Introduction
If your ball starts straight and then curves hard to the right—or starts right and keeps going—you’re dealing with a slice.
It’s one of the most frustrating shots in golf because it feels unpredictable. You can make what feels like a solid swing, yet the ball still peels off and loses distance.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what causes a slice in golf, why it keeps happening, and what you need to change to stop it. No theory overload—just the real causes and how to fix them.
What’s Causing This Problem?
A slice isn’t random. It always comes from the same few issues:
- Open clubface at impact
This is the main cause. If the face is pointing right of your swing path at impact, the ball will curve right. - Outside-in swing path
The club cuts across the ball from outside to inside, adding sidespin. If this is you, learn how to fix an outside-in swing. - Weak grip
Hands too far left on the club make it hard to square the face. - Poor wrist control
A cupped lead wrist keeps the face open through impact. - Holding off the release
Trying to guide the ball instead of letting the club rotate naturally. - Poor alignment
Aiming left often forces a compensating open face.
Key point:
A slice is not just one problem—it’s usually a combination of an open face and a poor path.
If you want a deeper breakdown of ball flight, this guide on what a golf slice actually is will help.
How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
1. Fix the Clubface First
The face controls where the ball starts.
What to do:
- Set the clubface square at address before gripping it
- Strengthen your grip slightly (see 2–3 knuckles on your lead hand)
- Feel like the face is closing through impact
Checkpoint:
If your ball starts less right immediately, you’re on the right track.
If this is your main issue, follow this guide on how to square the clubface at impact.
2. Improve Your Swing Path
You don’t need a perfect path—just a better one.
What to do:
- Feel like you swing slightly from inside to out
- Place a headcover just outside the ball and avoid hitting it
- Focus on swinging towards right field (for right-handers)
Checkpoint:
If your shots start right but curve less, your path is improving.
3. Let the Club Release
Most slicers block the release.
What to do:
- Allow your forearms to rotate through impact
- Let the clubhead pass your hands after contact
- Avoid holding the face open
Feel:
The toe of the club should rotate past the heel after impact.
4. Fix Your Grip
Your grip sets everything up.
What to do:
- Rotate both hands slightly to the right
- Ensure the “V” shapes point towards your trail shoulder
Why it matters:
A stronger grip makes it easier to square the face without timing it.
For more detail, see how to fix a slice with your grip.
5. Check Your Setup
Bad setup creates bad swings.
What to do:
- Align your feet, hips, and shoulders square to target
- Make sure the clubface is not open at address
- Use a target a few feet ahead of the ball for alignment
Common issue:
Many golfers aim left and leave the face open, making the slice worse.
Simple Drills That Actually Work
1. Alignment Stick Path Drill
How to do it:
- Place a stick just outside the ball, angled slightly right
- Swing without hitting the stick
What it fixes:
Stops the over-the-top move and improves path.
For a full breakdown, try this alignment stick drill for slices.
2. Towel Under Arm Drill
How to do it:
- Place a towel under your lead arm
- Keep it there during your swing
What it fixes:
Improves connection and helps shallow the swing.
Learn more in this towel drill for fixing a slice.
3. Half Swing Release Drill
How to do it:
- Hit half shots focusing only on release
- Exaggerate forearm rotation
What it fixes:
Teaches you how to square the face without overthinking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to fix path before face
If the face is open, path changes won’t fix the slice. - Aiming left to compensate
This often makes the slice worse. - Swinging harder
Speed exaggerates the problem. - Overcorrecting grip
Too strong leads to hooks. - Only practising full swings
You need slow, controlled reps to build the right feel.
Recommended Equipment (That Actually Helps)
1. Draw-Biased Drivers
These help the face close more easily.
- Reduce slice curvature
- Add forgiveness on off-centre hits
- Useful while you improve technique
See the best options in this guide to the best drivers for slicers.
2. Low-Spin Golf Balls
Less sidespin means less curve.
- Straighter ball flight
- More consistency
- Better in windy conditions
Check out the best golf balls for slicers.
3. Training Aids for Clubface and Path
Simple aids can speed up improvement.
- Give instant feedback
- Help build correct movement patterns
- Ideal for home practice
Explore the best training aids for slicers.
Quick Summary
- A slice is caused by an open clubface, often combined with an outside-in path
- Fix the clubface first—it controls start direction
- Improve your path to reduce curve
- Strengthen your grip slightly to help square the face
- Let the club release instead of holding it off
- Use simple drills to build consistent movement
If you want a complete step-by-step plan, follow this guide to fix a golf slice.
FAQs
Why do I slice my golf ball even when I swing well?
Because your clubface is still open at impact. A good swing with an open face still produces a slice.
What is the main cause of a slice in golf?
An open clubface relative to your swing path. That’s what creates sidespin.
Can grip alone cause a slice?
Yes. A weak grip makes it very difficult to square the clubface consistently.
Why is my slice worse with a driver?
The longer shaft and lower loft exaggerate sidespin. See why your slice is worse with the driver.
How long does it take to fix a slice?
Most golfers see improvement within a few sessions if they focus on the right fundamentals.
