Fed up with wayward drives? Need to cure that slice? How about we get it fixed then…
In this month TSG Pro Tips, I am going to cover a common lesson I give to all my students. Often when I see a golfer slice the ball, the clubface is wide open at impact (pointing right).
So today, let’s get that clubface pointing more at the target and stop that ball going right and cure that slice.
The good thing about what I’m going to cover here is that the fault comes from the takeaway – the reason I say this is, is that is often easier to fix, than breaking down the swing bit by bit and rebuilding.
Pro Tips – Cure That Slice fig.1
OK, let’s make some ‘takeaways’ checking the arc you make in the mirror behind you at your driving range. Whether you’re driving or playing your irons, swing the club to waist high and see what the club looks like.
Is it “open” where the toe end of the club is pointing behind you? (See right)
I’m going to give a quick explanation of how this causes your slice and then we will get it fixed!
When the clubface gets in this open position it will often stay open to the top. Now from here, you will often find the golfer tries to square the face with the shoulders.
What they in fact do, is make the club swing left and the face stays open. This club swinging left, face open combination is always going to give a horrible slice.
If we can get the club face in a better position as you swing back, then you won’t want to make the reaction where the shoulders swing the club down, therefore swinging the club left….
Pro Tips – Cure That Slice 2
When you take the club away, I’d like you to swing to waist high and have the leading edge of the club parallel to your spine angle (See right)
A simple feel to get the is to imagine the club face is looking at the ball as you swing the club back.
Do this till you get the feel for it and the face in a better position, then try hitting some half shots (waist high to waist high). If you do it correctly you should see the ball fly straighter.
Once you’ve hit a few half shots, take the ball away and create the same feeling into a full swing. If it feels different or odd – it’s probably correct!!
Now you have a feel for the full swing, hit some full shots, practice as much as you can at the range, and watch that ball fly straight…..and that’s how you cure that slice!
By Andy Clissold – TSG Head PRO
