Bellying the ball or topping it is very common. This is because the vast majority of golfers don’t use the club correctly. Impact should occur with the grip slightly ahead of the club head, but in most cases the reverse is true. Players are trying to lift the ball in the air by releasing the club early. When the club head passes the grip end before impact only fat and topped shots will occur. This is exacerbated by the inevitable bending of the lead elbow, known as the chicken wing, which is caused by the early release.
One other cause is fear of impact with the ground. If you hit the ground first it is jarring. If you hit it after the ball as all great players do, there is seldom any shock to the hands and arms.
Learn proper impact and cure the dreaded tops!