One of the worst shots in golf is the dreaded slice so I'll shed some light on it and probable causes this month.

Most high handicap golfers tend to slice, particularly when driving the ball. This maddening problem occurs because at impact the club face is open instead of square to the path. While most golfers understand that the root of the problem is poor contact, the mystery lies in determining the cause and the challenge is fixing it permanently.

Correcting the slice can be very daunting to the average golfer because they don't where to begin the curing process or all of the possible causes. Without this knowledge self help through trial and error is typically used which generally fails and leads to frustration.

In general, the three most common causes of a slice are:

1. Grip: A neutral or weak grip makes it extremely difficult to square the club face at impact because of basic physiology. Below are critical hand positions to check while gripping the club:

• Top hand - if the first two knuckles are not showing the grip is too weak
• Bottom hand - if the "V" formed by the thumb and index finger does not point towards the end of your shoulder the grip is too weak

2.  Path: Most folks who slice have an "out to in" path on their downswing causing the club head to move across the ball at impact instead of striking it squarely. Below is an easy way for you to check and see if an "out to in" path is the cause:

• Right handed - divots will go to the left of the target
• Left handed - divots will go to the right of the target

When the ball is hit squarely the divot will go towards the target.

3. Release: At impact the club face angle is in alignment with the palm of your bottom hand and should be square to the target. If your palm is facing up at impact the club face is open and will be released late causing the ball to slice.

This analysis of the most common causes of a slice probably seems simple and should enable you to easily fix your slice through a process of elimination followed by self-help.  Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as nothing is easy in golf, particularly if you are trying to improve.

No Need To Spin Your Wheels: Over the years I've seen far too many golfers spend countless frustrating hours on the range trying to fix their slice and ending up where they began - with the same problem. If you seriously want to fix your slice begin by scheduling a lesson with me. I will diagnose its cause in a few minutes, implement the proper swing change, and show you how to practice it correctly. Then all you will have to do is dedicate serious practice time and soon your slice will be history.

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