Slicing the ball is a common issue that many golfers face, regardless of skill level. It is often attributed to poor fundamentals at setup, with high handicappers and beginners being the most common victims. However, curing a slice is actually easier than one might think. By making a few simple adjustments to your setup, you can start hitting straighter shots in no time.
Nick Clearwater, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and GOLFTEC’s Senior Vice President of Player Development, has some valuable insights on how to fix your slice. According to Clearwater, the root of the problem for most chronic slicers lies in their setup. By analyzing a pro’s swing with OptiMotion technology, Clearwater and his team have found that the ideal setup involves having the shoulder slightly open and the shoulders tilted about 15 degrees away from the target. However, most slicers tend to have their shoulders more open and level in relation to the target, leading to the banana ball flight.
To correct this, Clearwater suggests making a few simple setup adjustments. Close your lead shoulder slightly and twist your lead arm toward the target until your elbow is pointing at the flag. Additionally, position your lead hand more on top of the club like you would with a strong grip. By consistently implementing these changes in your setup, you should start to see a more neutral ball flight, ultimately reducing the slice.
Clearwater’s approach is based on the premise that small tweaks in your setup can have a significant impact on your ball flight. By emulating the setup positions of professional golfers, you can improve your chances of hitting straighter shots. These adjustments may seem minor, but they can make a world of difference in terms of your overall ball-striking consistency.
In conclusion, curing a slice in golf is a matter of addressing the root cause of the issue, which often stems from poor setup fundamentals. By following Nick Clearwater’s advice and making simple adjustments to your setup, you can overcome the dreaded banana ball flight and start hitting straighter shots. Remember, the key to success lies in consistency, so be sure to implement these changes in every swing to see lasting improvements in your ball flight.
