The Definition
A slice is a shot that curves dramatically from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed). Unlike the controlled fade, a slice is an unintended, extreme curve that typically loses significant distance and misses the target by a wide margin. It is the most common shot fault among amateur golfers — industry estimates suggest 70-80% of recreational golfers slice at least occasionally.
What Causes a Slice
A slice is caused by a club face that is significantly open (pointing right) relative to the swing path at impact. The ball starts in the direction the face is pointing, then curves away from the path — in this case, left-to-right. The most common cause of an open face is an outside-to-inside swing path (cutting across the ball) combined with a face that cannot square up in time due to grip, forearm rotation, or timing issues.
The Most Common Slice Fixes
Fixing a slice requires addressing the face-path relationship. The most effective changes are: strengthening the grip (rotate both hands clockwise on the handle), flattening the swing path (swing more from inside-out), improving forearm rotation through the release zone, and addressing early extension (coming out of your posture which opens the face). Addressing all four simultaneously is more effective than fixing one and ignoring the others.
Why Aiming Left Makes the Slice Worse
Many slice golfers aim left to compensate, which actually makes the slice worse. Aiming left creates an even more outside-to-inside swing path, increasing the path-face angle and producing more left-to-right spin. The counterintuitive fix is to aim right and swing right — this adjusts the path and allows the face to return to square more naturally. This principle is why most slice-fix drills focus on the 'inside-out' swing path.
GOATY and Slice Analysis
GOATY's swing analysis detects the mechanical signatures of a slice: outside-in swing path, early extension, poor hip sequencing that leaves the face open at impact, and wrist extension through the release zone. The WHIP score specifically measures the release pattern that determines face angle at impact. Many golfers are surprised to find their slice originates in their lower body sequencing rather than their arms and hands.
Put the Knowledge to Work
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