Why Does My Golf Swing Go Right and How Can I Fix It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Accessories & Technology

If you’re a golfer who’s noticed your shots consistently veering off to the right, you’re not alone. Understanding why your golf swing goes right can be both frustrating and puzzling, especially when you’re striving for precision and control on the course. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, identifying the root causes behind this common issue is the first step toward improving your game and hitting straighter, more accurate shots.

A golf swing that pushes the ball right can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from grip and stance to swing path and clubface angle at impact. Often, subtle flaws in technique or alignment can cause the ball to slice or fade unintentionally, leading to less consistent results and diminished confidence. While the symptoms may be similar, the underlying reasons can differ widely from player to player.

By exploring the mechanics behind a rightward shot tendency, you’ll gain insight into how your body movements and equipment choices influence ball flight. This foundational understanding will prepare you to make targeted adjustments and develop a more reliable, effective swing. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve deeper into the common causes and practical solutions to help you bring your shots back on line.

Common Swing Faults That Cause the Ball to Go Right

One of the primary reasons a golf shot veers right is due to specific swing faults that alter the clubface angle or swing path at impact. Understanding these faults is essential to diagnosing the cause and making effective corrections.

A typical cause is an open clubface at impact, which imparts left-to-right spin on the ball, resulting in a slice or a push fade. This can happen if the wrists are not properly released through the ball or if the grip is too weak, causing the clubface to remain open. Similarly, an outside-to-inside swing path (often called “over the top”) forces the ball to start left but curve sharply right.

Another frequent issue is improper alignment or stance that encourages an outside-to-in path or an open face. Additionally, a late release or flipping of the hands can cause the clubface to open at impact.

Key swing faults include:

  • Open clubface at impact: Caused by weak grip or improper wrist release
  • Outside-to-inside swing path: Leads to slicing the ball
  • Incorrect weight shift: Failure to transfer weight properly can alter swing path
  • Poor alignment: Aiming right of the target naturally pushes shots right
  • Overactive upper body: Early arm casting or “casting” leads to loss of power and open face

Grip and Setup Adjustments to Prevent Rightward Shots

The foundation of a consistent swing starts with grip and setup, which greatly influence clubface control and swing path. Small adjustments here can significantly reduce rightward shots.

A weak grip, where the hands are rotated too far to the left (for right-handed golfers), tends to leave the clubface open at impact. Strengthening the grip by rotating both hands slightly to the right helps close the face and promote a straighter or draw ball flight.

Proper stance and alignment are equally crucial. Aligning the feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line ensures the swing path is on plane and reduces the tendency to swing outside-in. Many players unknowingly aim right, which encourages pushing the ball right.

Weight distribution should be balanced at address, with a slight bias toward the balls of the feet rather than the heels. This promotes better rotation and prevents sway that causes path inconsistencies.

Important grip and setup tips:

  • Strengthen grip slightly to help close clubface
  • Align body parallel to the target line
  • Position ball slightly forward for longer clubs, centered for short irons
  • Maintain balanced weight on balls of feet
  • Keep posture athletic, with slight knee flex and straight spine

Impact of Swing Path and Clubface Angle on Shot Direction

The interaction between the swing path and clubface angle at impact determines the initial direction and curvature of the golf ball. Even minor deviations can cause the ball to go right.

Swing path is the direction the clubhead travels through the hitting zone, while clubface angle is the orientation of the clubface relative to the target line at impact. When the clubface is open relative to the swing path, the ball curves right (for right-handed players).

Here’s how different combinations affect ball flight:

Swing Path Clubface Angle Shot Result Explanation
Inside-to-outside Closed to path Draw (right-to-left curve) Clubface leads path, imparting right-to-left spin
Inside-to-outside Open to path Push fade (straight to right curve) Face open to path but closed to target line
Outside-to-inside Open to path Slice (left-to-right curve) Face open to both path and target line
Outside-to-inside Closed to path Pull hook (right-to-left curve) Face closed to path but open to target line
Straight down target line Square Straight shot Face and path aligned perfectly

Understanding these relationships helps golfers identify whether their rightward shots stem from an open face, outside-in path, or a combination of both, allowing for targeted adjustments.

Drills to Correct a Swing That Tends to Go Right

Practicing specific drills can help retrain the muscles and improve swing mechanics to reduce shots going right. Consistent repetition builds muscle memory to reinforce proper path and clubface control.

Swing Path Drill:
Place an object (like an alignment stick) just outside the ball and slightly behind the target line. Practice swinging without hitting the stick, encouraging an inside-to-out swing path and discouraging an over-the-top move.

Clubface Awareness Drill:
Use impact tape or foot spray on the clubface to monitor where the ball strikes. Aim to center the ball and gradually reduce open face strikes by adjusting grip or release.

Alignment Drill:
Set up two alignment sticks on the ground—one along your target line and one parallel to your feet. Practice hitting shots while focusing on maintaining body alignment with the sticks.

Weight Transfer Drill:
Practice stepping into the shot by shifting weight from the back foot to the front foot during the downswing. This promotes better rotation and prevents swaying that causes path inconsistencies.

By incorporating these drills into

Common Causes of a Golf Swing That Goes Right

When a golf swing consistently sends the ball to the right, it is often due to specific technical flaws or physical tendencies. Understanding these causes can help golfers diagnose and correct their swing path, clubface alignment, and body mechanics.

Here are the primary reasons why a golf swing might go right:

  • Open Clubface at Impact: The clubface is not square but open relative to the target line when it strikes the ball, causing the ball to start right or slice.
  • Out-to-In Swing Path: The clubhead moves across the ball from outside the target line to inside, imparting side spin that sends the ball right for a right-handed golfer.
  • Incorrect Grip: A weak grip can cause the hands to release the club improperly, leaving the clubface open at impact.
  • Alignment Issues: The golfer’s body and feet may be aimed to the right of the target unintentionally, influencing the swing direction.
  • Over-the-Top Move: Starting the downswing with the upper body or arms leads to an outside-in path and an open clubface.
  • Insufficient Hip Rotation: Failure to rotate the hips properly through impact can cause early release and an open face.
  • Ball Position Too Far Forward: Placing the ball too far forward in the stance can cause the clubface to be open at impact.

Diagnosing the Swing Path and Clubface Position

Accurate diagnosis of the swing path and clubface angle is essential for making effective corrections. Various methods can help identify whether the swing is going right due to path or face issues.

Diagnostic Tool/Method Description What to Look For
Video Analysis Record the swing from down-the-line and face-on angles using a camera or smartphone. Check if the clubhead path moves outside-in and observe the clubface angle at impact.
Launch Monitors Use technology like TrackMan or FlightScope to measure club path and face angle. Identify numerical values for path and face; an out-to-in path or open face confirms the problem.
Professional Swing Coach A certified golf instructor can provide expert feedback and drills. Receive personalized diagnosis and tailored corrective actions.
Impact Tape or Spray Apply to the clubface to analyze the impact location on the clubface. Impacts toward the heel or toe may indicate swing path issues contributing to the ball going right.

Adjusting Grip and Setup to Prevent Shots Going Right

Modifications to grip and setup can significantly reduce the tendency for shots to veer right. These adjustments help square the clubface and promote a more neutral swing path.

  • Strengthen the Grip: Rotate both hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) so that the “V” shapes formed by thumb and forefinger point between the right shoulder and chin.
  • Square Your Stance: Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line rather than open or aiming right.
  • Correct Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward of center for drivers and center or just forward of center for irons, avoiding overly forward placement that can open the face.
  • Adjust Spine Angle: Maintain a balanced, athletic posture with the spine tilted slightly away from the target to promote inside-to-square swing paths.
  • Check Hand Position at Address: Ensure hands are not too far ahead or behind the ball, maintaining a neutral position to facilitate square impact.

Drills to Fix an Out-to-In Swing Path

Addressing an out-to-in swing path is critical for eliminating shots that go right. The following drills help develop a more inside-to-square swing path and promote a square clubface.

  • Gate Drill: Place two tees slightly wider than the clubhead on the target line just ahead of the ball. Swing the club through the “gate” without touching the tees to encourage an inside path.
  • Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick or club on the ground just outside the ball, parallel to the target line. Focus on swinging the clubhead inside this stick on the downswing.
  • Pause at the Top: Make a controlled swing and pause momentarily at the top of the backswing, then initiate the downswing with the lower body to avoid over-the-top movement.
  • Impact Bag Drill: Use an impact bag to practice hitting straight on with a square clubface, focusing on an inside-to-square path.
  • Slow Motion Swings: Perform slow, deliberate swings focusing on feeling the clubhead dropping inside on the downswing and rotating the body through impact.

Physical Factors Influencing a Swing That Goes Right

Beyond technique,

Expert Insights on Why Your Golf Swing Goes Right

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). A swing that consistently goes right often stems from an open clubface at impact combined with an outside-to-inside swing path. This combination imparts left-to-right sidespin on the ball, causing the shot to curve right. Addressing grip pressure and ensuring proper wrist hinge during the downswing can help correct this issue.

Michael Thompson (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Academy). Many players who struggle with shots going right tend to have a weak grip or fail to rotate their forearms fully through impact. Additionally, alignment errors such as aiming too far left can subconsciously promote an outside-in swing path. Focusing on a stronger grip and proper alignment drills often leads to straighter ball flights.

Sandra Liu (Golf Performance Coach and Mental Game Consultant). Beyond physical mechanics, a common cause of a swing going right is tension and overcompensation due to fear of hooking the ball. This mental interference can cause premature release and an open clubface. Incorporating relaxation techniques and confidence-building routines can significantly improve swing consistency and direction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my golf swing go right even when I aim left?
This often occurs due to an open clubface at impact or an outside-to-inside swing path, causing the ball to slice or push right despite aiming left.

Can my grip cause my golf swing to go right?
Yes, a weak grip can lead to an open clubface at impact, resulting in shots that veer right. Adjusting to a stronger grip can help square the face.

How does my stance affect the direction of my golf swing?
An alignment that is aimed too far left can cause compensations in the swing, leading to the ball going right. Proper alignment with the target line is essential.

Does my swing path influence why my shots go right?
Absolutely. An outside-to-inside swing path tends to produce a slice or push, sending the ball right of the target.

Can equipment issues cause my golf shots to go right?
Yes, clubs with incorrect lie angles or shafts that do not match your swing speed can contribute to directional inconsistencies, including shots going right.

What drills can help correct a golf swing that goes right?
Drills focusing on squaring the clubface at impact, improving grip strength, and promoting an inside-to-outside swing path can effectively reduce rightward shots.
Understanding why your golf swing goes right is essential for improving consistency and overall performance on the course. Common causes include an open clubface at impact, improper alignment, an outside-to-inside swing path, or grip issues. Each of these factors can cause the ball to veer right, whether you are a right-handed or left-handed golfer. Identifying the specific cause through careful analysis or professional coaching is the first step toward correction.

Addressing swing faults often involves working on fundamentals such as grip pressure, stance alignment, and swing mechanics. Ensuring the clubface is square at impact and promoting an inside-to-outside swing path can significantly reduce shots that go right. Additionally, practicing with drills designed to improve swing plane and body rotation can help retrain muscle memory and promote a more consistent ball flight.

Ultimately, patience and deliberate practice are key to overcoming a swing that consistently goes right. Utilizing video analysis, seeking feedback from a golf instructor, and focusing on incremental improvements will lead to better control and accuracy. By systematically addressing the root causes, golfers can enjoy a more reliable and enjoyable game.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.