How to Correct your SLICE

Before we correct a slice, it is important to understand what causes the slice.  Players that slice the golf ball are swinging too steep and coming from outside to inside which will leave the club face open at impact and will put a clockwise spin on the golf ball for a right handed player.   

                                                      A        B        C

                                                                        

 The following picture shows a swing from 5:00 to 11:00 which will leave the club face open at impact and cause the slice.

 The following picture shows a swing from 6:30 to 11:30 which will square the club face at impact and allow a straight shot.

The following picture shows a swing from 7:00 to 11:00 which will close the club face at impact and create a hook. 

 

            Now that we understand what causes a slice, here are some tips on how to cure it.  The first thing you want to check is your grip, the V’s on your thumb and forefinger on both hands should be pointing towards you right shoulder.  Next , check your grip pressure, light grip pressure is another way to help you hit it straighter.  On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being light and 10 being tight) you want to grip it with a 3 or 4.  Finally, your forearms should rotate counter clockwise and this will allow you to square the face of the club at impact.

           The following is a drill that I use with my students to cure a slice. 

1.     Take a club shaft and put it into the ground 1 club length behind the ball and one club head length outside the target line.  Make the shaft angle the same as the lie angle of your club head.

2.     Make practice swings that pass under the shaft

3.     Start hitting balls when the club passes under the shaft.

4.     Feel the swing working from inside to outside which will allow your club face to square up at impact.

I am confident that with these corrections you will enjoy the game much more.

Gary Kelley, PGA
Head Professional
Sligo Creek Golf Course