Before we look at the tips, let’s talk about what is really causing that slice. The Oustide/In swing path is causing the ball to start off line and the open clubface is causing the curve in flight. These tips will help you create a straighter swing path and a more square clubface at impact.

Begin the backswing with your left shoulder. Take the club away from the ball with your left shoulder rotating in toward your chin. Using the left shoulder and left arm to start the swing will take the club back on a slightly inside radius. This will not allow the club to go out away from your body and outside of the target line from the start. The left shoulder continues turning throughout the backswing, keeping the club on the right path. This rotation swings the left arm and club back onto the correct plane at the start and the continual rotation keeps the club on plane. Most slicers get off track right from the beginning by taking the club back with their hands and right arm, taking the club outside. This tip is for the right-handed golfer, “leftie” you will have to begin your swing with the right shoulder.

Begin the downswing with the lower body and weight shift. Take the club to the top of your backswing, stop, and now begin shifting your weight to the front foot. Push off of your back foot like the step and throw motion of throwing a ball. Watch the club as you do this, it is beginning to drop down from the top maintaining the correct inside position towards the ball. Now you can let the hands drop to the ball as you begin turning your body back to the target. This is the correct sequence for starting the downswing. Your lower body will move the weight forward and hold the hands back, not allowing them to “cast the club over the line”.

Drop the end of the grip into your right pants pocket. Continuing from tip number 2, once you begin the weight shift to start the downswing, you will drop the end of the grip towards the ball, like you were going to stick it in your right pocket. This is done by pulling the hands down and maintaining the correct “L”angle (the angle created with the club and your left arm) from the top of the downswing. If you look at the shaft, your left arm and the shaft should look like the letter L as long as possible. The longer you maintain this angle, the longer you may hit the ball. If you break the wrists too early you break down the “L Angle” and lose power. If done too early you will also cast the club over the line and off plane with your target.

Keep turning until your belt buckle is facing the target. Now that the club has started down on the correct plane, you must begin turning your body back to the target. The rotation of your body is forcing your right hip toward the ball and opening your body to the target, thus making your arms and the club go around the body and down the line to your target. This prevents you from coming across the line. Hit the shot and hold your finish!  Is your belt buckle pointing directly at your target? It not, don’t look for the ball to be at the target either.

For more help with your golf game, contact Mark Oswald at oswaldpga@msn.com.