Tight hands, open clubface

How to Avoid Slices by Controlling Your Left-Hand Grip in Golf

One of the most common frustrations golfers face is slicing the ball. A slice happens when the ball curves dramatically to the right (for right-handed golfers) after impact, often caused by an open clubface. One critical factor that can contribute to this problem is your left-hand grip, especially through impact.

The Role of Your Left-Hand Grip in Slicing

When you tighten your left-hand grip through impact, you unintentionally open your clubface, leading to slices. The key issue is that an extended left-hand wrist (commonly referred to as a "tight wrist") opens the clubface, preventing you from striking the ball squarely. This open clubface causes the ball to spin sideways, creating that dreaded slice.

Why Tightening Your Wrists Can Make Slicing Worse

Not only does a tight left wrist open the clubface, but tightening your wrists can also cause the hands to lead too much through impact. This forward position of the hands results in even more clubface exposure, exacerbating the slice. Essentially, your hands and wrists aren't able to function properly, preventing the clubface from squaring up to the ball at the crucial moment.

How to Maintain Proper Grip Pressure

To fix your slice, it's crucial to focus on controlling your grip pressure. Instead of tightening up as you swing, aim to maintain a consistent and relaxed grip throughout the impact zone. This allows your wrists to work naturally and helps you square up the clubface for a solid, straight shot.

Key Tips to Avoid Slices:

- Avoid over-tightening your left-hand grip through impact.

- Keep your wrists flexible, allowing them to function properly.

- Maintain consistent grip pressure from the beginning of your swing through impact.

- Focus on squaring the clubface at the moment of contact.

By improving your left-hand grip and maintaining control through impact, you can greatly reduce your chances of slicing the ball, leading to straighter, more consistent shots.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of your left-hand grip on your swing is essential for improving your game and avoiding slices. By keeping a consistent and controlled grip, allowing your wrists to function naturally, you’ll have a much better chance of squaring up the clubface and hitting straighter shots. Next time you're on the course, pay attention to your grip pressure and wrist flexibility to see an immediate improvement in your ball flight.