A slice is one of the most frustrating issues in golf. You line up your shot, swing confidently, and watch helplessly as the ball veers right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers). Sound familiar?

If you struggle with a slice, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common swing flaws among golfers of all skill levels. But what’s causing it?

The #1 Reason You Slice the Ball: An Open Clubface at Impact

The primary reason most golfers slice the ball is an open clubface at impact. When your clubface is open relative to the swing path, it imparts sidespin on the ball, causing it to curve rather than fly straight.

But why does your clubface stay open? There are a few common culprits:

• Grip Issues – A weak grip (hands turned too far to the left for right-handed golfers) can cause an open face.
• Poor Wrist Position – If your lead wrist is cupped at the top of your backswing, you’re likely to keep the clubface open.
• Swing Path Problems – An outside-to-in swing path (also called an “over-the-top” motion) often pairs with an open face, exaggerating the slice.

How to Fix Your Slice

Now that you know the biggest cause of your slice, let’s fix it with these simple adjustments:

1. Strengthen Your Grip

A strong grip helps square the clubface at impact. Try turning both hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) so you can see more knuckles on your lead hand. This adjustment naturally helps close the face.

2. Fix Your Wrist Position

At the top of your backswing, ensure your lead wrist is flat or slightly bowed instead of cupped. A bowed wrist helps keep the clubface square or slightly closed, reducing slice-inducing spin.

3. Adjust Your Swing Path

A common cause of an open face is an outside-to-in swing path. Focus on swinging inside-to-out by:

• Feeling like you’re swinging toward right field (for right-handers).
• Keeping your trail elbow tucked in slightly during the downswing.
• Practicing with an alignment stick or headcover just outside your ball to train a better path.

4. Check Your Setup

Your stance and ball position can contribute to your slice. Ensure:

• Your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned properly to the target.
• The ball isn’t too far forward, which can force an over-the-top motion.

5. Practice with a Tee Drill

Place a second golf tee outside the ball at an angle. Focus on hitting the ball without striking the outside tee—this encourages an inside-to-out swing path.

Conclusion

Slicing the golf ball is frustrating, but by addressing the open clubface at impact, you can start hitting straighter shots. Strengthen your grip, fix your wrist position, and adjust your swing path to see immediate improvement. The next time you’re on the range, focus on these key changes, and before you know it, that pesky slice will be a thing of the past!