There are many ways to slice, but most boil down to a weak grip, poor release and/or an open clubface at impact. The culprit: pulling hard with your lead arm and elbow to the point where it stays straight for too long instead of folding, creating a chicken-wing look. In this position, the face can’t do anything but remain open.
Here’s a fix that works in practice and on the course. Take your normal setup and grip, then slide your bottom hand down the handle, almost to the end. Start making swings (don’t use a ball just yet) back and forth, building up to full speed.
With your hands split, you’ll find it easier to get your lead elbow to fold as you swing through impact and allow your arms to be more level on the forward swing. That’s what a proper, anti-chicken-wing release looks and feels like. And, without you even knowing, the clubface will square up for the strike.
Keep going back and forth, listening for a whoosh sound at the bottom of your swing. If you can recreate these feels with your normal grip, you’re in business — and down the middle.
Kellie Stenzel is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who teaches at the Palm Beach Par 3 and The Boca Raton in Fla.
