The shanked shot is just part of the game....a very small part hopefully. I hit them every so often. I know I can't remember going a whole calender year with out hitting a few. Actually I tend to hit most of my shanked shots during my short game practice sessions. Plus I am pretty sure all my shanks happen when I am using my higher lofted clubs. I am proponent of knowing what causes the various poor golf shots we all find our selves hitting from time to time. If you know the various causes of a poor golf shot, then you have a reference point for a fix. this reference point will come in handy when you are on the course far a way from your instructor, or golf swing book. My shanks happen when my swing gets too flat, and/or I take the club back, too far inside, with my stance/shoulders open too much. Maybe I have also added in some poor wrist action. Whatever I am doing wrong, my fix is to stop, clean my head, and focus on a one piece take away, and down swing.