Fixing a Steep Golf Swing: Lessons from Ben

Many amateur golfers share the same problem: a steep golf swing that causes mishits, slices, and loss of distance. Recently, one of our Scratch Golf Academy members, Ben, submitted his swing for evaluation. He has a lot of positives in his game, but one key flaw is holding him back.

By breaking down his swing, comparing it to Tiger Woods, and giving clear adjustments, we can see exactly how to fix steepness and build a more consistent move. If you’ve ever battled the same issues, you’ll learn how to apply these lessons to your own game.

The Root of the Problem: Setup and Posture

At first glance, Ben’s swing looks solid. He has a straight left arm, a controlled clubface, and a nice coil at the top of the backswing. But his setup creates problems before the club even moves.

• His weight sits too far back in the heels.
• He bends too much at the hips, creating a squashed position.
• He stands slightly too close to the ball, causing cramped movement.

Compare this with Tiger Woods in his prime. Tiger stands taller, with more width and space in his setup. This posture allows him to stay centered and rotate freely, avoiding the steep angle Ben develops.

Want to see this breakdown in real time? Watch this detailed golf swing analysis that shows exactly how steepness develops and how to fix it.

Why Steep Golf Swings Happen

When Ben reaches the top of his backswing, his hips slide toward the target, causing his upper body to lean forward. This narrows his swing and forces the club to come down from above the shoulder line—too steep.

A steep golf swing often leads to:

• Cutting across the ball
• Leaving the clubface open at impact
• Needing to stand up during the downswing (a common compensation)

Tiger, on the other hand, maintains stretch and width at the top. His upper body stays long, creating space for the club to shallow naturally.

Simple Fixes to Improve Swing Plane

The good news is, steepness can be corrected with small setup and movement changes:

1. Stand Taller at Setup: Reduce the excessive hip bend and feel more balanced between the balls of the feet and heels.
2. Create Width and Stretch: As you coil to the top, feel like your body is lengthening upward. Imagine reaching for the ceiling.
3. Give the Arms More Space: Don’t let your arms collapse in too tightly. Keeping them wider allows the club to drop onto a shallower plane.

These adjustments stop the need for mid-swing compensations and allow you to deliver the club with more control.
For golfers who want structured improvement, we break down similar adjustments step by step in our Scratch Golf Academy lessons.

The Road to Better Ball Striking

Ben’s main issue is clear: a steep swing caused by setup posture and a squashed backswing. By making small tweaks—standing taller, creating more width, and avoiding the slide—he can shallow his swing and square the club more naturally.

This isn’t just Ben’s problem—it’s one many amateurs face. The fix isn’t about working harder, but smarter, with focused drills and repeatable feels.

Final Thoughts

Ben has plenty of talent, but like many golfers, one swing flaw leads to a chain of compensations. Fix the steepness, and his game will open up.

If you’re struggling with the same challenge, the first step is awareness. Work on posture, width, and creating space—and you’ll notice your contact and ball flight improving quickly.

Ready to take your swing deeper? Explore our online golf academy for proven drills, structured programs, and expert guidance that can transform your game.