the shot may occur in your golf swing.

What does ‘topping’ the golf ball mean?

Topping the ball means striking it with the bottom edge of the clubface (or too high on the ball), rather than the centre. The club doesn’t get under the ball enough, resulting in a low, weak shot that often just rolls or bounces along the ground - sometimes only a few feet.

What happens when we top a golf ball?

When you top a golf ball, you’ll notice:

• The ball barely gets airborne or doesn’t at all.
• It travels a very short distance.
• There’s often an awkward feeling at impact - no clean, crisp contact.
• You might hear a thuddy or clunky sound, not the clean “click” of a solid shot.

What has happened in our swing to cause us to top the ball?

Common causes of topping include:

• Standing up (early extension) or straightening the legs too early in the downswing.
• Poor posture or not staying in your spine angle.
• Swinging too steeply or too shallow, depending on club and lie.
• Not shifting weight forward, leaving your weight on the back foot at impact.
• Trying to “scoop” the ball into the air rather than compressing it.

Why is topping the ball bad for your game?

Topping leads to:

• Loss of distance and accuracy.
• Inconsistent contact, making club and shot selection unreliable.
• Frustration - it feels like you’re not progressing even if you understand the game.
• Difficulty in getting over hazards or reaching the green.

How do we stop topping the golf ball?

To stop topping the ball:

• Stay down through impact and maintain your spine angle.
• Focus on hitting down on the ball (yes, even with irons and hybrids).
• Shift your weight to the front foot during the downswing.
• Let the club do the work—don’t try to lift or scoop the ball.
• Keep your arms extended through impact and avoid pulling up.

Is there one key drill we can work on to stop topping the ball?

Yes—the “towel drill” is one of the best.

Towel Drill

(For Irons):

Purpose: Teaches you to hit down and compress the ball.

How to do it:

1. Place a small towel (folded) 4–6 inches behind the ball on the ground.
2. Hit shots without touching the towel.
3. If you hit the towel, you’re swinging too shallow or lifting.
4. If you strike the ball cleanly and avoid the towel, you’re compressing properly.

This reinforces a downward strike and helps eliminate topping and scooping tendencies