Tired of throwing banana balls off the tee and other spots that ruin your score? Nothing to worry about, we’ll show you today how to fix a golf slice.
As a golfer, if you struggle with the dreaded golf slice, rest assured that you are not the only one. We know just how frustrating it can be to hit a shot that veers off course and potentially costs you valuable strokes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, avoiding a golf slice is essential for achieving a consistent and accurate swing.
In this article, we’ll dive into the many causes of a golf slice and equip you with some lifesaver tips and techniques to help you rectify this common problem and enhance your golf game.
With a few key adjustments, you will start hitting straighter shots on the course. Read along!
Also Read: Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speed & Best Irons for Mid-handicap Players
What is a Slice?
A slice occurs when the ball curves sharply to the right (for a right-handed golfer) or to the left (for left-handed players) in flight instead of traveling straight, losing distance and accuracy.
It can cause the ball to travel shorter distances, miss the intended target, and even end up in a hazard or out of bounds. A combination of factors, including the golfer’s swing path, clubface angle, and grip cause a slice.
What Causes a Golf Slice?
An improper swing path is one of the most common causes of a slice. If the clubface is open (pointing to the right of the target for right-handed golfers), and the swing path is out-to-in (the club head is moving from outside to inside the target line), the ball will spin clockwise and curve to the right. The opposite is true for left-handed golfers.
Another common cause of a golf slice is an improper grip. If the grip is too weak (the hands are rotated too far to the left), the clubface will be open at impact, causing the ball to slice. A strong grip (the hands are rotated too far to the right) can also cause a slice if the golfer compensates by swinging out-to-in.
Other factors contributing to a golf slice include poor posture and a lack of rotation through the swing. These factors can cause the golfer to swing in a way that produces side spin on the ball, resulting in a slice.
Ways to Fix Golf Slice
There are several ways to fix a golf slice, depending on the cause.
1. Check Your Grip
A common cause of a golf slice is an improper grip. When you grip the club too tightly or have a grip that’s too weak, it can cause your clubface to open up at impact and send the ball spinning off to the right (for a right-handed golfer).
The trick to fix this is working on gripping the club with your fingers, not your palms, and that your grip is firm but not overly tight. Pose your left hand (for right-handed golfers) neutrally, with the palm facing the target. Pose your right hand such that the thumb is on the club’s top, not to the side.
2. Adjust Your Stance
Another factor that can contribute to a slice is an incorrect stance. Aligning your feet, hips, and shoulders to the extreme left (again, for a right-handed golfer) can cause an outside-to-inside swing path, leading to a slice.
Fix this by adjusting your stance such that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to your target line.
Ensure a shoulder-width apart distance between your feet and evenly distribute your weight between your heels and toes. Square your shoulders to the target, and slightly turn your hips to the right. This will help you create an inside-out swing path.
3. Focus on Your Swing Path
The swing path you take as you approach the ball is crucial to hitting straighter shots. If your swing path is too steep or shallow, it can cause a slice. To fix this, focus on taking a moderate shallow swing path, with your club approaching the ball from the inside-out rather than outside-in.
You can ace this by keeping your left arm straight and your right elbow close to your body during the backswing. On the downswing, focus on rotating your hips and keeping your hands inside the ball. This will help you create a square clubface at impact.
4. Keep Your Head Still
It’s vital to keep your head still throughout your swing, as moving your head can cause your swing path to be off and result in a slice.
To fix this, focus on keeping your eyes fixed on the ball throughout your swing, and avoid any unnecessary head movement.
5. Use Alignment Aids
If you’re struggling to correct your slice, try using alignment aids to help you practice.
Place a club or alignment stick on the ground parallel to your target line. This will help you visualize your swing path and ensure your club face is square at impact.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
Finally, fixing a golf slice requires practice. Take the time to work on your grip, stance, swing path, and head position at the driving range, and pay attention to how the adjustments you make affect your shots.
Over time, you’ll develop muscle memory for a more consistent swing that results in straighter shots.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you’re still struggling with a slice after trying these tips, it may be time to seek professional help.
A golf instructor can help you identify the root cause of your slice and provide personalized advice on how to correct it. They can also assist you with drills and exercises to help you practice.
Also Read: How to Fix a Golf Shank, Make Golf Bag Tubes & Stop Flipping Wrists in Golf Swing?
Final Words – How to Fix a Golf Slice?
Remember to be patient and persistent, as fixing a slice can take time and effort.
Every golfer, at some point in their golfing journey, goes through a period of hitting slices. So, don’t be discouraged, as they do not define your golfing skills. You only learn from your mistakes, and slices are nothing that cannot be worked upon.
So, lighten up, steer clear of open-stance golf to avoid slices, and have a look at the best golf memes while you are at it. It’s totally worth it!
Good luck and happy golfing!
