What Is a Golf Slice and How to Fix It

It’s super frustrating when your shot veers off course and spins away from the target. 

That’s what we call a golf slice, which many golfers face. It can feel like a tricky problem to solve, especially when there’s so much online advice that only seems to add to the confusion.

Some players even think they’ll just have to live with it forever, but the good news is—fixing a slice is usually simpler than it sounds.

Even better, you don’t have to figure it all out alone by taking golf lessons. This guide will break down everything you need to know about what a golf slice is and how to avoid it on the course. 

Understanding the Golf Slice

You’ve probably heard the term “slice” tossed around at the driving range, but what exactly does it mean? 

Definition of a Golf Slice

A slice is a golf shot that starts on your intended line, only to curve sharply to the right for right-handed golfers. It often seems fine at first, but before you know it, that ball’s drifting out of the fairway. 

This curve generally comes from a mix of the clubface angle and your swing path. When the face is open relative to the swing path, the ball can spin sideways and then doesn’t travel where you want it to. The golf ball will curve left to right for left-handed golfers, but the idea is the same.

Not-so-shockingly, slicing is one of the most common mistakes among amateur golfers. The bad news is that a slice can seriously affect your distance and consistency, often landing your shots in rough lies or hazards. Since the ball doesn’t travel as far, it also makes your follow-up shots harder. 

Many golfers get used to slicing and accept it as just part of their game, which only adds strokes to the scorecard. But luckily, with a little focus, you can keep the clubface in a more neutral position and start hitting straighter shots.

Common Characteristics of a Golf Slice

The most obvious sign of a slice is the noticeable curve that pulls the ball off your intended line. The ball might start slightly off-center but then veer to the right, often landing in the rough or out of bounds. 

You’ll also notice that your slice shots tend to lose distance compared to straight shots. When the clubface contacts the ball at an angle, it robs the shot of power. Some golfers even aim way left to try and counter the curve, but that usually only makes the problem worse.

A heavy sidespin is another sign of a slice, which can mess with your approach shots and drain your confidence. If you’re tracking where your shots land and paying attention to spin, you’ll start to notice a pattern. That’s a great starting point for fixing it.

You can break the slicing habit by making minor adjustments to your grip or stance and start hitting more solid drives that find the fairway. Understanding these characteristics is the first step toward making improvements, and over time, you’ll see more consistent results.

Causes of a Golf Slice

A few different things can cause a slice, and the reason for your slice might be different from someone else’s. The key to fixing it is figuring out what’s happening in your setup and the swing that’s creating that unwanted side spin. 

By taking a closer look at your grip, stance, and swing path, you can usually spot where things start to go wrong. Slicing is a common challenge for many amateur golfers – but don’t worry, it’s something you can fix with a little attention to detail. 

An Open Clubface at Impact

An open clubface is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to slicing. If your clubface is pointed away from the target when it hits the ball, the spin from your swing will push the shot to the right. 

This can happen if your wrists don’t rotate enough or if you don’t release your forearms properly. 

One way to fix this is by keeping your lead wrist flatter at the top of your backswing and maintaining that position when you strike the ball. You can check your setup in a mirror to see if your clubface is closed or your wrists are positioned correctly. 

Even a tiny adjustment to the angle of your lead wrist can have a major effect on your ball flight. If you notice your golf ball curving, it might be because you’re rolling your wrists too late or not at all through impact.

Outside-In Swing Path

Another reason for a slice is an outside-to-inside swing path, where the club cuts across the ball during the downswing. This path adds unwanted spin, pushing the ball to the right. A great fix for this is practicing an inside-out motion. 

One tip is to use an alignment stick on the ground pointing toward the target, which helps you feel the club tracking more from the inside. 

You can also pause at the top of your backswing and then focus on bringing your arms down closer to your body. This encourages a more natural swing path from the inside and helps reduce the chances of a slice.

Poor Grip on the Golf Club

A weak grip can make it hard to square the clubface at impact. If the knuckles on your top hand aren’t visible or the club is too deep in your palm, the clubface might stay open when you make contact. 

Working on a proper grip by holding the club more in the fingers of your lead hand instead of the palm. This makes it easier to rotate the clubface toward the target.

A slight turn of both hands, so they point slightly away from the target, can also help get the clubface more square. Over time, strengthening your grip will lead to straighter shots and more control over the ball.

Improper Weight Distribution

How you shift your weight during the swing can affect your club path, potentially causing an outside-in swing that leads to a slice. Some golfers lean back on their trailing foot to hit the ball harder, creating a chopping movement that cuts across the ball. 

Instead, focus on keeping a stable base and letting your weight shift naturally. From your address position to the finish, your balance should stay centered, with more pressure shifting onto your lead foot as you rotate through the shot. 

Good posture with a straight spine is key here, too. Proper weight distribution helps keep the club on a more direct path, lowering the chances of slicing the golf ball.

Why Fixing Your Golf Slice Matters

Working through a slice can make a huge difference in your overall game. Every time your shot curves into the rough, it can knock your confidence and add unnecessary strokes to your score. But when you start straightening out that ball flight, you’ll quickly notice the benefits beyond just the tee.

Here’s why you should be focusing on this: 

Impact on Distance and Accuracy

If slicing is a regular part of your game, it can cost you valuable distance and land you in trouble. Straighter shots, on the other hand, tend to stay in the fairway and can roll farther. 

When you’re hitting more reliable shots, you’ll know what to expect, which makes your second shots easier to plan. Plus, less time spent searching for wayward balls means a smoother, more enjoyable round. A better angle into the green also increases your chances of hitting greens in regulation. 

Reaching the green in fewer strokes can help lower your scores and boost your confidence, especially when you’re facing tougher holes that require accuracy. By improving the shape and spin of your shots, you’ll also have more control when it counts.

Improving Your Overall Game Experience

When your ball flight becomes more consistent, the pressure starts to lift. You don’t have to worry as much about that dreaded curve that sends your shot off course. 

With fewer mishits, you’ll experience less frustration and more enjoyment as your game improves. Better contact with the ball can help you feel more relaxed, even when it’s time for that next shot.

And as you turn that slice into a straighter ball flight, you’ll find that your focus shifts more to strategy rather than scrambling to recover. 

This shift in mindset can help you reach your personal best and make each round even more satisfying.

Steps to Correct a Golf Slice

Fixing a slice isn’t about making huge, dramatic changes all at once—it’s about fine-tuning key aspects of your stance, grip, and swing path. For the best shot at making improvements, personalized assistance from one of Skillest’s top coaches is your best choice.

But if you want to try to tackle the problem on your own, here are the steps:

1. Fix Your Stance

A solid stance is the foundation for a reliable shot. 

Start by bending your knees slightly and setting your feet about shoulder-width apart. You might want to widen your stance if you’re using longer clubs. Angle your front foot toward the target, but keep your back foot square. 

Good posture is essential—it helps keep your spine aligned so your body moves in sync. When you lose balance, the club often swings on an outside path, which can trigger that slice. 

Standing in a stable, balanced position gives you a better chance of starting the swing on the right path.

2. Adjust Your Grip

How you hold the club can really influence the way your ball flies. If you’re gripping it in your palms, it might limit your ability to close the clubface through impact. 

Instead, try placing more of the grip into the fingers of your lead hand. You should be able to see the knuckles of that hand. Your trail hand should support the club in a way that mirrors the lead hand. 

This setup encourages a more natural wrist release and helps square the face. Over time, this will reduce the side spin that causes your slice.

3. Square the Clubface

Striking the ball with the face square to the target line is a huge factor in eliminating a slice. 

One way to do this is by turning your lead hand downward during the downswing to better align the clubface. 

Try practicing at a slower speed to build muscle memory and feel the proper motion. Once the clubface squares up, you’ll notice less sidespin and your shots will start flying straighter.

You can check your golf swing positions with slow-motion video or even in a mirror to make sure your wrists are doing what they need to do. 

This move can also prevent glancing contact, which can cost you valuable distance.

4. Distribute Your Weight Evenly

Keeping your balance across both feet is important for a clean, efficient swing path. Your upper body and spine should stay straight, and your hips should rotate instead of tilting. 

As you transition from backswing to downswing, shift your weight onto your lead side. If you’re leaning back on your trailing foot, it can create a steep angle that promotes slicing. Focusing on a stable lower body makes it easier to guide the club from the inside. 

This not only improves accuracy but can also help you add distance to your shots. A smooth, even weight shift leads to better control and more consistent contact.

5. Get More Forgiving Clubs

While technique is the main focus, your equipment can make a difference. Some golfers find that switching to clubs designed for forgiveness—like those with flexible shafts or larger sweet spots—can speed up their improvement. 

The added flexibility helps square up the face and reduces side spin. While improving your mechanics is essential, choosing clubs that match your swing speed and skill level can help reduce slicing tendencies. 

If you’re curious whether new clubs could help, consider exploring more forgiving club options designed to produce straighter shots. Pairing solid technique with the right equipment can save you strokes and boost your confidence on the course.

Removing the Slice From Your Game For Good

A slice doesn’t have to be a permanent issue in your game. By taking a closer look at your stance, grip, and swing path, you can pinpoint why that curving shot keeps showing up. 

Tracking your practice sessions will help you see the small adjustments you need to make. If you want to speed up progress, personalized golf coaching—like what Skillest offers—can really help while you keep up a steady practice routine. 

As your slice improves, you’ll likely notice straighter shots, more distance, and better approach play. Your confidence will grow, and soon, you’ll focus on things like shot shaping or wedge control rather than just trying to get the ball out of the rough.

The road to fixing a slice may have its bumps, but the payoff is a more enjoyable and rewarding experience from tee to green.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a slice in golf?

A slice is a shot that curves sharply from left to right for a right-handed golfer. It usually starts to the left of the target line and veers off course, leading to a loss of both distance and accuracy. An open clubface at impact and an outside-to-inside swing path often create the sidespin that causes this curve.

What causes a slice in golf?

An open clubface at impact and an outside-to-inside swing path are the main causes. If the clubface is pointed to the right of the target at impact, it adds extra sidespin.

Other contributing factors include a weak grip, poor alignment, or uneven weight transfer. Looking at each of these areas will help you find what’s causing your slice.

What’s the difference between a slice and a fade?

Both a slice and a fade curve from left to right for right-handed golfers, but there’s a key difference. A fade is a controlled shot that curves gently and is usually used on purpose, often to steer around obstacles.

A slice, on the other hand, is much more dramatic and unintentional, often causing trouble on the course.

How can I fix my slice?

Start by focusing on squaring the clubface at impact and working on developing an inside-to-outside swing path. Strengthening your grip, checking your alignment, and practicing an inside takeaway can all help.

Also, rotating your lead hand toward the ground during the downswing will close the face more and reduce side spin. If the slice persists, getting professional help can uncover any hidden issues in your swing mechanics and speed up your progress.