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Fixing a Slice: How to Stop Hitting the Golf Ball to the Right

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Common Faults & Fixes


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Quick Answer

  • Square up that clubface at impact. It’s the biggest culprit.
  • Try a slightly stronger grip. It helps keep the face shut.
  • Work on swinging from the inside to out. Get that path going the right way.

Who This Is For

  • You, if every drive or iron shot is drifting right, no matter what you do. Seriously, it’s maddening.
  • Golfers who want to shave strokes and stop feeling frustrated on the fairway. Let’s get that ball going where you aim it.

What to Check First

  • Clubface Angle: At address and, more importantly, at impact. Is it open? Check your manual if you’re unsure.
  • Grip Pressure and Position: Are you holding on too tight? Are your hands in the right spot? Again, the manual is your friend here.
  • Swing Path: Are you coming over the top (out-to-in), or are you swinging from the inside? This is key.
  • Ball Position: Is it too far forward or back in your stance? A slight adjustment can make a big difference.

Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Hitting Golf Ball to the Right

1. Action: Set up with a square clubface aimed at your target.

What to look for: The grooves on the clubface should be perpendicular to the target line. It should look like it’s pointing straight at your aim.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t aim the clubface left of the target thinking it’ll help. That’s just compensating and doesn’t fix the root cause.

2. Action: Adjust your grip to a stronger position.

What to look for: Your left hand (for a righty) should be rotated slightly more to the right, so you see more knuckles. Your right hand also rotates a bit right.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t overdo it. A grip that’s too strong can cause hooks. Find that sweet spot.

3. Action: Focus on an in-to-out swing path.

What to look for: Imagine swinging the club on a path that moves from slightly inside the target line, through the ball, and then back out towards your target.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t try to “steer” the ball. Let the swing do the work. Forcing it often leads to worse shots.

4. Action: Practice your takeaway.

What to look for: Start the club back with your shoulders and arms working together, keeping the clubface relatively square.
Mistake to avoid: Avoid rolling your wrists open early. This is a fast track to an open clubface at impact.

5. Action: Work on your downswing transition.

What to look for: Feel like you’re dropping the club into the inside slot before it swings through the ball.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t yank the club down from the top. That’s the classic “over the top” move that kills accuracy.

6. Action: Focus on clubface control through impact.

What to look for: The clubface should be closing or square to the target line as you make contact.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t let the clubface stay open. It’s the number one reason the ball goes right.

Common Mistakes

  • Open Clubface at Impact — Causes the ball to veer right, sometimes dramatically. — Focus on squaring the clubface through impact by adjusting your grip and swing path.
  • Weak Grip — Leads to an open clubface because your hands aren’t helping to close it. — Strengthen your grip by rotating your hands slightly more to the right (for a righty).
  • Out-to-in Swing Path — This cuts across the ball, imparting spin that makes it slice. — Work on an in-to-out swing path, swinging towards the right of your target.
  • Trying to “Fix” by Aiming Left — This is a band-aid that doesn’t address the real issue and can lead to other problems. — Focus on correcting the swing path and clubface angle instead.
  • Poor Ball Position — Ball too far forward can encourage an out-to-in path. — Experiment with slight adjustments to your ball position, often moving it slightly back.
  • Rushing the Transition — Yanking the club down from the top leads to an out-to-in path and an open face. — Focus on a smooth transition, feeling like you’re dropping the club into the slot.
  • Excessive Body Rotation Before Club Release — Trying to muscle the ball through can cause the clubface to stay open. — Let the club do the work; focus on releasing it through impact.

FAQ

  • What is a golf slice?

A slice is when a golf ball curves significantly from left to right for a right-handed golfer (or right to left for a left-handed golfer). It’s usually caused by an open clubface at impact combined with an out-to-in swing path [1].

  • How does my grip affect my golf shot?

Your grip is your only connection to the club. A weak grip (hands rotated too far left for a righty) makes it harder to close the clubface through impact, leading to slices. A strong grip (hands rotated more to the right) helps the clubface square up naturally [2].

  • What is a neutral swing path?

A neutral swing path means the club is swinging neither excessively from the inside (in-to-out) nor excessively from the outside (out-to-in) relative to the target line. It’s generally considered the most efficient path for consistent ball striking.

  • Should I change my driver or irons if I slice?

Usually, no. A slice is a swing fault, not an equipment issue. While some equipment can exacerbate a slice, fixing your swing is the primary solution.

  • How quickly can I expect to see results?

That depends on how much practice you put in. You might see immediate improvement with focused drills, but consistent results take time and repetition. It’s like anything worth doing, takes a bit of sweat equity.

  • What’s the difference between a slice and a push?

A slice curves from left to right. A push goes straight to the right of the target, often caused by an open clubface but a more neutral swing path.

  • Can I fix a slice by just swinging harder?

Absolutely not. Swinging harder often makes the problem worse by creating more tension and exacerbating swing faults like coming over the top. Focus on technique first. Speed will come with good mechanics.

Sources:

[1] Fixing a Slice: How to Stop Hitting the Golf Ball Right: https://golfhubz.com/fixing-a-slice-how-to-stop-hitting-the-golf-ball-right

[2] Fixing a Slice: How to Stop Hitting Your Golf Ball Right: https://golfhubz.com/fixing-a-slice-how-to-stop-hitting-your-golf-ball-right

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