A slice refers to the shot which swerves to the right in the air but usually starts off slightly to the left. In many beginners game, a slice is a common fault that occurs and it also has to be one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a golfer. More often than not, the slice is uncontrollable and is destructive in most cases and it results in the ball being sent deep into the rough. It is also far more common than the hook which occurs when the ball does the opposite through the air.

Tips on curing the slice.

First, make sure your body alignment is correct, your shoulders, chest hips and feet should all be parallel to each other as well as parallel to the ball to pin line. If your body is not aligned correctly and is aiming too far to the left, the upper body can not and does not rotate properly. This means that it will be moving from outside the ball to inside the ball as the impact takes place or in other words, an ‘out to in’ swing’ where the club will not be hitting through the ball. The side spin being generated on the ball is the consequence of this and the dreaded uncontrollable slice follows.

The positioning of the ball in the stance can make a good straight shot into a shot that slices wildly out of play even if your alignment, swing, and grip are perfect. This occurs when the ball is placed too far forward in the stance.

The slicing of the ball would once again occur because the club face is no longer square on at impact with the ball. The reason for this is because the club face has come past square and is now moving in from the ball to pin line, this again generates side spin resulting in the ball slicing again.

For every club, ideal ball placement is different but this is a rough guide:

For woods and long irons, the ball should be placed inline with the inside of your left heel (opposite for left hand players), for short irons place the ball in the centre of the stance, for medium irons the ball should be placed between two positions mentioned above.

Weight distribution can also have an affect which is why posture should be checked as well. You need to be wary of your weight distribution because having your weight too far forward can encourage the slice.

If everything else fails, you can try to strengthen your grip. Do this by moving your hands slightly clockwise around the club, then adjust your grip so you’re holding it more in your fingers and lighten the pressure, this should help reduce the affect of the slicing.

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