Why Are My Golf Shots Going Right and How Can I Fix It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Lifestyle & General Queries

If you’ve ever stepped up to the tee only to watch your golf ball veer off to the right, you’re not alone. Many golfers, from beginners to seasoned players, struggle with shots that consistently miss their intended target by drifting right. This common challenge can be frustrating, especially when you know your swing feels solid but the ball just won’t cooperate. Understanding why your golf shots are going right is the first step toward regaining control and improving your accuracy on the course.

Golf is a game of precision, and even small changes in your stance, grip, or swing path can send the ball off course. Shots that go right often stem from a combination of technical factors and subtle habits that develop over time. Whether you’re slicing the ball or pushing it straight right, these tendencies can significantly impact your score and overall enjoyment of the game. Recognizing the underlying causes behind these errant shots can help you make the necessary adjustments to bring your game back on track.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the most common reasons why golf shots tend to go right and provide insights into how you can identify and correct these issues. By gaining a clearer understanding of your swing mechanics and ball flight patterns, you’ll be better equipped to hit straighter, more consistent shots and lower your

Common Swing Faults That Cause Shots to Go Right

One of the primary reasons golf shots veer right (for a right-handed golfer) is due to specific swing faults that alter the clubface angle and swing path at impact. An open clubface relative to the swing path or an out-to-in swing path can produce a slice or push shot, causing the ball to move right.

A few common swing faults include:

  • Open Clubface at Impact: When the clubface points right of the target line at impact, the ball will start right or curve right due to sidespin.
  • Over-the-Top Move: This happens when the upper body leads the downswing too aggressively, causing the club to swing outside-in, promoting a slice.
  • Weak Grip: A grip that is too weak (rotated too far to the left for a right-hander) can prevent the golfer from closing the clubface properly, resulting in shots going right.
  • Poor Weight Transfer: Insufficient weight shift to the lead foot can limit power and control, often leading to a swing path that pushes the ball right.

Addressing these faults requires a combination of proper setup, grip adjustment, and swing mechanics refinement.

How Clubface and Swing Path Affect Shot Direction

The direction of a golf shot is primarily determined by the relationship between the clubface angle and the swing path at impact. Understanding this relationship is essential to diagnosing why shots may be going right.

  • Clubface Angle: The orientation of the clubface at impact, relative to the target line.
  • Swing Path: The direction the clubhead travels through the hitting zone, relative to the target line.

The combination of these two factors dictates whether the shot starts left, right, or straight, and whether it curves in or out.

Clubface Angle Swing Path Shot Result Explanation
Square to Path Inside-Out Straight or Draw Ball starts on target and may curve slightly left
Open to Path Inside-Out Push-Slice Ball starts right and curves further right
Square to Path Outside-In Push or Fade Ball starts right; fades back left or stays right
Closed to Path Inside-Out Hook Ball starts left and curves further left

In most cases where shots go right unintentionally, the culprit is an open clubface combined with either an outside-in swing path or a swing path that is not sufficiently inside-out.

Equipment Factors That Can Influence Shot Direction

Sometimes, the reason shots go right is not purely mechanical but related to the golf equipment itself. Several equipment factors can impact shot direction:

  • Club Loft and Lie Angle: Clubs with incorrect lie angles can cause the clubface to close or open at impact, influencing shot direction.
  • Shaft Flex: A shaft that is too stiff or too flexible can affect timing and swing path, leading to directional misses.
  • Grip Size: Grips that are too large or too small can alter hand placement and control of the clubface.
  • Faulty Club Setup: If the clubface is misaligned at address or the setup encourages an open face, shots will naturally tend to go right.

Consulting a professional club fitter can help identify and correct these equipment issues.

Tips to Correct Shots That Go Right

Improving shot direction requires a holistic approach focusing on grip, stance, swing path, and clubface control. Consider the following tips:

  • Strengthen Your Grip: Rotate your hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) to help close the clubface.
  • Check Your Alignment: Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line.
  • Focus on Swing Path: Practice drills that promote an inside-out swing path, such as placing an object just outside the ball to encourage swinging inside.
  • Maintain Balanced Weight Transfer: Shift weight smoothly to your front foot during the downswing to support a proper path and clubface position.
  • Use Video Analysis: Record your swing to identify faults causing the ball to go right.

Regular practice combined with these adjustments can significantly reduce shots that stray right.

Drills to Promote a Straighter Ball Flight

Implementing targeted drills can help retrain your swing mechanics and improve shot direction. Here are some effective drills:

  • Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing at your target. Practice swinging along the stick to develop an inside-out path.
  • Towel Drill: Place a towel just outside the ball a few inches behind the ball. Avoid hitting the towel during your swing to encourage an inside path.
  • Grip Adjustment Drill: Experiment with slightly stronger grips on the practice range and note how ball flight changes.
  • Slow-Motion Swings: Perform slow swings focusing on clubface angle at impact and swing path to build muscle memory.

Consistent application of these drills will help eliminate the swing faults causing shots to go right.

Common Causes of Golf Shots Going Right

When golf shots consistently veer to the right, it is typically due to specific swing faults or equipment issues. Understanding these causes is essential for making appropriate adjustments and improving shot accuracy.

Here are the primary reasons why your golf shots may be drifting right:

  • Open Clubface at Impact: If the clubface is open relative to the swing path when striking the ball, it imparts left-to-right spin, causing the ball to move right.
  • Out-to-In Swing Path: A swing that moves across the ball from outside the target line to inside leads to a push or slice to the right for right-handed golfers.
  • Grip Issues: A weak grip (rotated too far left for right-handers) can cause the clubface to open through impact, resulting in shots going right.
  • Alignment Problems: Poor stance and body alignment aimed right of the target can cause the swing path and ball flight to follow suit.
  • Ball Position: Placing the ball too far forward in the stance can lead to an open clubface at impact and shots going right.
  • Equipment Factors: Using clubs with a shaft that is too stiff or a clubface that is not square at address may contribute to directional inconsistencies.

How Swing Mechanics Influence Shot Direction

The relationship between swing path and clubface angle at impact largely determines the direction and curvature of a golf shot. For shots going right, consider the following mechanics:

Swing Component Effect on Ball Flight Correction Tips
Clubface Position Open clubface causes slice or push to the right Strengthen grip; square clubface at address and through impact
Swing Path Out-to-in path leads to rightward ball flight Focus on an inside-to-square-to-inside path; use alignment aids
Body Alignment Aim too far right causes compensations leading to right shots Align feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to target line
Ball Position Ball too forward causes open face impact and pushes right Move ball slightly back in stance for better contact

Adjusting Your Grip to Prevent Shots Going Right

A proper grip is fundamental to controlling the clubface through impact. A weak or incorrect grip often results in an open clubface, pushing shots right.

  • Check Hand Placement: For right-handed players, ensure that the “V”s formed between your thumb and index finger on both hands point toward your right shoulder.
  • Strengthen the Grip: Rotate your hands slightly to the right (clockwise for right-handers) so more knuckles are visible on the left hand. This promotes a square or slightly closed clubface.
  • Maintain Grip Pressure: Avoid gripping too tightly, which can restrict wrist hinge and lead to inconsistent clubface control.
  • Practice with Training Aids: Use grip trainers or alignment sticks to ensure consistent hand positioning during practice swings.

Correcting Swing Path and Alignment

Improper swing path and body alignment frequently cause shots to go right. These can be addressed through targeted drills and awareness.

  • Alignment Drills: Place clubs or alignment sticks on the ground parallel to your target line to help set feet, hips, and shoulders correctly.
  • Swing Path Awareness: Practice slow-motion swings focusing on moving the club on an inside-to-square-to-inside path.
  • Use Impact Tape or Spray: Check where the clubface contacts the ball to ensure centered hits and proper face angle.
  • Video Analysis: Record your swing to identify out-to-in path tendencies and adjust accordingly with professional guidance if necessary.

Equipment Checks to Consider

Sometimes, equipment issues can cause shots to go right despite good fundamentals. Ensure the following:

  • Clubface Loft and Lie Angles: Clubs with incorrect lie angles can promote directional errors.
  • Shaft Flex: Using shafts that are too stiff or too flexible can affect swing timing and clubface control.
  • Grip Size and Condition: Worn or improperly sized grips can lead to inconsistent hand placement.
  • Professional Club Fitting: Getting fitted by a professional can ensure your equipment matches your swing characteristics.

Expert Insights on Why Golf Shots Tend to Go Right

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanist, Sports Science Institute). When golf shots consistently veer right, it often indicates an open clubface at impact combined with an outside-to-inside swing path. This swing pattern imparts left-to-right sidespin, causing the ball to curve right. Adjusting grip pressure and focusing on squaring the clubface can help correct this issue.

Michael Reynolds (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Fairway Performance Academy). Many golfers experience shots going right due to improper alignment or stance. If the feet, hips, and shoulders are aimed too far right, the natural swing path will follow, pushing the ball in that direction. I recommend using alignment sticks during practice to ensure proper setup before every shot.

Sophia Nguyen (Golf Equipment Specialist, Precision Golf Fitting). Equipment plays a crucial role in shot direction. A driver or iron with a shaft that is too stiff or a clubface that is slightly open at address can cause shots to go right. Getting a professional club fitting to match your swing characteristics can significantly reduce this tendency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my golf shots consistently going right?
This often indicates a slice or push caused by an open clubface at impact or an outside-to-inside swing path. Adjusting your grip, stance, and swing mechanics can help correct this.

Could my grip be causing my shots to go right?
Yes, a weak grip (where the hands are rotated too far to the left for a right-handed golfer) can lead to an open clubface and shots that veer right. Strengthening your grip may promote a square or slightly closed clubface at impact.

How does my stance affect shots going right?
An open stance, where your feet and shoulders point to the right of the target, can promote an outside-to-inside swing path, causing shots to go right. Aligning your stance parallel to the target line is crucial.

Can swing path errors cause shots to go right?
Absolutely. An outside-to-inside swing path combined with an open clubface typically results in a slice or push. Working with a coach or using video analysis can help identify and correct swing path issues.

Does equipment play a role in shots going right?
Yes. Clubs with too much shaft flex or incorrect lie angles can cause directional problems. Ensuring your equipment is properly fitted to your swing characteristics is essential for accuracy.

What drills can help fix shots that go right?
Drills focusing on squaring the clubface at impact, improving grip strength, and promoting an inside-to-out swing path are effective. Examples include the “toe-up to toe-up” drill and alignment stick exercises.
Understanding why your golf shots are consistently going right is crucial to improving your overall game. Common causes include an open clubface at impact, an outside-to-inside swing path, improper grip, or alignment issues. Each of these factors can cause the ball to veer right, whether you are a right-handed or left-handed golfer. Identifying the root cause through careful observation or professional coaching is the first step toward correction.

Addressing the problem often involves technical adjustments such as modifying your grip to ensure the clubface is square, realigning your stance to promote a straighter swing path, and practicing drills that encourage an inside-to-outside swing motion. Additionally, equipment factors like shaft flex and club fitting can influence shot direction and should not be overlooked. Consistent practice combined with targeted feedback will help in developing a more reliable and accurate shot pattern.

Ultimately, patience and persistence are key when correcting shots that go right. By systematically analyzing your swing mechanics, making necessary adjustments, and possibly consulting a golf professional, you can significantly reduce or eliminate this issue. Mastering these elements will not only improve your shot accuracy but also enhance your confidence and enjoyment on the course.

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.