If you can’t swing the slices, a senior teacher says try using a stretching stick.
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At one point or another, most golfers go through a strange (and frustrating) stretch of slicing the ball over and over again. Even when you THINK you are doing everything the same as you usually do when you he didn’t slices, the ball just pops off the club weirdly and ends in the right direction (for a right-handed player).
While there are several different reasons for a slice – from a bad control to fall at impact on a poor swing path – at the end of the day, players cut the ball because their clubface is open.
Coach Scottie Scheffler swears by this simple anti-slice workout
Instead of going to the range and beating ball after ball, it’s time to get more intentional improving your ball-striking.
To help, GOLF Top 100 Teachers Dom DiJulia suggests using a stretch stick that can quickly (and efficiently) improve your slice. So check out DiJulia’s explanation below — and finally recover from chronic cutting once and for all.
Why do you keep waiting for the golf ball?
“If you’re cutting on a regular basis and you don’t know why, like most golfers, there’s a good chance you’re swinging over the top—which means the club is facing the ball,” says DiJulia.
When a player (right) comes off the top, the club page opens and creates a good amount of left-right spin, which is why your ball always seems to go to that side of the hole.
So how can you fix this issue in order to cure your chronic undercutting? DiJulia suggests using a stretch stick.
“Swimming inside-out rather than outside-in (over-up) requires proper alignment,” he adds. “This means you should first initiate your movement from the ground using your feet, knees and hips, avoiding the temptation to move your arms and shoulder first.”
The following exercise teaches you how.
Try using a straightening stick to straighten your slice
Start by asking a friend or your golf instructor to place an extension club straight at the elbows so that it is parallel to the ground. Swing up, pause and let them hold the bar in place.
Then, do your daily dip.
If you initiate the downward movement correctly with your lower body and swing your arms inwards, the bar should fall parallel to the ground – or with your rear end hitting the ground first. But if the front hits the ground first, you know you’ve moved from above. If the latter happens, restart the workout.
To help get a feel for the club’s path, try slamming your left thigh forward and over your ankle (left for a right-handed player) as you make the backswing. Stop there and make sure the bar is still sitting parallel to the ground and along your elbows.
