Driving / 3 min read

A Simple Grip Check When You Slice

Before making five swing changes, check your grip and ball flight.

Three-step range checklist: check setup, make one small grip adjustment, observe the ball flight.
A small grip experiment belongs on the range. It is not a guarantee of a straighter shot.

Before adding several swing thoughts to a slice, check your setup and grip. A small grip adjustment can change how the clubface behaves for some golfers, but it is an experiment—not a universal fix or a reason to squeeze the club harder.

Separate grip position from grip pressure

A “stronger” grip describes hand position, not how tightly you hold the club. For a right-handed golfer, a small clockwise rotation of the lead hand on the handle can strengthen the grip. Reverse that direction for a left-handed golfer.

Keep the adjustment small and comfortable. If the direction is unclear, ask a qualified instructor to check it in person. Do not force your wrist into a position that feels uncomfortable.

Check the clubface and target first

Choose a clear target at the range, set the clubface toward it and then take your stance. Aiming farther and farther away from the target can hide useful feedback about where the ball starts and how it curves.

Alignment sticks or a safely placed spare club can provide a reference on the ground. Keep them out of the clubhead’s path and follow the range’s rules. Our practice tools guide explains that setup task.

Try one small change

Hit a small set of easy shots with your normal grip and observe the start direction, curve and contact. Make one slight adjustment, then hit another comparable set. Avoid changing ball position, target and grip together; that makes it harder to understand the result.

If the ball begins hooking sharply or contact becomes worse, return to your original setup and reassess. A grip change does not explain every slice. Swing path, face direction and strike can all contribute to ball flight.

Keep the experiment on the range

Do not spend an entire round rotating your hands after every miss. On the course, use a playable club and a target with room for the shot you normally hit. Save uncertain mechanical experiments for a practice session.

If the pattern persists, take your notes to an instructor. A description such as “starts left and curves right with toe contact” is more useful than simply saying the ball went sideways. The instructor can watch what is happening rather than guessing from the final position.

Give the round a simpler goal

A useful setup is one part of playing better golf. You can also work on tee-club decisions, lag putting and a manageable scoring plan. Choose one task at a time and look for a repeatable pattern before judging the change.

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