“Topping the Ball” is also known as “hitting it thin”, “rolling it” or “worm burner”.Your friends might have said “Keep your head down” or “You looked up”. More than likely, the problem is in maintaining your spine angle. You must stay in your spine angle throughout your golf swing. Losing your spine angle (raising up, standing up) on your backswing or downswing will cause you to hit the top half of the ball.
Drill: Hit shots from a downhill lie. The ball will be below your feet… if you lose your spine angle at all, you won’t even make contact. This will make you feel what it’s like to stay in your spine angle. Hit from a flat lie, and try to create the same feeling you had when the ball was below your feet.
Tight hip muscles and limited ability to rotate your shoulders/torso will also contribute to losing spine angle. Strong core will also help maintain balance and good posture. See a golf specific physical therapist/exercise specialist to improve.
Nicole Jeray, LPGA Touring Professional, Jones Creek Golf Club in Augusta, GA