Correcting a slice: Manage the clubface

For the vast majority of people in the golfing world, the slice (a shot that starts left of the target and curves to the right for a right-handed player) is a shot that can give even the most accomplished player nightmares. The slice is not only wildly unpredictable in its direction (i.e., how far to the right the ball flies), but it also robs the player of much needed power and distance on longer shots.

Many of the students that visit my teaching facility complaining of "consistency" problems are dealing with this very issue. A swing that produces a slice is one that has both path and face problems, and once you understand the cause and effect of the shot, fixing it actually becomes very easy.

Most people that slice the ball have been told at one time or another by a friend or a golf professional that they are swinging the club "over the top," where the path of the clubhead moves from the right to the left of the target line as it moves through the impact. There is no question that this type of swing pattern is evident in a slice, however, it's not the only element.

The area that most people neglect to mention is the position of the clubface when it strikes the ball, specifically how far to the right (open to the path) the clubface is pointed. A slice is a shot that has both a left swinging path and an open clubface. That's the only way to get a ball to start to the left and curve to the right.

Once you have a good understanding of the above elements you can begin the process of correcting them. For path, just imagine that you are standing on a baseball field with your feet pointed at center field. Think about how you would need to move to hit a low pitch down the first baseline. In other words, allow your right shoulder to move down to start the downswing so that the club moves more from the inside of the target line and out toward the ball.

To correct (close) the clubface, simply try to make your right forearm cross over your left so that your forearms touch each other after impact. That "crossing" action of the forearms helps the clubface to rotate properly as it moves through impact. Remember, in order to hit a straight shot with no curve, both elements have to be present.

As dreadful as a slice can be to the everyday golfer, correcting the problem can really be a simple process. Just remember to "swing to right field" and "cross your forearms" and you should be hitting straighter shots in no time.

Good luck and keep swinging!

Brandon Stooksbury is a PGA-certified professional with more than 10 years of experience as a teaching professional. He is the director of instruction and head instructor for the PGA Tour Academy at TPC Las Vegas. For lesson information, he can be contacted at 256-2000, ext. 239, or at bstooksbury@touracademy.com.