If you’ve ever stood on the tee box and watched your ball veer sharply off to the right, you know the frustration of a golf slice. It’s one of the most common swing issues in the game, affecting beginners and seasoned players alike. While it can feel discouraging, a slice isn’t something you’re stuck with forever. With the right adjustments, you can learn to straighten out your shots and build confidence in your swing.
What Exactly Is a Slice?
A slice happens when the golf ball starts on target but curves dramatically to the right for right-handed players (or left for left-handers). This movement usually comes from two problems: the club traveling on an outside-to-inside path during the downswing, and the clubface being open when it strikes the ball. That combination creates sidespin, which sends the ball off course.
Why Slices Happen
There are a few main reasons why slices show up in a golfer’s game. The most common culprit is an improper swing path, often caused by over-the-top movements or poor body rotation. Another frequent cause is an open clubface at impact, which can happen if your grip is too weak or your hands don’t rotate properly through the ball. Lastly, grip itself plays a big role—when your hands are turned too far left on the handle, the clubface tends to stay open.
Even experienced players sometimes struggle with a slice, so it’s not just a beginner’s problem. The key is to figure out what’s happening in your own swing and correct it step by step.
Building a Strong Grip
Your grip is the foundation of your swing, and it directly influences how the clubface behaves at impact. A solid, properly positioned grip gives you more control over the ball and helps reduce sidespin.
Two of the most popular grips are the overlapping (or Vardon) grip and the interlocking grip. The Vardon grip involves placing the little finger of your trailing hand over the index finger of your lead hand. The interlocking grip, on the other hand, has those two fingers intertwined. Both are widely used by professionals, and the right choice often comes down to hand size and comfort.
Experiment with both grips and pay attention to how they affect your ball flight. A stronger grip—where your hands are rotated slightly more to the right for right-handed players—can often help close the clubface and minimize slicing.
Improving Swing Mechanics
Once your grip is solid, the next step is refining your swing path. A slice almost always comes from cutting across the ball. To counter this, focus on creating an inside-to-out motion with the clubhead. Imagine swinging slightly to the right of your target line (for right-handers) so that the clubface meets the ball square.
Another critical factor is how your body initiates the downswing. Leading with your hips instead of your shoulders encourages the correct path and prevents the dreaded outside-in motion. At impact, make sure the clubface is square to your target. Small wrist adjustments during practice can help you learn the feel of squaring the club at the right moment.
Drills to Train Better Habits
Drills are an excellent way to build consistency and retrain your muscle memory.
-
Water Bottle Drill: Place a bottle just outside the target line in front of the ball. Practice swinging without hitting it. This forces you to bring the club from the inside rather than across.
-
Tee Drill: Put two tees in the ground, one just behind the ball and one slightly ahead of it. Work on striking the front tee without touching the back one. This helps with both path and clubface control.
Practicing these simple drills regularly can go a long way toward eliminating your slice.
Don’t Forget Your Equipment
Sometimes the problem isn’t entirely in your swing. Clubs that don’t suit your game can make a slice worse. For instance, drivers with too much loft or shafts that are too stiff can exaggerate sidespin. A session with a professional club fitter can help you determine whether your equipment is working against you. They can recommend adjustments in shaft flex, lie angle, or even grip size to better match your swing.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a slice isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about understanding why it happens and making steady improvements. Start with your grip, pay attention to your swing path, and use drills to reinforce better habits. If you’re still struggling, check whether your equipment is helping or hurting your progress.
Most importantly, remember that nearly every golfer has fought a slice at some point. With consistent practice and the right adjustments, you’ll see your shots straighten out and your confidence rise. The slice doesn’t have to define your game—it can be the problem you overcame to take your golf to the next level.
