Fixing the Slice: A Golfer’s Guide to Straighter, Longer Drives

If you’ve ever stepped up to the tee, taken a confident swing, and then watched your ball curve hard to the right (for right-handers) or left (for left-handers)… congratulations, you’ve experienced the dreaded slice. It’s one of the most common frustrations in golf. But here’s the good news: a slice isn’t permanent. With the right adjustments to your swing, grip, and setup, you can straighten out your drives, add distance, and find more fairways.

This post breaks down why slices happen and gives you practical, step-by-step fixes you can take to the range today.

Why Do Slices Happen?

A slice occurs when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact. That means:

• Your swing path is coming across the ball (outside-in).

• Your clubface is pointing right (for right-handers) of that path at impact.

• The ball starts left (sometimes straight) and then curves dramatically right.

Think of it like this: the ball spins sideways because your clubface and swing path aren’t working together. Fixing it means getting them back in sync.

Step 1: Check Your Grip

Your hands are your only connection to the club — and often the biggest slice culprit.

Slice-fixing grip tips:

• Strengthen your grip: Rotate both hands slightly to the right (for right-handers) so you can see at least 2–3 knuckles on your left hand.

• Check your “V’s”: The crease between your thumb and forefinger on both hands should point toward your right shoulder (for right-handers).

• Grip pressure: Keep it firm but not tight — strangling the club often causes tension in the swing.

Step 2: Adjust Your Setup

Your setup lays the foundation for your swing path.

• Ball position: Too far forward in your stance promotes an open face at impact. Move it slightly back (just inside the lead heel for driver).

• Shoulder alignment: Keep your shoulders square to the target line — open shoulders encourage that outside-in swing.

• Tee height: Tee the ball high enough (half the ball above the driver head at address). A low tee can make you chop down on it, creating slice spin.

Step 3: Fix the Swing Path

A slice almost always comes from an outside-in path. You need to learn to swing more from the inside.

Drills to help:

1. Headcover Drill

   • Place a headcover or small object just outside the ball, a few inches behind it.

   • Swing without hitting the object. This forces you to approach the ball from the inside.

2. Swing to Right Field

   • Imagine you’re hitting the ball to the right side of the fairway (for right-handers).

   • This mental cue encourages an inside-out path.

3. Two-Tee Drill

   • Put one tee where the ball goes, and another about 6 inches ahead, slightly inside the line.

   • Practice swinging so your club travels through both tees — this grooves a better path.

Step 4: Square the Clubface

Even with a good path, if your clubface is open, you’ll still slice.

• Feel a release: Focus on rotating your forearms through impact so the toe of the club turns over.

• “Knock on the door” drill: At impact, imagine your right hand knocking on a door in front of you. That feeling promotes squaring the face.

Step 5: Improve Your Body Rotation

Slicers often “stall out” their body and let their arms take over.

• Turn through the ball: Rotate your chest and hips toward the target during and after impact.

• Don’t hang back: Finish with your weight on your front foot, belt buckle facing the target.

Bonus Tips: Quick Slice Fixes

• Use a stronger shaft: If your driver shaft is too flexible, it can leave the face open.

• Adjustable driver settings: Many modern drivers have draw settings — use them to help until your swing mechanics catch up.

• Visualize draws: Instead of obsessing over “not slicing,” picture hitting a soft draw. Your brain responds better to positive images.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a slice isn’t about overhauling your entire swing overnight. It’s about making small, targeted adjustments: strengthen your grip, square your setup, groove an inside-out path, and release the clubface. Over time, those banana balls turn into powerful, straight drives — maybe even a gentle draw.

And hey — if you’re serious about improving your drives, keep an eye on our golf giveaways here at Prize Caddie. From complete club sets to premium putters, we’re always giving golfers the chance to upgrade their gear for free. Sometimes all it takes is the right club in your hands to unlock your best swing.