Train with a resistance band to straighten things out.
A steep, leftward downswing path, coupled with an open clubface, is one of the biggest contributors to hitting a weak slice. The club moves too much across the body, from outside the target line to inside it, making it tough to keep the ball from curving way to the right.
To get the face and club in a functional impact position, a slicer usually starts the downswing by either spinning the hips or upper body open – or both – and flicking the club outwards. Instead, you want to feel like the club is coming into impact more from behind you and your arms are dropping and then moving out to the right of your target through impact. The following drill will do just that and get your swing direction back on track.
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Grab your 7-iron and grip it in your left hand. Next, take a resistance band and wrap one end around the clubface while securing the other in your right hand. Swing the club back and through as slowly as you can, maintaining the tautness in the band.
As you transition down, notice how much longer your back faces the target and your body remains closed to it, which is the opposite of what a slicer feels and does. Also, note how the club tracks more behind your body and the arms drop. This allows the club to swing from the inside, which is how you stop slicing and start hitting powerful draws.
Debbie Doniger, one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers, is director of instruction at GlenArbor Golf Club in New York.
