Cure a Golf Slice
One of the most common questions I get asked is “Why do I keep slicing the ball?”There are several reasons why people slice the ball. Without seeing the swing I alwayshave to assume the problem lies in one’s grip. Whether you are a big strong guy, a little junior, a woman or a senior, a proper grip will ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance to rotate the clubface to eliminate your slice.Dr. Jerry Jackson came to me after he retired from the medical field and was reallystruggling with his game. He had golfed for many years and used to shoot in the 80’sregularly. He was a good athlete as a kid and keeps himself in fine shape today. Hemoved up two sets of tees and was still shooting over 100. He also noticed as his scoresgot higher and higher, his shots kept slicing more and more and his distance kept gettingshorter and shorter.I watched Dr. Jackson as he warmed up with his wedge, then moved to his 8 iron andthen finally to a hybrid. Every ball he hit went the same distance. He was swinging hardat the ball, and no matter what club he used, the ball went about 90 yards. The club wasgrazing across the ball from outside-to-inside producing a very weak slice that alwaysended up well right of his target. Dr. Jackson was missing one key fundamental.
Henever learned to grip the club properly in the fingers of his left hand.
Try this simplegolf fundamental we used with Dr. Jackson to improve his grip and see if you begin to hitthe golf ball straighter and longer.(For Right-Handed golfers, Left-Handed golfers can reverse) Keeping the club square tohis target line, we rotated his left hand where it felt like it was more on top of the club.We created a
“V”
between his left thumb and left index finger that went to his rightshoulder. We then took his right hand and rotated it slightly under the club where hemade another
“V”
with his right thumb and right index finger that went to his rightshoulder as well. This allowed him to soften his right elbow and square his shoulders tothe target line. From this set-up position, his shoulders were now free to turn around his body which created the more circular swing path from inside-to-outside. As a result of these changes, Dr. Jackson is enjoying golf much more now that he is shooting in the mid80’s again!!!
In Conclusion, if you want to eliminate your slice and start hitting the ball fartherand straighter - Get control of the club in the fingers of your left hand.
Next week we will concentrate on the swing path. Until then, good luck with your golf game.--Jeff Ruth, PGA Head Professional at Sunset Country Club for the past 5 years.Students include men, women, and juniors of all ability levels. Students have won club,state, national and world championships. For lessons please call (803)773-7220.
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