Fix Your Slice: A Simple Guide to Straightening Your Golf Shots

By: Gary Brooks, PGA Director of Instruction

Do you ever wonder why you slice the ball? If you've struggled with shots that curve dramatically to the right (for right-handed golfers), you're not alone. The slice is one of the most common swing faults in golf, but the good news is—it can be fixed!

First, let's break down why the ball slices and then go through practical drills to help you eliminate it.

Why Does Your Golf Ball Slice?

A slice happens when the clubface is open at impact, creating side spin that sends the ball curving off-target. The three most common swing flaws that lead to a slice include:

❌ 1. Over-the-Top Swing Path

• This occurs when the club moves outside-to-in on the downswing.
• The club cuts across the ball, producing left-to-right spin.
  
  

❌ 2. Casting the Club

• If you release the club too early from the top of your swing, you lose power and create an open clubface at impact.
• This leads to a weak slice instead of a solid, powerful shot.
  
  

❌ 3. Poor Alignment

• Many golfers unknowingly set up with their feet and shoulders open to the target, encouraging an out-to-in swing path.
• Proper alignment is critical to eliminating a slice.
  
  

Now that we know the root causes, let's work on fixing your slice for good.

Step 1: Check Your Alignment

Before you change your swing, make sure your setup is correct. Here's a simple drill:

✅ Use Alignment Rods:

1. Lay down an alignment rod directly on your target line.
2. Place a second alignment rod 18 inches away, parallel to the first.
3. Stand with both feet equidistant from the second rod.
4. Ensure your shoulders, hips, and feet are square to the target.
   
   

This square stance will help prevent the need for an over-the-top motion and encourage a better swing path.

Step 2: Create an Inside-Out Swing Path

A more inside-out swing helps square the clubface and reduces slice spin. Try this drill:

✅ The "Swing to Right Field" Drill:

• Imagine your target is straight ahead, but instead, try to swing slightly toward right field (for right-handed golfers).
• This will encourage a natural draw instead of a slice.
  
  

✅ Use a Towel Drill to Stay Connected:

• Place a small towel under your trail armpit (right arm for right-handers).
• If the towel falls out mid-swing, you're likely coming over the top.
• Keep it tucked to promote a connected, inside-out swing.
  
  

Step 3: Fix Your Grip & Clubface Position

✅ Check Your Grip:

• Make sure your lead hand (left for right-handers) is in a strong position.
• You should see two to three knuckles on your lead hand when gripping the club.
  
  

✅ Clubface Control:

• Focus on delivering the clubface square at impact.
• If your hands are too passive, you may be leaving the face open—leading to that dreaded slice.
  
  

Final Thoughts: Quality Practice Over Quantity

Fixing a slice doesn't happen overnight, but with focused, purposeful practice, you'll see real improvements.

🎯 Drill Daily: Use alignment rods and drills before every practice session.
💡 Be Patient: Breaking bad habits takes time—focus on progress, not perfection.
🏌️‍♂️ Swing with Confidence: A relaxed, committed swing will always produce better results.

So next time you hit the range, practice with purpose—because quality is just as important as quantity!

Good luck, and hit them long and straight! ⛳

Want to Take Your Game to the Next Level?

📞 Schedule a lesson with our PGA instructors at Hawk's View Golf Club!