Few things are more frustrating for senior golfers than hitting the ball thin or fat. One shot screams across the green, the next digs a trench behind the ball. The good news? These common swing issues are not about strength or age — they’re usually caused by simple setup and movement errors that can be fixed with the right adjustments.

In this guide, we’ll explain why thin and fat shots happen in the senior golf swing and share easy, joint-friendly fixes to help you strike the ball cleanly and consistently.

What Is a Thin Shot?

A thin shot occurs when the club strikes the ball too high on the face or just above the ground. The result is a low, fast shot that lacks distance control and often rolls too far.

Common Causes of Thin Shots for Seniors

• Standing up during the swing
• Ball positioned too far forward
• Weight shifting backward at impact
• Trying to lift the ball into the air

What Is a Fat Shot?

A fat shot happens when the club hits the ground before the ball. This leads to loss of distance, poor contact, and frustration.

Common Causes of Fat Shots for Seniors

• Excessive weight on the back foot
• Swaying instead of rotating
• Poor posture or balance
• Trying to hit the ball too hard

Why Thin and Fat Shots Are Common in Senior Golfers

As we age, flexibility, balance, and rotation naturally decrease. This can affect:

• Low point control (where the club hits the ground)
• Weight transfer
• Consistent posture through impact

The key is learning how to work with your body, not against it.

Simple Fixes for Thin Shots in the Senior Golf Swing

1. Keep Your Chest Down Through Impact

Standing up early raises the club and causes thin contact. Focus on keeping your chest facing the ball until after impact.

Tip: Feel like your shirt buttons stay pointed toward the ground slightly longer.

2. Move the Ball Slightly Back

For irons, position the ball just inside the lead heel — not too far forward.

Senior-friendly adjustment: This promotes ball-first contact without forcing extra movement.

3. Let the Club Do the Work

Trying to “scoop” the ball leads to thin shots. Trust the loft of the club.

Simple Fixes for Fat Shots in the Senior Golf Swing

1. Keep Weight Centered or Slightly Forward

At address, feel about 55–60% of your weight on your lead foot.

Why it helps: It ensures the club strikes the ball before the ground.

2. Rotate, Don’t Sway

Side-to-side motion moves the swing’s low point behind the ball.

Feel this: Turn your shoulders around your spine instead of sliding your hips.

3. Shorten the Backswing

Long backswings often lead to loss of balance.

Senior tip: A controlled, three-quarter swing produces better contact and distance.

One Easy Drill to Fix Both Thin and Fat Shots

The Towel Drill

• Place a small towel on the ground 4–6 inches behind the ball
• Hit shots without touching the towel

Benefits:

• Improves low-point control
• Encourages ball-first contact
• Safe and easy for senior golfers

Equipment Tips for Senior Golfers

Sometimes thin and fat shots aren’t just swing issues.

Consider:

• More forgiving irons
• Shafts with the right flex
• Slightly wider soles to prevent digging

A proper club fitting can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Thin shots and fat shots are common challenges in the senior golf swing — but they’re also very fixable. By improving posture, weight balance, and swing control, you can enjoy cleaner contact, better distance, and more confidence on the course.

Remember: Smooth beats strong, and consistency matters more than power.

If you’re serious about improving your ball striking, guided practice or online golf swing lessons designed for seniors can help accelerate your progress.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/craighansongolf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldclassgolfinstruction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craighansongolf/
Download SWING SLAPP: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swingslapp/id6670143659