Why Is My Golf Shot Going Right and How Can I Fix It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

If you’ve ever stepped up to the tee, swung your club, and watched your golf ball veer off to the right instead of flying straight down the fairway, you’re not alone. Many golfers, from beginners to seasoned players, encounter this frustrating shot tendency that can quickly derail a promising round. Understanding why your golf shot is going right is the first step toward regaining control and improving your game.

There are numerous factors that can cause a shot to stray right, ranging from grip and stance issues to swing path and clubface alignment. Sometimes, subtle inconsistencies in your setup or swing mechanics can lead to that unwanted slice or push. Recognizing these underlying causes is essential for making the necessary adjustments and developing a more reliable, accurate shot.

This article will explore the common reasons behind shots that go right and provide insight into how you can diagnose and correct these tendencies. Whether you’re struggling with a persistent slice or occasional pushes, gaining a clearer understanding of the mechanics involved will help you take confident steps toward straighter, more consistent golf shots.

Common Swing Faults That Cause Shots to Go Right

One of the primary reasons your golf shots veer to the right is due to specific swing faults. These mechanical errors in your swing path, clubface angle, or body positioning can drastically affect the ball’s flight direction.

A common culprit is an open clubface at impact. When the clubface is not square but open relative to the swing path, it imparts left-to-right spin on the ball, causing it to curve right. This often results from:

  • Poor grip pressure or hand positioning
  • Inadequate wrist rotation during the downswing
  • Misalignment of the clubface during setup

Another frequent issue is an outside-to-inside swing path, often called “coming over the top.” This path causes the clubhead to approach the ball from outside the target line and cut across it, promoting a slice or push slice to the right.

Additionally, early release or casting can open the clubface prematurely, further exacerbating a rightward shot.

Understanding these faults helps golfers identify which part of their swing to focus on for correction.

Impact of Setup and Alignment on Ball Flight

Sometimes, shots going right stem not from swing mechanics but from improper setup and alignment. Before initiating the swing, the way you position your body and the clubface can predetermine the shot’s direction.

Key factors include:

  • Alignment of feet and shoulders: If your feet, hips, or shoulders are aimed right of the intended target, the ball will naturally start in that direction.
  • Ball position: Placing the ball too far forward in your stance can cause the clubface to be open at impact, pushing the ball right.
  • Grip pressure and hand position: A weak grip (hands rotated too far left on the club for a right-handed player) tends to open the clubface, promoting shots to the right.

Using alignment aids such as alignment sticks during practice can help ensure proper setup. Consistently checking your stance and ball position can reduce unintentional directional errors.

How Swing Path and Clubface Angle Affect Direction

The two most influential factors determining the initial direction and curvature of your golf shot are the swing path and the clubface angle at impact.

  • Swing Path refers to the direction the clubhead moves through the hitting zone relative to the target line.
  • Clubface Angle is the orientation of the clubface relative to the swing path at impact.

Their relationship determines the shot shape:

Swing Path Clubface Angle Resulting Shot Description
Inside-to-outside Closed to path Draw Ball curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers).
Inside-to-outside Open to path Push slice Ball starts right and curves further right.
Outside-to-inside Closed to path Pull hook Ball starts left and curves sharply left.
Outside-to-inside Open to path Slice Ball starts straight or right and curves sharply right.
Straight down target line Square to path Straight shot Ball flies straight toward the target.

In cases where shots go right, the most common pattern is an outside-to-inside path combined with an open clubface, producing a slice or push slice.

Physical and Equipment Factors Influencing Rightward Shots

While technique is crucial, physical limitations and equipment choices can also cause your shots to go right.

Physical factors include:

  • Body limitations: Restricted hip or shoulder rotation can force compensations that lead to an outside-to-inside swing path.
  • Timing and tempo: Rushing the swing often results in casting or an early release, opening the clubface.
  • Balance and posture: Poor balance can cause inconsistent swings and directional errors.

Equipment factors to consider:

  • Grip size and condition: Worn or improper grip size may affect how you hold the club, influencing clubface control.
  • Shaft flex: A shaft that is too stiff or too flexible for your swing speed can affect clubhead trajectory and face control.
  • Clubface loft and lie angle: Incorrect lie angle can cause the clubface to be misaligned at impact, pushing shots right.

Consulting a professional club fitter and conducting a physical swing assessment can identify these underlying issues.

Tips to Correct Shots Going Right

Addressing shots that go right involves a combination of swing adjustments, setup corrections, and sometimes equipment changes. Here are expert tips to help you correct this common problem:

  • Check your grip: Strengthen your grip slightly by rotating your hands more to the right (for right-handed players) to help square the clubface.
  • Improve alignment: Use alignment sticks to practice proper foot, hip, and shoulder alignment aimed directly at your target.
  • Focus on swing path: Work on swinging more inside-to-outside by feeling as if you are swinging the clubhead out toward right field (for right-handers).
  • Square the clubface: Practice drills that promote a square or slightly closed clubface at impact.

Common Causes of a Golf Shot Going Right

A golf shot that consistently goes right (for a right-handed golfer) is typically the result of specific swing flaws, equipment issues, or alignment problems. Understanding these causes can help you identify and correct the issue more efficiently.

Swing Path and Clubface Alignment

The most frequent cause of a shot going right is an open clubface at impact combined with an out-to-in swing path. This combination imparts side spin on the ball, causing it to slice or fade excessively.

  • Open Clubface: When the clubface points to the right of the target line at impact, it sends the ball rightward.
  • Out-to-In Swing Path: This path moves across the ball from outside the target line to inside, promoting a rightward spin.

Body Alignment and Setup Errors

Improper alignment can subconsciously influence swing direction and clubface orientation:

  • Feet and Shoulders Aimed Right: Setting up with your body aimed right of the target encourages shots in that direction.
  • Ball Position Too Far Forward: This can cause the clubface to be open at impact.

Grip Issues

A weak grip, where the hands are rotated too far to the left (for right-handed players), often results in an open clubface at impact:

  • Weak grip reduces ability to square the clubface through impact.
  • Can lead to a fade or slice, sending shots right.

Equipment Factors

Sometimes, equipment can contribute to shots going right:

  • Golf Clubs with Too Much Loft: More loft can increase spin, exaggerating side spin effects.
  • Incorrect Shaft Flex: A shaft that is too flexible can cause timing issues and inconsistent clubface angles.
  • Grip Size: Grips that are too large or too small can alter wrist action and clubface control.
Cause Effect on Ball Flight Typical Correction
Open Clubface at Impact Ball starts right and may slice Work on squaring the clubface; strengthen grip
Out-to-In Swing Path Ball curves right (fade or slice) Practice inside-to-square-to-inside swing path
Body Alignment Right of Target Encourages shots to the right Align feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to target
Weak Grip Open clubface at impact Adjust grip to stronger position (rotate hands right)
Equipment Issues Inconsistent ball flight, including right shots Get custom club fitting and shaft evaluation

How to Diagnose Why Your Golf Shot Is Going Right

Diagnosing the root cause of a ball flying right requires systematic evaluation of swing mechanics, setup, and equipment. The following steps provide a structured approach:

1. Observe Ball Flight and Shot Shape

  • Determine if the ball is starting right or starting straight then curving right (slice).
  • Note whether the shot is a fade (gentle curve) or a slice (severe curve).

2. Check Your Setup and Alignment

  • Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground to verify feet, hips, and shoulder alignment parallel to the target line.
  • Confirm ball position relative to stance is appropriate for the club used.

3. Analyze Grip Position

  • Inspect grip strength; ensure V’s formed by thumb and forefinger point between right shoulder and chin for right-handers.
  • Adjust grip if too weak or too strong.

4. Examine Swing Path and Clubface at Impact

  • Use video analysis or a launch monitor to check swing path direction.
  • Look for an open or closed clubface at impact.

5. Evaluate Equipment Fit

  • Consult a professional fitter to ensure clubs match your swing speed and style.
  • Consider shaft flex, clubhead design, and grip size.

Techniques to Correct Shots Going Right

Once causes are identified, targeted corrections can help improve shot direction and consistency.

Improve Grip and Setup

  • Adopt a stronger grip to help square the clubface through impact.
  • Align body parallel to the target line using alignment aids during practice.

  • Expert Analysis on Why Your Golf Shot Is Going Right

    Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). A common reason for shots veering right is an open clubface at impact combined with an out-to-in swing path. This causes the ball to spin in a way that pushes it rightward. Adjusting grip pressure and focusing on square clubface alignment during the downswing can significantly reduce this tendency.

    Michael Torres (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Academy). Many golfers unintentionally push their shots right due to improper weight transfer and stance alignment. Ensuring that your feet are aligned parallel to the target line and shifting your weight smoothly from back foot to front foot during the swing helps promote a straighter ball flight and prevents the ball from drifting right.

    Sandra Lee (Golf Equipment Fitting Specialist, Precision Golf Labs). Equipment can also contribute to shots going right, especially if the shaft flex or clubface loft is not suited to the player’s swing speed and style. Getting a professional club fitting to match your swing characteristics can correct directional issues and improve overall shot accuracy.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Why does my golf shot consistently go right?
    A golf shot going right often results from an open clubface at impact, an outside-to-inside swing path, or improper alignment. It may also indicate a slice or push caused by grip or stance issues.

    How can I correct a slice that makes my ball go right?
    To correct a slice, focus on strengthening your grip, ensuring the clubface is square at impact, and swinging on an inside-to-out path. Adjusting your stance and practicing proper release can also help.

    Is my grip causing my golf shots to go right?
    Yes, a weak or neutral grip can cause the clubface to open at impact, leading to shots that go right. Strengthening your grip by rotating your hands slightly clockwise (for right-handed players) can promote a straighter ball flight.

    Can my stance or alignment affect the direction of my shots?
    Absolutely. A stance aimed too far left can encourage an outside-to-inside swing path, causing shots to go right. Proper alignment with feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line is essential.

    Does swing path influence why my golf ball goes right?
    Yes, an outside-to-inside swing path typically causes the ball to curve right. Working on an inside-to-out swing path helps produce straighter or left-curve shots.

    Should I consider equipment adjustments if my shots keep going right?
    If technique adjustments do not resolve the issue, consulting a professional for club fitting or checking for shaft flex and lie angle suitability may be necessary to correct ball flight tendencies.
    Understanding why your golf shot is going right involves analyzing several critical factors, including your grip, stance, swing path, and clubface alignment at impact. A shot that consistently veers right often indicates an open clubface or an outside-to-inside swing path, both of which cause the ball to slice or fade undesirably. Additionally, improper body alignment or an inconsistent release can contribute to this directional issue.

    Addressing these technical elements through focused practice and possibly professional instruction can significantly improve shot accuracy. Ensuring a neutral grip, aligning your body parallel to the target line, and working on a more inside-to-outside swing path are effective strategies to correct shots that go right. Equipment factors, such as shaft flex and club fitting, should also be considered as they can influence ball flight.

    In summary, diagnosing the root cause of a golf shot going right requires a comprehensive approach that includes swing mechanics, setup, and equipment evaluation. By systematically identifying and correcting these aspects, golfers can achieve straighter, more consistent shots, ultimately enhancing overall performance on the course.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    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.