Slice, Hook - Why?

The reason we slice and hook the ball is really quite easy, it’s about physics; physics don’t lie. Identifying the cause for the slice and hook takes another set of eyes.

On a perfect swing path, the position of the club face at impact will always tell what type of spin is created. If the club face is square at impact then the shot produced will be straight, open at impact will produce a slice, and closed at impact will produce the hook.

Knowing this is so very important to improving one's game. Now that you understand that a slice is caused by an open club face it is equally important to know that it is a second set of eyes that can see the error that causes the club face to be open.

Some reasons why there is an open club face that contributes to a slice:

• The ball position is too far back in the stance which does not allow the club to square up at impact

• A sway where the upper body moves forward in front of the ball before impact

• Tension can keep the hands from releasing early enough on the forward swing again not allowing the club face to square up

Note: There are times when a fade or draw (an intentional slice or hook) is good for a particular shot. Understanding the impact of the club face makes a fade or draw shot a possibility when needed.

Pro Tip Provided by: Jeff O’Malley, PGA Pro