re: Slicing the driver

For years, I hit a big fade that often would turn into a slice. Then, I blew out my right knee playing basketball. My orthopedic surgeon discouraged any activity outside of rehab. When I complained that I wanted to play golf, he stipulated “only if you keep both feet together on every shot and swing easily.” Low and behold, I started hitting a draw. This was the first step to learning about the actual mechanics (rather than perceived) of my golf swing.

As some have mentioned, avoiding a slice is mostly about proper grip, stance and aim, but until you can recognize/identify those flaws yourself and develop a fundamental routine, you may over-analyze yourself into frustration. It helps to actually experience a proper swing. Putting my feet together and swinging easily opened that door for me to understand the connection between the swing path and a proper set up.

Over time, a few swing thoughts have developed for me if I get out of sync:

- feel the club head
- relax your shoulders
- stay (or keep head) behind the ball throughout the swing
- begin the take back with your feet to a firm outside, right back heel
- begin the down swing with your feet, transferring weight to outside, left back heel
- feel hands turn over/release down target line
- finish balanced