There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your drive start straight, then veer hard right into the rough—or worse, out of bounds. That’s the dreaded slice. Not only does it cost you accuracy, but it also robs you of serious distance. The good news? You can fix your slice, and when you do, you’ll not only find more fairways—you might just add 20 yards to your drives.

Let’s break down why a slice is killing your distance and how to fix it.

Why the Slice Steals Your Yards

A slice happens when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact. This imparts left-to-right spin (for right-handed golfers), causing the ball to curve dramatically. But here’s the kicker: that spin also creates drag, reducing forward momentum. It’s like throwing a curveball in baseball—it might move a lot, but it doesn’t go as far.

On top of that, slicers often make compensations like swinging over the top or across the ball, which leads to weak contact and glancing blows. The result? A loss of ball speed, height without carry, and a serious dent in your driving distance.

The Fix: Straighten It Out and Add 20 Yards

To eliminate the slice and unlock your potential distance, you need to address three key factors:

1. Grip Check

A weak grip promotes an open clubface. Turn your lead hand (left for righties) slightly to the right so you can see 2-3 knuckles when looking down. The trail hand should support this neutral-to-strong grip, helping you square the face at impact.

2. Clubface Control

Work on drills that help you feel the clubface closing through impact. A simple tee drill or using alignment sticks can help. Try swinging slowly and exaggerating a closed face to retrain muscle memory.

3. Swing Path Correction

Many slicers come “over the top,” cutting across the ball. Focus on an inside-to-out swing path. A great visual is swinging out toward right field (for right-handers). This shallower path promotes a draw—or at the very least, straight ball flight.

Bonus Tip: Use the Right Equipment

If you’ve been slicing for years, chances are your equipment isn’t helping. A driver with adjustable weights or a closed face angle can reduce slice spin. A proper fitting could also reveal that your shaft flex or loft is mismatched for your swing.

What to Expect When You Fix Your Slice

Once you square the clubface and fix your path:

• More solid contact = higher ball speed
• Less spin = lower drag and more rollout
• Straighter shots = more confidence and more fairways

All of this adds up to a real, measurable gain. Most golfers see 15 to 25 extra yards once they eliminate a slice—and some even more.

Final Thoughts

A slice isn’t just a directional issue—it’s a distance killer. Fixing it is one of the fastest ways to unlock your potential off the tee. With a better grip, improved clubface awareness, and a more efficient swing path, you’ll stop bleeding yards and start gaining them.

So, ditch the slice—and start bombing it 20 yards farther. Your game will thank you.