The scourge of many fine golfers, a slice occurs when the clubhead stays open on impact, creating a clockwise spin on the ball and sending it slicing dramatically from left to right. For lefty golfers, the slice cuts right to left. Slices wreak havoc on accuracy and add unnecessary strokes to otherwise pleasant rounds. Thankfully, a few simple tips exist to help correct even the most persistent slices.
Strong Grip
Correcting your grip can fix the majority of slice problems. Golfers who slice tend to grip the club counterclockwise, meaning they position their hands with the thumbs slightly left of center. Known as a weak grip, this causes the clubface to open on impact with the ball. Simply adjusting your grip on the club to position the thumbs slightly right of center provides a stronger grip and prevents slicing. Keep in mind, having a stronger grip doesn’t mean you hold the club any tighter. In this sense, the term "strong grip" simply refers to hand placement right of center on the club itself.
Ease Up
Gripping the club too tightly applies excessive pressure on the hands and forearms, preventing proper clubface rotation through the hitting area. As a result, the clubface may open and produce a slice. To correct the problem, ease up on your grip and reduce the pressure in your hands and arms. Staying relaxed promotes a more natural swing and effortless club rotation.
Split Grip
Practicing with a split grip can eliminate the nastiest slice. Start by taking your usual stance, except lower your bottom hand two or three inches below your top hand, creating a noticeable split in your grip. Now, take a three-quarter swing and feel how pronounced the closing of the clubface feels when passing through the contact zone. Training with such a split grip will get you accustomed to the feeling of the closing clubface, helping you keep the face closed with your normal swing.
High Tee
If you’re consistently slicing your tee shots, try driving from a taller tee. Balls teed low to the ground promote vertical, outside-to-in swings that cut across the ball and lead to slicing. Elevating the ball requires a more inside-to-out swing, which helps keep the clubface square on impact.
Headcover Drill
To help lose a slice, place a head cover just outside your intended swing path an inch or two away from your ball. Now take your normal swing. If you strike the head cover, it means you’re swinging outside-to-in, which can cause the clubface to stay open and slice. Keep practicing until you consistently drive the ball without touching the head cover.
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