Although it probably needs no explanation, a slice is a golf shot that curves dramatically in flight from left to right. Although there may be occasions when it is hit intentionally, it is usually the result of a fairly serious swing flaw. Every golfer that suffers from the dreaded slice knows how harmful it can be to their overall score.
The most obvious problem caused by the slice is the significant loss of distance that results. After a drive that curves, say, 30 yards to the right, you are left with a considerably longer shot into the green than you otherwise would have had from much farther down the fairway.
Obviously, scoring is much harder when hitting a 5-iron to the green than it is hitting an 8 or 9-iron. Not only is the longer distance to the hole a problem, but shots hit well right of the fairway often find bad lies in the rough, end up blocked by trees, or possibly even go out of bounds. All of these scenarios result in extra strokes that accumulate mercilessly over the course of 18 holes. And it is no consolation that most of your fellow amateur golfers are experiencing the same issue.
“Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, sir, and I never slice!”
Well, anyone who has seen Caddyshack knows that Judge Smails did, in fact, slice his very next tee shot. Unfortunately, the judge is far from being alone. By a wide margin, the slice is the most common swing flaw in golf, with experts estimating that upwards of 70-80% of amateurs regularly slice their drives. Ask any teaching pro what question students ask more than any other, and you will undoubtedly hear, “Can you fix my slice?”
How to Fix a Slice
The question we’re all wanting the answer to. To break it down we first to understand the mechanics by breaking down the swing and then offer solutions by cause (1).
Why do I Slice?
There can be several different causes of a slice, and it is important that you determine which are applicable to your swing. Some golfers may have only one of these swing flaws, but it is not uncommon for a golfer to exhibit more than one. A competent professional will be able to analyze your swing and identify the relevant flaws.
Before we discuss the specific causes, though, it will be helpful to define some terminology:
Target line
The target line is the straight line starting a few feet behind the ball and running directly through the ball to the intended target.
Swing path
This is the direction the clubhead is moving (right or left) at impact and is measured relative to the target line. Golfers usually describe the path as being “out-to-in” or “in-to-out.”
Open or Closed Clubface
An open clubface is one that strikes the ball while it is aiming right of the swing path, and imparts left-to-right slice-spin to the ball. A closed clubface is one that is aiming left of the swing path at contact and imparts right-to-left hook spin.
What Causes a Slice
Simply put, the fundamental factor that causes your tee shot to curve from left-to-right is a clubface that is open relative to your swing. Whether your swing on any given shot is left of the target line, right of the target line, or straight down the target line, a clubhead that is open to that line will impart left-to-right spin to the ball which will cause it to slice.
So, in analyzing why you slice the ball, you should seek to understand what it is about your set up or swing that causes the clubface to be open to your swing path at impact. Here are five of the usual suspects:
1. Overly weak grip
The terms “weak” and “strong” grip do not describe how tightly you are holding the club. These terms pertain to the positions of your hands. As you look down at your own grip at address, you will see that there is a “V” formed where the index fingers and thumbs of each hand come together.
A weak grip is characterized by hand positions in which those “V’s” point directly to your chin or even to the left of your chin. Conversely, rotating your hands clockwise on the grip (to the right), so that the “V’s” point to the right of the chin or even at the right shoulder, creates a strong grip. Hands turned clockwise = strong; hands turned counterclockwise = weak.
A grip that is too weak will tend to leave the clubface open at contact, causing left-to-right sidespin (a slice), while a strong grip will make it easier to square the face at impact to produce right-to-left spin (a hook).
If you are struggling with a slice, look at your grip as your initial checkpoint. If it’s too weak, turn your hands clockwise on the grip, and make sure that the V’s are pointing to your right shoulder so that at least two knuckles of your left hand are visible to you.
2. Grip pressure too tight
Another thing that can contribute to sliced tee shots is gripping the club too tightly. Maintaining a light grip pressure is a core element of any good golf swing, but for those who tend to slice the ball, it takes on added significance.
A tight grip can prevent you from squaring the clubface at impact, causing the heel of the club to lead the toe of the club into contact. This results in an open clubface.
Make sure you start by alleviating the tension in your hands and arms, and maintain that relaxed grip pressure throughout the swing.
The aim is to have a fluid, tension-free swing that allows the toe of the club to “turn over” through the impact zone, producing a desirable right-to-left spin.
3. Out-to-in swing path
As described above, there is an imaginary target line that starts at a point a few feet behind the ball and runs from there straight to the target. An out-to-in path is one in which the clubhead approaches the ball from outside that line, and which moves from right to left as it cuts across the ball.
This right-to-left path, when accompanied by an open clubface, will produce a weak, left-to-right curving shot. Unfortunately, the majority of amateur golfers hit their drives in this manner. By contrast, virtually every professional golfer routes the club from inside-to-outside.
Here’s a practice drill you can work on to ingrain a proper in-to-out swing path: On the driving range, place a headcover or other soft object about 6 or 8 inches behind the ball, directly on the line. The goal is to hit drives without hitting the headcover.
If your swing comes from in to out, you will successfully miss the headcover and you should see more powerful, penetrating drives with much less left-to-right sidespin. However, if you come “over the top” with a swing that is out-to-in, you will get immediate feedback as your clubhead hits the headcover before the ball. Doing this drill frequently will re-train you to route the club on the proper inside swing path every time.
4. Shoulders aligned left
When standing at address prior to swinging, it is useful to check the alignment of your shoulders. A good way to do this is to take your club and place it horizontally along your chest. 
The club will “point” to where your shoulders are aimed, either right or left of the line.
It is important to understand that your swing path will almost always mirror your shoulder line.
If your shoulders are pointing left of your line, it is likely that your swing will also go to the left (out-to-in).
You should exercise care in making sure that your shoulders are properly aligned down the line, or even slightly right of the target line, to encourage an in-to-out swing.
5. Evaluate your equipment
Modern driver technology has provided an easy fix for golfers looking to minimize or eliminate their slice. Almost all drivers nowadays have adjustable features that allow you to minimize your swing flaws. Loft angles can be changed, along with face angles and swing weight. However, surveys have revealed that 66% of the golfers who already own an adjustable driver don’t take advantage of the adjustability features.
This means golfers are missing out on consequential improvements that can make the game easier and much more fun for them. Slicers can alter the face angle on their adjustable driver so that it is more “closed,” offsetting the negative effect of the open clubface that they now struggle with. Loft can also be modified.
Insufficient loft has a tendency to impart a greater amount of sidespin, which can exaggerate your left-to-right ball flight. Greater loft on a driver will generate backspin and lessen the slice-inducing sidespin. A little time spent on the range tinkering with these adjustments can turn that unwelcome slice into a manageable fade, or in the best-case scenario, can eliminate it altogether.
Bottom Line
The reason we all play golf is to have fun and let’s face it, lowering your score is a guaranteed way to make the game far more enjoyable. Getting rid of that unwanted slice by implementing the swing changes we’ve discussed in this article will make your rounds much more satisfying….and will lower your handicap in the process. Now that sounds like fun. If you don’t have time to get to the range or course as often as you’d like then consider getting yourself a home golf simulator and the Rotary Golf program.
Other Useful Training Drills:
- Best Putting Drills
- Chipping Drills
- Best Exercises for Golf
- Detailed product reviews & comparisons – click here
References:
- Mark Aumann, Golf TIps – Why you slice the ball and how to fix it, https://www.pga.com/news/lesson-learned/golf-tips-why-slice-ball-and-how-fix-it
