TL;DR
The Drill: Stop topping by keeping your "chest laser" pointing down at the ball through impact.
The Tip: Stare at the front dimple of the ball to force your weight forward.
The Gear: The Divot Board gives you instant, undeniable proof of your contact quality.
THE DRILL : STERNUM LASER
Today, we are tackling the #1 frustration for amateur golfers: Topping the ball.
If you are tired of watching the ball dribble 20 yards in front of you, this issue is for you.
🚫 The Myth: "Keep Your Head Down"
Most golfers think they top the ball because they "lift their head."
That is false. You can actually lift your head and still hit the ball solid—if your posture stays correct.
The Real Culprit: Your chest rises too early (Early Extension). When your chest pulls up and away from the ball before impact, the bottom of your swing arc rises with it. The result? You catch the top half of the ball.
(The goal: Move the low point of your swing forward, past the ball.)
🏌️♂️ Today’s Simple Fix: The "Sternum Laser"
Imagine there is a laser pointer (or a flashlight) sticking out of the center of your chest.
The Error: At impact, many golfers point that laser at the sky or the horizon.
The Fix: Keep the laser pointing down at the ball (or even slightly in front of it) through impact.
Why this works:
Low Point Control: By keeping your chest down, the club stays low through the turf.
Compression: This naturally leans the shaft forward (creating that "pro" sound).
Gravity: You stop "lifting" the ball and let the club's loft do the work.
(Visualize your chest covering the ball through the hitting zone.)
⏱️ The One-Minute Drill: "Freeze the Sternum"
You only need 60 seconds to feel this difference.
Set Up: Take your normal stance with a mid-iron.
The Swing: Take a slow rehearsal swing (50% speed).
The Freeze: Stop your swing at impact, but with your weight shifted to the lead side." (Just to ensure they don't hang back).
The Check: Look down. Is your sternum still covering the ball? Or are you leaning back?
The Feeling: Feel like your chest is "crunching" down toward the ground as you strike the ball.
THE TIP : ….
The "Front Dimple" Focus
The Problem: Most golfers stare at the back of the ball. This triggers your brain to try and "help" the ball up, causing you to hang back and top it.
The Fix: Before you swing, pick a specific dimple on the front side of the ball (the side closest to the target).
The Swing Thought: "Hammer the nail." Imagine there is a nail driven through the ball pointing at the target. Your goal is to hammer that nail flush.
Why this works: To hit the front of the ball, your body must shift its weight forward. This naturally drags your sternum forward and ensures you hit the ball before the turf.
THE GEAR:
The "Lie Detector": The Divot Board
The Problem: On a driving range mat, your club can bounce into the ball even if you hit the ground early. You think you hit it pure, but on real grass, it would have been a chunk or a thin.
The Fix: The Divot Board ($30~). It’s a thin pad that turns white exactly where your club strikes it.
Why it wins:
Instant Feedback: You see exactly where your low point was. Was it 2 inches behind the ball? The board shows you immediately.
No Guesswork: You can’t fake it. If the white mark starts after the ball line, you own the low point.
Durability: Unlike impact tape, you don't have to peel it off every 5 shots. You just swipe the board to reset it.
(It is the fastest way to learn the "Sternum Laser" feeling without digging up your backyard.)
💡 Buying Tip
You might see cheaper "sequin mats" on Amazon (often $20-$40), but they often lack the durability and the specific "nub" bottom that keeps the board from slipping on the range mats.