As the weather gets better, most of us are getting a few more rounds of golf in. We are a little more comfortable with our swings and the course conditions are steadily improving. However, this season the ball seems to have just a slight tail from left to right (a fade) or the dreaded SLICE. As we work our way through a round with our new found shot pattern, we start aiming a little left to compensate for the fade. This is all too common in the beginning and here are some reasons why.
For most golfers the winter months are an opportunity for some outdoor recreation. Most of these activities such as skiing and snowmobiling are great fun but use different muscle groups than golf. That makes the first swings of the new season tight. With the lack of swings, we all lose flexibility and the result is a change in the club swing path. The fade or slice is created by an outside-in swing path which cuts across the ball and imparts a left to right spin. This swing path also opens the club face so the ball will go higher and lose some distance. Here are some common misconceptions about the slice:
1. If I aim more left the ball will come back to the center of the fairway. This is true if your natural swing pattern is a fade and not a slice. This technique usually will create more of an outside-in swing path and create a bigger slice.
2. I will play the ball more forward in my stance to allow the club to square up more at impact. This promotes less turn in the back swing which will cause more of a sway in the swing making you get in front of the ball on the downswing.
3. The one we all dread, my clubs may not fit me anymore and I need something with more flex in the shaft. This can be true in some instances. However, for most your clubs are just fine.
Remember that there are only the fundamentals of the swing that produce a quality golf shot. They are: Grip, Posture and Alignment. The grip is how we hold the club and needs to be consistent. Our posture need to be centered and in an athletic position to allow the transfer of weight throughout the golf swing. Alignment will need to be correct to allow for the club to swing around the body creating a swing path that comes from the inside on the downswing an out towards the target after impact.
Curing a fade or slice is more than aiming to the left. The best cure is to work on having more flexibility with you upper body and working on posture. This will allow you to make a better turn in the backswing. With a better turn, you will be able to hit from “Behind” the ball as opposed to “On Top” of the ball. The “behind” position promotes a forward swing that is from the inside and will straighten your shots out.
From the old adage, “It’s the Indian not the arrow”. Work hard and never give up on trying to improve your swing and overall golf game.
Michael Dugas
PGA Professional
PGA Professional
