If there’s one common problem all beginners suffer through on the golf course (and love to compare just how bad theirs is), it’s undoubtedly the dreaded slice.

Most golfers experience a slicing shot with the driver, but some even battle errant shots with their woods, hybrids, and irons as well. The positive news is, a slice is something that can be corrected fairly easily once you identify the cause. From there, it’s just about making the proper adjustments.

Learning the game on a golf simulator at XGolf is a fantastic way to learn the game and improve your swing without the pressure of actually getting out on the course before you’re ready. At XGolf and the best golf simulator in the world, you don’t have to worry about the pace of play and there are real-time metrics that you can get on an actual course or driving range without expensive tracking equipment.

At the XGolf Denver golf simulator (located in the Denver Tech Center), you can practice year-round — no matter the weather — play courses from around the world, and even sign up for golf lessons from a PGA professional!

Here are some tips to easily identify and correct your swing to stop slicing the ball.

What is a Slice?

To avoid any confusion, you need to know what a slice is as a baseline for the rest. A slice is a shot, typically with the driver, that starts straight before veering off to the right (for a right-handed golfer). Instead of gaining distance, your shot loses yardage because it’s going right, not forward. The ball has a sidespin instead of normal backspin.

What Causes a Slice?

You can’t pinpoint one specific cause for a slice because it can any number of factors — so basically golf in a nutshell. Generally, the main cause is an open clubface at impact, creating sidespin. Some main reasons the clubface is open at contact could be one of the following:

Overactive Upper Body

A slice could come from starting the swing with your shoulders or arms and not your lower body. An overactive upper body causes you to rotate and pull the ball with an open clubface. This overactive body could be an incorrect swing plane on the backswing, a quick transition, or a lack of flexibility.

Bad Alignment

This is the foundation for any sound swing — and consequently for any poor swing. Properly aiming your shot and positioning your body to execute that target line allows your body to move through your swing correctly. An improper alignment can be fixed but could require a knowing eye and practice on the range.

Poor Grip

Maintaining a weak grip on the club can cause the clubface to open up during the backswing or downswing. If your slice goes from bad to severe, there’s a great chance your grip is off or too weak in combination with one of the previous issues in your swing.

Tips to Stop Slicing the Ball

So now that you know what a slice is and some of the common causes of it, you’re ready for some helpful tips on how to get rid of that nagging slice from your game. And no, a slice isn’t a substitute for fading the golf ball. They’re not the same.

Check Your Equipment

This is an easy fix. Your club should have an appropriate shaft stiffness for your swing speed. A shaft that’s too flexible or too stiff changes your ability to get the clubface square at impact. Some drivers also allow you to adjust the clubface. Check with an expert to ensure you’re using a proper driver for your swing, and always test clubs before you buy them.

Adjust Your Setup

An adjustment in your setup is likely needed for chronic slicing, which just means your swing path is incorrect. If you’re coming too over the top, you need to work on making a more inside to out path. An easy way to do this is dropping the back foot slightly back at address. Ensure a proper grip (not too loose or tight) and one that encourages a square clubface.

Square the Clubface

Your clubface determines where the ball ultimately goes and how. A slice means your clubface is open at impact and closing afterward, so it needs to come closed earlier in your swing. Think of it as rolling your hands more forward at impact. Working on this can even help you learn to shape a draw to your shots.

Don’t Aim Left

As tempting as it is to just accept your slice and aim left, this actually forces the issue to worsen. Change your tee position in the box if you must, but it’s better to correct your problem with the above tips than to live with a slice.

Book Your Tee Time Today!

XGolf Denver, located in the Denver Tech Center, offers an unparalleled level of accuracy and realism to any other golf simulator out there. We use a system of cameras, infrared laser, impact sensors, and advanced gaming software to create a virtual golfing experience, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Plus, with XGolf, there is no waiting around for the group in front of you to finish a hole, you can order food and beverages that come right to you, and you can play the world’s best courses right here in Denver.

Book your tee time at XGolf Denver today and check out the best golf simulator in the world for yourself!