If you're tired of watching your golf ball sail into the trees on every dogleg left, you're not alone. The slice is one of the most common struggles among golfers, but here's the good news: the solution might be simpler than you think. Join us for this week's golf tip featuring Claws & Effect teaching professional Ethan Bramble, who breaks down how your grip position is the key to controlling your club's path through impact. Let's dive in.
The Problem: Understanding Why You Slice
When you slice the ball, you're essentially hitting the outside part of the golf ball, creating that frustrating left-to-right ball flight (for right-handed golfers). This typically happens because your club is approaching the ball from an outside-to-in path, with an open clubface at impact.
The Root Cause: It's All in the V's
The key to fixing your slice starts with understanding the "V's" formed by your thumbs and forefingers on the grip. Many golfers who struggle with slicing have these V's pointing straight up and down toward their chin. This seemingly minor detail creates a significant problem:
- When the V's point toward your chin, your right arm tends to position itself on top of your left arm
- This higher right-arm position promotes an over-the-top move
- The result? A cut across the ball that creates that dreaded slice spin
The Solution: Building a Strong Foundation
To fix this issue, you need to create what's essentially a "wall" with your lead arm. Here's how:
- Adjust Your V's: Rather than having them point at your chin, rotate your grip so the V's point toward your right shoulder
- Lead Arm Position: This new grip naturally positions your left elbow to point at (or slightly right of) your target
- Thumb Placement: You'll notice your thumb sitting more on the side of the grip
- Right Arm Integration: Your right arm should now naturally tuck underneath, rather than sitting on top
Why This Works: The Physics Behind the Fix
This grip adjustment creates a powerful chain reaction:
- The stronger grip position establishes a stable lead arm "wall"
- This wall helps prevent the club from cutting across the ball from outside to in due to how your trail shoulder stays back of your lead and remains in tilt
- Instead, it promotes an inside path to the ball and the club can now naturally release to where your lead elbow is pointing (right field)
- The result? A beautiful draw that starts right and curves back to the target
The End Result
When executed properly, this grip adjustment helps you transform that frustrating slice into a controlled draw. Instead of watching your ball disappear into the right rough, you'll start seeing it curve gently from right to left, following the shape of those challenging dogleg left holes.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember, any grip change will feel uncomfortable at first. Give yourself time to adjust to this new position. Start with some gentle half-swings, focusing on feeling how the club naturally wants to release with this new grip position. As you get comfortable, gradually work your way up to full swings.
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