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How to Fix a Golf Slice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Few things in golf are as frustrating as hitting a drive that starts straight… then veers off hard to the right (for right-handed golfers). That dreaded curve is called a slice, and it’s one of the most common swing issues in the game.


The good news? With the right adjustments, you can learn how to fix a golf slice and start hitting straighter, more consistent shots.


This guide breaks down why a slice happens, the most common mistakes causing it, and step-by-step fixes you can try on the range today.


What Causes a Slice?

A slice happens when the clubface is open relative to your swing path at impact. This creates left-to-right sidespin (for right-handers), sending the ball curving off target.


The main culprits are:

  • Weak grip (clubface left open)

  • Over-the-top swing path (cutting across the ball)

  • Poor ball position (too far forward in stance)

  • Lack of body rotation (arms and hands dominate)


How to Fix a Golf Slice

Step 1: Check and Fix Your Grip

A weak grip is the #1 cause of an open face.

  • Place your lead hand (left hand for righties) so you can see 2–3 knuckles when you look down.

  • Rotate your trail hand so the “V” between thumb and forefinger points at your right shoulder.

Drill: Hold the club in front of you and check that the face is square when your hands are in this grip position.


Step 2: Fix Your Setup & Ball Position

Ball position impacts your swing path.

  • If the ball is too far forward, you’ll often catch it with an open face.

  • Place your driver just inside your lead heel.

  • For irons, move it progressively back toward the center.

Pro Tip: Check your alignment too—many slicers unknowingly aim left, which encourages an even more outside-in swing.


Step 3: Improve Your Swing Path

Most slicers come “over the top” (swinging outside-to-in). To fix this, you need to learn to swing from the inside.


Drill: Headcover Behind the Ball

  • Place a headcover or water bottle just outside your ball, slightly behind it.

  • If you swing over the top, you’ll hit it.

  • Focus on swinging inside-out to miss the object.

This retrains your path to attack the ball from the inside.


Step 4: Release the Club

Even with a better path, you’ll still slice if the face stays open.

  • Focus on letting your forearms rotate naturally through impact.

  • Feel like the toe of the club is “catching up” to the heel.

Drill: Hit half-swings with a 7-iron, exaggerating the feeling of closing the face. The ball should start drawing left instead of slicing right.


Step 5: Use Training Aids & Feedback

Sometimes you need real-time feedback. Helpful tools include:


Quick Fixes You Can Try on the Course

If you’re mid-round and slicing everything, try these “emergency fixes”:

  • Strengthen your grip slightly more than usual

  • Close your stance (aim feet slightly right of target)

  • Tee ball lower to promote a flatter swing path

  • Focus on a smooth release instead of steering the club


Final Thoughts: Fixing a Slice Takes Reps

You won’t fix your slice overnight—but if you:

  • Strengthen your grip

  • Correct your setup

  • Swing more inside-out

  • Release the club properly


…you’ll see straighter drives and more greens in regulation.

Stay patient, work on these drills, and track your progress. Before long, you’ll be asking how to hit a draw instead of just fixing your slice.

How to Fix a Golf Slice


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