If there’s one common problem all beginners suffer through on the golf course (and love to compare just how bad theirs is), it’s undoubtedly the dreaded slice. Most golfers experience a slicing shot with the driver, but some even battle errant shots with their woods, hybrids and irons as well.
The positive news is, a slice is something that can be corrected fairly easily once you identify the cause. From there, it’s just about making the proper adjustments. The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay would like to help you out. So here are some tips to easily identify and correct your swing to stop slicing the ball.
You’ll want to get that slice figured out before contacting Insight Homes today to join this exclusive golf community right on the gorgeous shores of Indian River Bay that features an award-winning Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.
What is a Slice?
To avoid any confusion, you need to know what a slice is as a baseline for the rest. A slice is a shot, typically with the driver, that starts straight before veering off to the right (for a right-handed golfer). Instead of gaining distance, your shot loses yardage because it’s going right, not forward. The ball has sidespin instead of normal backspin.
What Causes a Slice?
You can’t pinpoint one specific cause for a slice because it can any number of factors — so basically golf in a nutshell. Generally, the main cause is an open clubface at impact, creating sidespin. Some main reasons the clubface is open at contact could be one of the following:
Overactive Upper Body
A slice could come from starting the swing with your shoulders or arms and not your lower body. An overactive upper body causes you to rotate and pull the ball with an open clubface. This overactive body could be an incorrect swing plane on the backswing, a quick transition or lack of flexibility.
Bad Alignment
This is the foundation for any sound swing — and consequently for any poor swing. Properly aiming your shot and positioning your body to execute that target line allows your body to move through your swing correctly. Improper alignment can be fixed but could require a knowing eye and practice on the range.
Poor Grip
Maintaining a weak grip on the club can cause the clubface to open up during the backswing or downswing. If your slice goes from bad to severe, there’s a great chance your grip is off or too weak in combination with one of the previous issues in your swing.
Tips to Fix Your Slice
So now that you know what a slice is and some of the common causes of it, you’re ready for some helpful tips on how to get rid of that nagging slice from your game. And no, a slice isn’t a substitute for fading the golf ball. They’re not the same.
Check Your Equipment
This is an easy fix. Your club should have an appropriate shaft stiffness for your swing speed. A shaft that’s too flexible or too stiff changes your ability to get the clubface square at impact. Some drivers also allow you to adjust the clubface. Check with an expert to ensure you’re using a proper driver for your swing, and always test clubs before you buy them.
Adjust Your Setup
An adjustment in your setup is likely needed for chronic slicing, which just means your swing path is incorrect. If you’re coming too over the top, you need to work on making a more inside to out path. An easy way to do this is dropping the back foot slightly back at address. Ensure a proper grip (not too loose or tight) and one that encourages a square clubface.
Square the Clubface
Your clubface determines where the ball ultimately goes and how. A slice means your clubface is open at impact and closing afterward, so it needs to come closed earlier in your swing. Think of it as rolling your hands more forward at impact. Working on this can even help you learn to shape a draw to your shots.
Don’t Aim Left
As tempting as it is to just accept your slice and aim left, this actually forces the issue to worsen. Change your tee position in the box if you must, but it’s better to correct your problem with the above tips than to live with a slice.
Play at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay Today!
Apply these tips and principles to your own game and watch as that slice disappears and your scores steadily drop. They will work for the driver, woods or irons. With some range time and dedication, you can do it!
To take advantage of the beautiful golf course here at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay, contact Insight Homes today to purchase or build your own home and play the course whenever you want. That will surely improve your lifestyle and golf game all at once!