The shanks

I was having a similar situation at the end of last season and the beginning of this one. I did get mine bent about a half a degree flatter, but I also discovered I was pulling my head up to soon on some shots and also was standing a little too far away at address. I haven't had any "s-word" issues in the last 3 or 4 months, simply by focusing on my address and making sure my head is staying down through contact.

So, the club adjustment may help a little, but ultimately, I believe you are correct. The issue most likely lies in something other than the club itself.

Ah, the dreaded s****s. It's certainly possible that that could help. A fitter can have him take some swings on a lire board with tape. That should confirm if the lie angle is correct for his swing.

Early extension, loss of balance, standing too close to the ball or any number of things cause the "S" word. I'm tending to think its more of a swing flaw than an equipment one. So yes BS.....

If your friend is searching for an answer, get his lie angle checked on a lie board and check the clubs for loft and lie.. Otherwise it's the swinger.

Its more than likely a swing problem, more specifically a path or set up problem more so than an equipment issue. Are any other of his clubs bent flat? Also it would be a little different if it were more frequently happing.

It all starts in between the ears. On occasion, I hit a few of these dreaded shots. I have never changed a club because of it though. For me I simple focus on keeping my head absolutely still. That fixes them for me and restores confidence at set up. Hope this helps.

You know the saying and lord knows i've heard this PLENTY of times, "It's the Indian, not the arrow"

I agree with everyone, could be anything. Worse case, see a PGA professional and see if they can help him out..

It all starts in between the ears. On occasion, I hit a few of these dreaded shots. I have never changed a club because of it though. For me I simple focus on keeping my head absolutely still. That fixes them for me and restores confidence at set up. Hope this helps.

As some of have said, it can be a little bit of both. I recently went through the same issue. It is true that clubs that are too upright can contribute to shots that are more towards the heal of the club then center. So, inherently your margin of error is that much less if you are already making contact more towards the hosel. In general, I have a tendency to make contact just inside center so that in and of itself was not a major concern for me initially. But, the hosel rockets were creeping in to the game more than I have ever seen them. So, I went to see a fitter and found that I was about 1 degree upright of where I needed to be on most of my clubs. This is now fixed and I see a more consistent strike towards center of the clubface. However, I found that when that dreaded shot does come up, it is almost always a setup issue for me. Standing too close is the one that bites me most.

Hit 'em solid and straight!
-Rich

I would not bend the clubs if he is hitting 14-19 shots well. The occasional bad shot should be corrected with a lesson. Rather than making drastic modifications, have your friend see his PGA pro for a wedge lesson.

It is NOT the lie angle!!.....Whatever is happening, the hands are moving outward toward the ball through impact.......