Viral Scoop
updates | August 15, 2026

Why do I slice my driver?

A slice shot is caused by a poor grip and setup, an outside-to-in downswing path and an open clubface. An outside-to-in path occurs when the golfer reaches too far on the downside, bringing the club down to the right of the ball (outside), relative to the target line.

How do I stop slicing my driver?

How To Fix Your Slice: 7 Simple Steps To Straight Golf Shots

  1. Don't Aim Left.
  2. Position Your Golf Ball Properly in Your Setup.
  3. Take Note of Your Divots.
  4. Fix Your Grip.
  5. Keep Your Elbow Tucked During Your Backswing.
  6. Transfer Your Weight.
  7. Release the Club Prior to Impact.

Why do I slice with my driver but not my irons?

Honestly, it all comes down to one simple concept: You can't use the exact same swing for both your irons and your driver. Those two types of clubs are designed differently, with different shaft lengths and different lofts. They are made to achieve different goals.

Why can't I stop slicing my driver?

Again, most slices are caused by an over the top motion on the downswing. When adjusting your setup, make sure to check your grip as well. Most players have a grip that is too weak with thumbs down the handle. Make it stronger by turning your hand to the right when you grip the club.

What is the most common cause of a slice in golf?

The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn't square and often feels like a “side swipe.” The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face.

31 related questions found

Why do I slice my driver when I swing hard?

A common cause of a slice is that the golfer is swinging the club too fast. Swinging the club harder will not necessarily result in greater distance off the tee, but it does usually result in a slice. In a fast swing, the arms come through the ball before the body weight can be shifted into the swing.

Will a weak grip cause a slice?

You might have a so-called "weak grip," which means your thumbs are more at the top of the club. When you swing with this type of grip, your hands resist their natural tendency to return the clubface square at impact, and instead, they leave the clubface open which causes a slice.

Can standing too close to the golf ball cause a slice?

Standing too close to the ball causes a loss of posture, reduction in arm extension, loss of balance, loss of speed, toe hits, slices, low hooks and a change in swing path. Always check you setup first when you start hitting errant shots.

Can ball position cause a slice?

The forward ball position shifts the shoulders open to the target, which leads to an out-to-in swing and usually a slice. Standing too far from the ball pulls the upper body downward, leading to a compensating stand-up move through impact, another common cause of the slice.

Why do I hit a slice?

A slice shot is caused by a poor grip and setup, an outside-to-in downswing path and an open clubface. An outside-to-in path occurs when the golfer reaches too far on the downside, bringing the club down to the right of the ball (outside), relative to the target line.

What causes a weak slice?

Grip Is Too Weak

Slices are caused when the clubface stays open (angled outward) through impact, which puts sidespin on the ball. Often, beginners have a weak grip, which leaves the clubface open at impact. Instead, using a stronger grip helps you get the clubface square through the ball.

Why do I hit my 3 wood farther than my driver?

Players who hit their 3- or 5-wood as far or longer than their driver are typically using too little loft with the driver for their clubhead speed. You know, it's a funny thing with the driver and its loft compared to the other clubs in the bag.

Does driver loft affect slice?

Driver loft to reduce a slice

More loft equals more backspin, this backspin creates a more stable flight and minimises any negative effects of side-spin. Some golfers may argue that a 12-degree driver will lose them too much distance.

Does over the top cause a slice?

The Over-the-Top Slice

With the common over-the-top or outside-in slice, the path of your club from the top of the backswing to impact is causing the ball to land right. Over-rotating your shoulders or stopping the downswing rotation too soon can cause this.

What's the difference between a slice and a hook?

In simple terms, a slice is a fade that never came off right. While a hook is a draw gone wrong. In reality, it is far more complex than that, as multiple factors can induce a slice or a hook. A slice is when the ball curves off to the right and a hook is it when it curves off to the left, generally speaking.

How far does the average golfer hit a driver?

Here's an interesting fact: While PGA Tour pros hit their drives anywhere from 280 yards to 320 yards on average, and LPGA Tour pros hit their drives from 230 to 270 yards on average, most recreational golfers, according to Golf Digest, average somewhere around 195-205 yards with their drivers.

Why do I slice my fairway woods?

The cause of a slice with a fairway wood is no different than it is with any other club in the bag. If the ball is curving badly to the right (for a right-handed golfer) as it flies, you are making contact with the club face open relative to the swing path.

Should I swing my 3 wood like a driver?

A good swing with a 3-wood can create greater accuracy off the tee than a driver. According to Golf Magazine, amateur golfers use their 3-wood as many as eight to 10 times per round.

Why do I hit my irons better than my driver?

If you are struggling to hit your driver but not your irons, the issue could be a lack of clubhead speed. If your driver is slowing down as it makes its way into the impact position, you will lose both distance and accuracy. A lack of clubhead speed is a problem throughout the entire game, not just the driver.

Why do I fade my driver?

Everything is controlled by the club face when you swing. If the face is open the ball goes off to the right for a right-handed golfer or a fade. The face comes in closed the ball goes left, draw, hook, right-handed golfer again. So it is all trumped by what the face is doing more than the path.