As I watch many golfers on the range, I often see the same problem ball flight time and time again — the slice. It’s something that afflicts so many golfers, and can often feel like something you’ll never beat.
With proper instruction and a little practice, though, you can absolutely get rid of your slice. And the best part? The ball will likely go much farther once you do.
Here are five key areas that cause a slice — and how to fix them.
1. An open clubface
There is no question that an open clubface is one of the greatest causes of a power-robbing slice.
One of the simplest and most direct ways to correct this is to develop a proper grip. Your lead hand should sit primarily in the fingers of the hand, and when your arm hangs naturally, the grip should mirror that position.
Many golfers incorrectly believe that the thumb of their lead hand should point straight down the grip. In most cases, this is not ideal. Instead, you want to mirror the natural position of your arm as it hangs, with the thumb placed slightly off-center and toward the backside of the grip.
A proper grip helps you control the clubface and gives you a much better opportunity to square the face at impact.
2. Create backswing depth
In order to develop a proper downswing path, you need to create depth in your backswing. This allows your upper body to rotate naturally as the club moves around and behind you.
If the backswing becomes too straight back and torso rotation is restricted, the swing path can become too far across the ball. This often produces a glancing blow and, ultimately, a slice.
One helpful thought is to allow your lead underarm to stay connected across your chest during the backswing. This can help stabilize the clubface while you rotate and create the necessary depth.
3. Drop the arms
The arms play an important role in the forward swing by helping the clubface square and release. If the arm swing is too late or delayed, and the arms don’t catch up to the body, the clubface will often remain open through impact.
The reverse can also be true. If your arms move too quickly or get too far ahead of your body, you may start hooking the ball. For a lifelong slicer, however, learning to let the arms swing and release can be a very welcome change.
4. Fold the lead elbow
Much like a baseball swing, a proper golf swing allows the lead elbow to relax and fold through the forward swing. This helps the clubface release naturally. If the lead arm stays too straight for too long, the clubface can be held open, making it much easier to produce a slice.
One of my favorite drills, and one I use very often when teaching, is the split-hand drill. This drill encourages a more natural release, helping produce a squarer impact position and, ultimately, greater distance.
5. Relax the hands and arms
Whether you’re learning to swing your arms more freely or allowing your lead elbow to fold and help square the clubface, having relaxed hands and arms can make a huge difference. Be mindful that your grip should be secure and positioned properly in the fingers so you don’t have to squeeze the club too tightly to keep control. Avoid unnecessary tension as you establish your posture. Let your arms hang naturally and stay relaxed.
The goal isn’t to force the clubface closed or manipulate the club through impact. Instead, create the right conditions for the clubface to square naturally. If you do that, you should be able to rid yourself of that pesky slice.
