Slice
The slice is the unwanted ball curve that flies strongly to the right for right-handers.
The slice is the most common mishit in amateur golf: the ball starts left or in the middle and turns strongly to the right, for right-handers. It is caused by an open clubface at impact, often combined with a swing path coming from outside. The slice costs not only direction but also considerable distance, because the sideways rotation eats energy. By estimates, the majority of recreational golfers struggle with it regularly. The slice is the counterpart of the hook.
The causes are usually a weak grip, a swing plane that is too steep or the body dodging out of the way at impact. An example: you tee off with the driver, aiming left to compensate for the slice. The ball starts even further left and still turns right into the rough. Aiming left only makes the slice worse, because the swing path comes even more steeply from outside. Many golfers know this spiral.
The correction starts with grip and alignment: a stronger grip, shoulders parallel to the target line, swing from the inside. A simple drill: lay a club on the ground pointing at the target and swing parallel to it. Many slices disappear once the alignment is right. If you are looking for the intentional, controlled version, practice the fade from the draw and fade family. For stubborn slices, an analysis with a pro is worth it.
FAQ
How do I get rid of my slice?
The slice almost always comes from an open clubface at impact, often combined with a swing path from outside to inside. The first countermeasure is technical: a more neutral grip, closing the clubface earlier on the downswing and letting the path come from the inside. A few hours with a pro help here more than any new driver.
What is the difference between a slice and a fade?
The fade is the intentional, controlled curve to the right — soft, predictable and played deliberately by many professionals. The slice is its uncontrolled twin: it bends far more sharply, costs massive distance and likes to finish in the rough or out of bounds. In short: the fade you choose, the slice you get.
Does the slice also fly to the right for left-handers?
No, the direction mirrors: for left-handers the slice curves strongly to the left, while the hook curves to the right. The cause stays identical — an open face relative to the swing path. All the tips against the slice therefore apply to both sides, just mirrored.