How to Stop Slicing the Driver: Face-to-Path Basics and Feel-Based Fixes

Learn practical steps to stop slicing your driver with face-to-path basics and effective feel-based drills.

By Marcus Bell, PGA Teaching Professional 2026-08-16

To stop slicing the driver, focus on ensuring the clubface is closed relative to the swing path at impact. This fundamental change will help straighten your shots and improve consistency.

What causes a slice in golf with a driver?

A slice is primarily caused by an open clubface relative to the swing path. When the face is open, even slightly, it imparts side-spin on the ball, resulting in a left-to-right trajectory for right-handed golfers. For left-handed golfers, this is reversed, with the ball curving right-to-left. A consistent slice could also be a result of poor alignment or an outside-to-in swing path.

Drill: Alignment Stick Path Control

Place an alignment stick along your target line and another stick parallel to it, about 12 inches outside your ball. Swing inside the outer stick to promote an in-to-out path. Perform 5 sets of 10 swings, focusing on avoiding the outer stick. Feel the clubhead moving from inside to outside as you swing through, ensuring the clubface is square or slightly closed at impact. For additional practice, try focusing on your follow-through, ensuring your hands extend towards the target line, emphasizing the in-to-out motion.

How can I stop slicing my driver on the golf course?

On the course, align your body parallel to your intended target line and ensure your shoulders are square. Use a slightly stronger grip, turning your hands clockwise on the club if you're right-handed, or counter-clockwise if you're left-handed. This grip adjustment helps close the clubface at impact. Additionally, focus on a smooth takeaway, as rushing can lead to an open face.

Drill: Grip Pressure Awareness

Hold your driver with a grip pressure of about 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. Practice swinging with this light grip, gradually increasing speed while maintaining the same pressure. Do this for 3 sets of 15 swings, focusing on the feel of your hands throughout. Pay attention to the sensation of the clubhead closing as it approaches the ball. To deepen this practice, perform a pause at the top of your backswing for a moment to ensure your grip remains consistent before transitioning into your downswing.

How do I practice stopping a slice at the driving range?

Use targets to guide your practice. Aim for a specific spot downrange, and set up alignment sticks to ensure your body alignment matches your target line. Regularly check your grip and stance, and use slow-motion swings to feel the correct path and face relationship. Incorporate visualization techniques to mentally rehearse the desired ball flight before executing each swing.

Drill: Half-Speed Path and Face Control

Hit 25 balls at half speed, concentrating on the clubface's position at impact. Aim to feel the face closing through the ball, with your hands leading the clubhead slightly. This drill helps ingraining proper impact sensations. As you gain confidence, gradually increase your swing speed while maintaining control over the face-to-path relationship. For added precision, use impact tape on your club to monitor where the ball contacts the face, aiming for the center.

What is the best grip to stop slicing the driver?

A neutral to slightly strong grip is generally effective. For right-handed players, the V formed by the thumb and forefinger should point between the right ear and shoulder. For left-handed players, it should point between the left ear and shoulder. This positioning helps promote a square or slightly closed face at impact. Consistently check your grip throughout your practice to ensure it remains strong and consistent.

Example: Adjusting Grip for Slice Reduction

Practice adjusting your grip in front of a mirror. Ensure the V's on both hands are aligned correctly. Perform 10 practice swings after adjusting to feel the difference in clubface control. For further practice, mark the correct grip position on your glove with a pen to ensure you replicate the grip setup consistently during rounds.

Can changing my driver setup help stop a slice?

Adjusting your driver setup can significantly reduce slices. Try lowering the loft or adjusting the weight settings to promote a draw bias. You might also consider a driver fitting to ensure your equipment matches your swing mechanics. Explore more about driver setups in our guide on choosing the right driver loft for your swing speed. Additionally, consider experimenting with different shaft flexes to see how they impact your ball flight.

Drill: Setup Adjustment Practice

On the range, experiment with different driver settings for 15 minutes. Monitor ball flight changes with each adjustment, noting which settings produce the straightest shots. Record your findings in a notebook to track which configurations work best for your swing style and conditions.

How does swing path affect slicing the driver?

A swing path that is too far outside-to-in contributes to slices. Instead, practice an in-to-out path. This change can be facilitated by using alignment sticks or visualizing a slight arc in your downswing, helping to square the face at impact. For more on correcting your swing path, see our detailed guide. Additionally, focus on your lower body movement; initiate the downswing with your hips to help maintain an inside path.

Drill: Visualize and Feel the Swing Path

Visualize an arc in your swing path, ensuring the club comes from the inside on the downswing. Practice with 20 balls, focusing on the feeling of swinging out towards the target line. Use a video recording to review your swing path, noting any deviations that cause the face to open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stop slicing driver right?

Focus on closing the clubface relative to the swing path. Check grip strength and alignment to ensure they promote a square or slightly closed face at impact.

How to stop slicing driver left-handed?

Left-handed golfers should use a slightly stronger grip and ensure their swing path is more in-to-out. Adjusting body alignment can also help promote a straighter ball flight.

How to stop slicing driver on Reddit?

Engaging with golf communities like Reddit can provide tips, but concentrate on face control and swing path adjustments as core solutions. Practical drills at the range, as detailed above, are essential for improvement.

How to stop slicing driver golf?

Master the face-to-path relationship by using drills and checking your grip and stance regularly. On-course adjustments include aligning your shoulders parallel to your target line and ensuring a consistent, balanced swing.

How to stop slicing driver lefty?

Left-handed players can address slices by focusing on closing the clubface through a stronger grip and adjusting their swing path to be more in-to-out.

Join Flighting to track your rounds and unlock rewards.