For many amateur golfers, the dreaded slice is one of the most frustrating shots in golf.
You hit what feels like a reasonable drive, watch the ball start towards the target and then see it curve dramatically to the right.
For a right-handed golfer, that’s a slice. For a left-handed golfer, the curve is reversed.
A controlled left-to-right shot can be a perfectly good fade, but an uncontrolled slice usually costs distance, accuracy and plenty of golf balls.
So why does it happen, and what can you do about it?
Why Does My Driver Slice?
There isn’t always one single reason.
The direction and amount of curvature are influenced by the relationship between your clubface and swing path at impact, as well as where you strike the ball on the clubface.
For most golfers who slice, the clubface is open relative to the swing path.
But there are several things that can contribute to this.
1. Your Swing Path
One of the most common causes of a slice is an out-to-in swing path.
In simple terms, the club is travelling across the ball from outside the target line towards the inside.
If the clubface is also open relative to that path, the ball can start left of the target and curve dramatically to the right for a right-handed golfer.
This is why simply trying to “swing harder” rarely fixes a slice.
In fact, adding speed to the same poor movement can make the problem even more noticeable.
2. Your Clubface
The clubface has a huge influence on where the ball starts and how much it curves.
A useful way to think about it is:
Clubface largely influences the starting direction, while the relationship between face and path influences the curvature.
If your clubface is significantly open relative to your swing path, you are likely to see the ball curve to the right.
This is why improving your ability to return the clubface more squarely can make such a difference.
3. Where You Strike the Driver
Strike location is another important factor that many golfers overlook.
Modern drivers are designed with a large sweet spot, but where you hit the ball on the face still matters.
A strike towards the heel can encourage more left-to-right curvature for a right-handed golfer because of the aerodynamic effects created by gear effect.
This means you could be making a reasonable swing but still seeing a slice because you’re consistently striking the heel.
Try using a little foot spray or impact tape on the clubface at the driving range to see exactly where you’re making contact.
You may be surprised.
4. Your Grip
Your grip can also influence how easily you return the clubface to square.
For a right-handed golfer, start by placing the club more in the fingers of your lead hand rather than deeply in the palm.
As you look down at the grip, you should be able to see the knuckles of your lead hand.
Then place your trail hand underneath the grip so that both hands work together.
The exact grip that works best varies from golfer to golfer, so don’t assume that simply turning your hands further to the right will cure your slice.
The goal is to create a comfortable, repeatable grip that allows you to return the clubface consistently.
5. Ball Position
Ball position can also cause problems.
With a driver, the ball is normally played forward in the stance, around the inside of your lead heel.
If the ball is too far forward, however, you may be catching it later in the swing than intended.
That can change the relationship between your clubface and swing path at impact.
Use a consistent ball position and check it regularly rather than moving the ball further forward simply because you want to hit the driver further.
6. Your Weight Transfer and Rotation
Your body movement through the golf swing is another important factor.
Some golfers start the downswing predominantly with their upper body and shoulders.
This can encourage the club to move outside the ideal path.
Rather than trying to consciously throw the club at the ball, work on developing a smooth sequence where your lower body, torso, arms and club work together.
This is one area where a good golf professional can be extremely helpful because what you feel you’re doing isn’t always what you’re actually doing.
Can a Draw-Bias Driver Fix a Slice?
A draw-bias driver can certainly help some golfers, but it isn’t a magic cure.
Modern drivers can use head design, weighting and centre-of-gravity positioning to influence the club’s behaviour and make it easier for some golfers to reduce their slice.
If you’re consistently losing balls to the right, a properly fitted draw-biased driver may therefore be worth considering.
But there’s an important distinction:
Equipment can reduce the problem. It doesn’t necessarily fix the swing causing it.
If you have a significant slice, getting a lesson from a qualified golf professional is likely to produce a much bigger long-term improvement.
A Simple Setup Checklist
Before hitting your next driver, check the following:
- Grip feels comfortable and repeatable.
- Ball is positioned around the inside of your lead heel.
- Your body is aligned correctly to your intended target.
- You’re not aiming dramatically left to compensate for the slice.
- The clubface is square behind the ball.
- You’re making a smooth swing rather than trying to hit the ball as hard as possible.
- Check your strike location regularly.
That last point is particularly important.
If you’re consistently hitting the heel, fixing the strike may reduce your slice considerably.
Should You Take a Golf Lesson?
If you’ve tried everything and the ball still disappears into the trees, this is probably the best next step.
A professional can use video and launch-monitor data to identify exactly what your clubface and swing path are doing.
That is much more useful than simply guessing what you’re doing wrong.
You might discover that the problem isn’t your grip at all.
It could be your swing path, clubface, strike location, alignment or a combination of several things.
Final Thoughts
The slice can be incredibly frustrating, but understanding why it happens is the first step towards fixing it.
Don’t immediately assume you need a new driver.
Start by checking your clubface, swing path, strike location, grip and ball position.
If you’re still struggling, get some professional help and find out what is actually happening at impact.
And whatever you do, don’t start aiming 30 yards left just because you know the ball is going to slice.
That’s a very quick way to turn one problem into two!