Define Golf Slice

By Teresa Justine Kelly

A golf slice is a direction the ball travels after the club head has made impact. The sliced shot--one where the ball curves severely to the right for a right-handed golfer--is a common shot made by most beginner golfers.

Causes

An open stance, an outside-in swing path, an open club face at impact, incorrect alignment and fast tempo can contribute to a sliced shot.

Considerations

Always align your club face to an intermediate and primary target, then step into the shot with your right foot first. Your feet, hips and shoulders should be parallel to the target line.

Benefits

Staying on plane will greatly reduce your risks of slicing a shot. The butt of the shaft of your club should be pointing at or near the ball in your downswing. If the shaft is above the ideal plane, it will be too steep; below plane, it will be too flat.

Warning

A swing that is too fast will throw you off your swing sequence, causing you to slice the ball. Rhythm and tempo are key to a smooth, solid golf shot.

Misconceptions

Positioning your body left of the target to avoid a sliced shot will create an open stance, causing the club face to open at impact, inhibiting proper release and resulting in a blocked shot to the right.

Prevention/Solution

Proper alignment so your body is parallel to the target and your club face is square to the target, along with the correct swing plane and tempo, will cure the sliced golf shot.

About the Author

Teresa Kelly graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She was an editor for seven years for several magazines and publishing houses. Kelly is an avid golfer, a well-known children's book and golf author, and is currently the president of Highview Press/Golfing Lady that produces all occasion golf greeting cards.