"What are you going to do about that slice?" by Brian Boeling

The New Year presents the best time to get back into the swing of things…your golf swing that is! There have been many whisperings around the On Top of the World and Candler Hills Golf Clubs about terrible slices causing bad scores. There is nothing golfers fear more than the dreaded slice. With the proper technique, your slice can be a thing of the past! Follow these simple tips and say goodbye to your slice forever.

ADDRESS POSITION: When addressing the ball, start by placing it in the heel area of the club head as this will help to promote an inside-out swing path. Next, use a strong grip (hands turned back with the Vs from the thumb and forefingers turned toward the right shoulder for right-handed golfers). Make sure to grip the club lightly in the fingers with the right hand. This grip position will help you rotate the hands over, which squares the clubface upon impact. Finally, take a slightly closed stance.

BACKSWING: Start the club back by turning the left shoulder away from the target, feeling as though your left shoulder is behind the ball at the top of your backswing. To help you make a full-shoulder turn, slide the left knee back to the center of your stance, and let your left heel come off the ground as you turn away from the target. On the top of your backswing, 80% of your weight should be on your back foot and your head should remain over the ball. You are now in position to unload your weight and power into your left side on the downswing.

DOWNSWING: Start the downswing by stepping down on your left heel and letting your left hip move slightly toward the target. As your lower body starts to move, pull your hands down keeping your right elbow close to your right hop as long as possible.

IMPACT POSITION: This is the moment of truth! Keep the shoulders square to the target as the club head strikes the ball. At this point, the hands and arms should pass your body with your right hand turning over your left hand (releasing the club), and the force of your swing should pull you off your right foot so your weight will be moving toward the target.

FOLLOW-THROUGH: As you release the club through impact, let your arms straighten out toward the target. From here, let the momentum of your swing continue until your hands finish up high. Hold this follow-through while you watch the ball fly down the fairway (a good example of this is to watch PGA Tour player Sergio Garcia as he holds his follow-through position until the ball comes to rest). As you practice the follow-through, feel as though the momentum of your swing is pulling you through. Try not to force this motion.

By following these tips, your slice should be something of the past. But if you continue to struggle with it, contact one of our golf professionals and they’ll get you on track to get rid of that terrible slice!

Brian Boeling is the Director of Golf for Candler Hills Golf Club and On Top of the World Golf.