Correcting a Persistent Slice in Golf

Geoffrey “Geoff” J. Block is a respected Bluffton, South Carolina business executive who manages the operations at RLB Squared, LLC. Having volunteered as a football and wrestling coach, Geoff Block also has experience as a golf instructor and enjoys afternoons on the greens when he has the chance.

One persistent issue that many golfers confront is slice, or the ball veering in a direction that is typical to the right of the intended line. This relates to both swing mechanics and the positioning of the clubhead relative to the ball at the moment of impact. Though logically a straight shot should result from a club cocked straight back and powered straight through, the natural arc of the club exists on tilted, circular swing plane.

When the club is swung straight through without rotation, the face remains open, which causes the ball to veer right. Many times, when beginners try and correct this they tilt the head left and force the swing “over the top,” which only increases the degree of slice. This has to do with the shoulders now being angled more to the left and the top of the spine aligned in an incorrect direction.

To correct this, maintain a level head posture and aim for a more “in-to-out” swing. While it may feel like you are aiming too far to the right, this will give the body the depth it needs for a full shot, with the club approaching in a shallow direction. At the same time, it will bring the club the head toward the correct angle at the moment of impact.