Error 2 – Clubface position and rotation

Another common method players try, to fix a severe slice, is to close the clubface at address.   I don’t want to say this cannot work, but more often than not, it will not.  Many times, what will happen with this error is that in the first few shots or even rounds that a player tries this, it can work.  However, quickly the slice returns with more anger than before!  The reason is this. If you returned to impact with a closed clubface, clearly the shot would start to the left.  This forces the player to reverse rotate their hands and arms through impact, which is the compensation needed to open the clubface back to square.  From my  experience, players will tend to overdo a compensation, not under do.  When this happens, the player will reverse rotate their hands and arms so much that the clubface will be open once again at impact, starting the ball to the right.

The Fix

Players who slice need to learn to rotate their hands and arms through impact, not reverse rotate.   Many tour players open their clubface slightly at address to hit a draw.  Firstly, because it helps to start the ball right of target, which is necessary to hit a draw; and secondly, because it encourages them to rotate their hands and arms through impact.  Some of the players are aware of this, and some are not, but I have yet to see a good drawer of the ball with a closed face at address.

Exercise

• Next time you are on the range, try opening the clubface slightly at address.
• In practice, learn to rotate your hands and arms through impact to square the clubface.

In trying this exercise, you will develop the feel for the hand and arm rotation, and if done correctly, will certainly reduce any slice.