Why do you slice your driver?

Many of the articles you read say that 90 percent of amateur golfers slice the ball. Thus, you aren’t alone if you slice your driver.

There are many reasons why you slice the ball. Here are some of the causes and the “cures” for the faults.

Since only 12 percent of golfers are left-handed, these suggestions for the right-handed golfer.

Grip – Make sure the grip on your club is the correct size for your hands. Too large a grip could cause you to hold on too tight and not be able to release the clubhead after impact.

Too small a grip could cause your right hand to be too much on top of the grip in a “weak” position. If this is the case, move both hands slightly to the right so the “V’s” formed by your thumb and index finger are pointing at your right armpit.

Equipment – The correct club is vital. If is very important to look at is the shaft flex of your driver. If the shaft is too stiff, you will tend to leave the ball to the right.

\Also look at the degrees loft of your driver. Most amateurs need more loft on their drivers. Adjustable drivers can let you increase the loft and move more weight to club head’s heel. Most amateurs need at least 12 to 14 degrees loft.

Ball position - Start by getting the ball in the correct ball position in your stance at address. For a driver, you need to move the ball forward in your stance. It is also important that you have a slight tilt in your shoulders with your left shoulder higher at address. This will enable you to contact the ball on the “upswing”.

Swing Path – Most slicers have an “outside in” swing path. This is caused by swinging from the top of your backswing to impact across the ball to your left. This feels very natural. A cure for this is keeping your right shoulder underneath your left and behind the ball at impact.

Open Clubface – One of the places in your swing that you could open the clubface is on your “takeaway.” Make sure that you take the club back with your arms and shoulders and not let your wrist take the club back too inside which opens the clubface. You can also open the clubface at impact when the left arm stays straight on the forward swing too long which delays the “release” of the clubface with your right forearm.

Work on one area of your swing at a time and see which suggestion helps you the most.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com