If you're tired of watching your golf ball veer off to the right (for right-handed players) and disappear into the trees, you're not alone. The slice is one of the most common and frustrating issues in golf—but the good news is, it's fixable. Whether you're a total beginner or a weekend warrior, these 7 practical tips will help you straighten your shots and gain more confidence on the course. Without further ado, let's hit the fairway!
1. Check Your Grip
A weak grip is often the root cause of a slice. Make sure your hands are working together:
- Rotate your top hand slightly to the right so you can see two to three knuckles when looking down.
- Your thumbs should point down the shaft—not to the left.
A stronger, more neutral grip helps square the clubface at impact.
2. Fix Your Clubface First
If the clubface is open at impact, the ball will always curve right. Use alignment sticks or visual cues to ensure your face is square during practice.
- Practice slowly with half swings, focusing on a square face through impact.
- Use impact tape or foot spray on your clubface to see where you’re striking the ball.
3. Adjust Your Stance and Alignment
Sometimes, you're aiming left to "compensate" for your slice—which only makes it worse. Fix it by:
- Aligning your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line.
- Placing the ball slightly forward in your stance (especially with driver) to promote an inside path.
4. Swing From the Inside
Many slicers come over the top in their downswing, creating an outside-in path. Instead:
- Feel like you're swinging “from the inside”—imagine hitting the ball to right field (for right-handers).
- Place an object like a headcover just outside the ball and practice missing it on the downswing.
5. Relax Your Grip Pressure
Tension kills tempo. If you're holding the club like it's a hammer, your wrists won’t release naturally.
- Grip the club with a 4 or 5 out of 10 pressure level.
- A lighter grip helps you release the club properly and square the face.
6. Work on Your Release
The release is the moment your wrists rotate and square the clubface through impact.
- Practice letting your right hand (for right-handers) roll over your left after hitting the ball.
- Use a towel or tee drill to promote timing and natural rotation.
7. Use a Mirror or Record Your Swing
Feedback is key. Seeing what you’re actually doing helps identify flaws faster.
- Use your phone to record your swing from behind.
- Look for signs of an open face, over-the-top motion, or poor alignment—and track your progress.
⛳ Final Thoughts
Fixing a slice takes time, but with the right approach and a little patience, you'll start hitting straighter, longer shots in no time. Focus on one or two tips at a time, commit to practice, and your slice might just become a thing of the past.
Thanks for reading, and as always, keep it in the short grass!