How Do You Fix a Slice Quickly as a Beginner?

If you're new to golf, slicing the ball can feel frustrating. The ball starts nicely… then suddenly curves hard to the right.
The good news? A slice usually comes from a few simple mistakes, and once you fix those, your shots become straighter almost instantly.

Here’s a clear, no-jargon guide to help you fix your slice today.


What Is a Slice?

A slice happens when the clubface is pointing to the right when it hits the ball.
The face is “open,” so the ball starts straight and bends right.

If you learn to get the clubface “square” (pointing straight ahead), your slice begins to disappear.


1. Is Your Grip Making the Club Stay Open?

Your grip is the number one cause of slicing for beginners.
If your hands sit too much on top of the club, the clubface stays open.

Quick Fix

  • Turn your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) slightly to the right.
  • Look down and check if you can see 2–3 knuckles.
  • Your other hand should feel like it’s coming under the club, not pressing down on top of it.

Why It Works

This lets the club naturally close and face your target when it hits the ball.


2. Is the Clubface Open When You Hit the Ball?

Even with the right grip, beginners often don’t rotate the club enough before impact.

Quick Fix

Try this simple feel:

  • As you swing down, turn the back of your lead hand slightly toward the ground.
  • Imagine you are closing a door with that hand.

Why It Works

This helps the clubface point forward instead of to the right when it hits the ball.


3. Is Your Swing Going “Across” the Ball?

Many beginners swing the club from outside the ball toward the inside — like they’re cutting across it.
This creates a “side swipe” that curves the ball right.

(You don’t need the term “in-to-out.” Just know this:
Don’t swing across the ball. Swing more from behind the ball.)

Quick Fix

Place a headcover or small object just outside the ball, slightly ahead of it.
Your goal: don’t hit the object.

Why It Works

It teaches you to swing from behind the ball to the front—not across it.
This helps the ball fly straighter.


4. Are You Aiming Too Far Left?

When beginners slice, they often aim left to “compensate.”
But aiming left actually makes your slice even worse.

Quick Fix

Aim your:

  • Feet
  • Hips
  • Shoulders

so they all point straight down your target line.

Think of two railway tracks:

  • Your ball is on the outer track.
  • Your feet are on the inner track.
    Both tracks run straight.

Why It Works

A straight setup helps you swing toward the target, instead of across your body.


5. Are You Holding the Club Too Tightly?

A tight grip stops your wrists from moving naturally and keeps the clubface open.

Quick Fix

Hold the club at 4 out of 10 pressure—firm enough to control it, but not squeezing.

Why It Works

Relaxed hands allow the club to rotate and close, reducing your slice.


What’s the Fastest Way to Fix a Slice Today?

If you want an easy, immediate fix:

Strengthen your grip and Feel your lead hand turning the face down slightly as you swing.

These two adjustments fix most beginner slices right away.


Beginner Training Aids That Help Fix a Slice

  • Swing path tools — teach you to swing from behind the ball instead of across it
  • Alignment sticks — help you aim correctly
  • Impact bags — help you feel a square (straight) clubface at impact

FAQ for Beginner Golfers

Why do beginners slice the ball?

Because the clubface is pointing right when it hits the ball, usually from a weak grip or a swing that cuts across the ball.

Can you fix a slice quickly?

Yes. A stronger grip and learning to square the clubface can improve your shot immediately.

Is slicing normal for beginners?

Very normal — nearly every golfer starts here.

Do training tools help fix a slice?

Yes. They help you understand the correct swing direction and clubface position.

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