Introduction
If your shots start straight and then curve sharply off to the right (for right-handed golfers), that’s a slice.
It’s one of the most common problems in golf—and one of the most frustrating. You can feel like you made a decent swing, only to watch the ball peel away and lose distance.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a slice in golf is, why it happens, and what you need to change to start hitting straighter shots.
What’s Causing This Problem?
A slice isn’t random. It comes from a very specific combination of club path and clubface position.
Here’s what’s typically happening:
- Clubface is open at impact
The face points right of your target at contact. - Outside-in swing path
The club moves across the ball from outside to inside. - Across-the-ball strike
This combination creates sidespin that curves the ball right. - Weak or poorly positioned grip
Makes it harder to square the face. - Lack of body rotation
Arms take over, causing the club to cut across the ball.
If you want a deeper breakdown, this guide explains the full causes of a golf slice.
How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
1. Fix Your Clubface First
Start here. Face control is the biggest factor.
What to do:
- Strengthen your grip slightly (see 2–3 knuckles on your lead hand)
- Feel like the clubface is closing through impact
Checkpoint:
Your ball should start straighter, even if it still curves.
If your grip is an issue, this guide on how to fix your slice with a stronger grip will help.
2. Improve Your Swing Path
You need to stop cutting across the ball.
What to do:
- Feel like you swing out to the right (for right-handers)
- Keep your trail elbow closer to your body
- Let your body rotate instead of throwing your arms
If this is your main issue, learn how to fix an outside-in swing.
3. Get a Better Impact Position
Most slicers hit the ball with poor alignment at impact.
What to do:
- Shift your weight into your lead side
- Keep your chest rotating through the ball
- Avoid hanging back
Checkpoint:
You’ll start hitting more solid, centred strikes.
4. Combine Face + Path
This is where real improvement happens.
What to do:
- Work on both face control and path together
- Expect the ball to start slightly right and draw back
If your ball starts right and keeps going right, you may be dealing with a push slice—here’s how to fix a push slice.
5. Build Consistency
Fixing a slice isn’t one swing—it’s repetition.
What to do:
- Practise with purpose (not just hitting balls)
- Focus on one change at a time
- Use drills to reinforce the movement
For a full plan, follow this step-by-step guide to fix a golf slice.
Simple Drills That Actually Work
1. Towel Drill (Connection + Path)
How to do it:
- Place a towel under your lead arm
- Make half swings while keeping it in place
What it fixes:
Prevents your arms from disconnecting and coming over the top.
Learn exactly how to use the towel drill for fixing a slice.
2. Alignment Stick Drill (Swing Direction)
How to do it:
- Place an alignment stick just outside the ball
- Swing without hitting it
What it fixes:
Trains an inside path instead of cutting across.
Here’s how to use the alignment stick drill to fix a slice.
3. Gate Drill (Face Control)
How to do it:
- Place two tees slightly wider than your clubhead
- Hit through the “gate” cleanly
What it fixes:
Improves strike and clubface control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to swing harder
More speed usually makes the slice worse. - Only working on swing path
If the face stays open, the slice stays. - Overcorrecting the grip
Too strong can lead to hooks later. - Ignoring setup and alignment
Poor aim leads to compensations in your swing. - Changing too many things at once
Focus on one fix and build from there.
Recommended Equipment (That Actually Helps)
1. Draw-Biased Drivers
Designed to reduce slice spin.
- Help close the face
- Promote straighter ball flight
- Add confidence off the tee
See the best drivers for slicers.
2. Low-Spin Golf Balls
Reduce the curve of your slice.
- Less sidespin
- More stable flight
- Better control
Explore the best golf balls for slicers.
3. Swing Training Aids
Reinforce correct movement patterns.
- Improve path and face control
- Give instant feedback
- Great for practice sessions
Check out the best training aids for fixing a slice.
4. Alignment Sticks
Simple but effective.
- Improve setup and path
- Help visualise swing direction
- Work for multiple drills
Quick Summary
- A slice curves right due to an open clubface and outside-in path
- Face control is the most important fix
- Swing path must move more from inside
- Drills help build the correct movement
- Equipment can reduce the severity while you improve
- Consistency comes from focused practice
FAQs
What is a slice in golf in simple terms?
A slice is a shot that curves sharply to the right (for right-handed golfers) due to sidespin.
Is a slice caused more by face or path?
The clubface has the biggest influence. An open face at impact is the main cause.
Why does my slice get worse with the driver?
The driver has less loft, so it exaggerates sidespin. That’s why slices are more noticeable.
Can beginners fix a slice quickly?
Yes, if they focus on grip and face control first. Those changes give the fastest results.
How long does it take to fix a slice?
Most golfers see improvement within a few sessions. Full consistency takes longer, depending on practice.
If you’re struggling under pressure, here’s how to stop slicing under pressure.
