Why Does My Golf Ball Keep Going Right and How Can I Stop It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Hitting a golf ball to the right can be one of the most frustrating challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner struggling to find consistency or an experienced player looking to fine-tune your swing, understanding why your shots veer off to the right is the first step toward improvement. This common issue can stem from a variety of factors, from grip and stance to swing path and clubface alignment, making it essential to identify the root cause before attempting any fixes.

Golfers often find themselves battling a slice or a push, both of which send the ball drifting right of the intended target. While it might seem like a simple problem, the underlying mechanics can be surprisingly complex. Addressing this issue requires a blend of awareness, technique adjustments, and practice, all tailored to your unique swing characteristics. By gaining insight into the reasons behind your rightward shots, you’ll be better equipped to make the necessary changes and enjoy more accurate, satisfying drives and approaches.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the common causes of hitting the ball to the right and offer practical guidance to help you regain control over your shots. Whether it’s tweaking your grip, refining your stance, or adjusting your swing path, the strategies discussed will empower you to stop the ball from drifting right

Adjusting Your Grip and Stance

A common cause of hitting the golf ball to the right, especially for right-handed players, is an open clubface combined with an outside-to-inside swing path. One of the first adjustments to consider is your grip. A weak grip, where the hands are rotated too far to the left on the club handle, often results in the clubface pointing right at impact.

To correct this, check your grip by looking down at your hands while holding the club in your normal setup. You should see two or three knuckles on your left hand, and the “V’s” formed by your thumb and index finger on both hands should point somewhere between your chin and right shoulder. This is known as a neutral to slightly strong grip.

Similarly, stance plays a crucial role. An open stance, where your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned left of the target line, can encourage an out-to-in swing path, leading to shots pushed or sliced to the right. Align your feet parallel to the target line or slightly closed (right foot pulled back slightly) to promote an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path.

Key grip and stance adjustments to consider:

  • Grip: Rotate both hands slightly to the right to strengthen the grip.
  • Stance: Square or slightly closed stance to promote better swing path.
  • Ball Position: Ensure the ball is not too far forward in your stance, as this can open the clubface at impact.

Improving Swing Path and Clubface Control

The path of your swing and the position of the clubface at impact are critical factors influencing the ball’s direction. Many golfers hit right because their swing path moves from outside to inside, often called “coming over the top,” with an open clubface that causes the ball to slice or push right.

To correct swing path:

  • Focus on initiating the downswing by shifting your weight to your front foot and dropping the club inside the target line.
  • Practice swinging along a path that moves slightly inside-to-square-to-inside relative to the target.
  • Use alignment sticks or visual aids on the range to monitor your swing plane.

Controlling the clubface:

  • Work on squaring the clubface at impact by feeling the clubface rotate slightly through the hitting zone.
  • Drills that promote forearm rotation and wrist hinge release can help prevent the clubface from remaining open.
  • Be mindful of tension in your hands and arms; a relaxed grip pressure allows better clubface control.
Common Swing Fault Effect on Ball Flight Correction Tips
Outside-to-Inside Swing Path Ball curves right (slice or push) Drop club inside on downswing; use alignment aids
Open Clubface at Impact Ball pushed or sliced right Practice forearm rotation; relax grip pressure
Weak Grip Clubface points right at impact Rotate hands slightly right; check knuckle visibility

Utilizing Practice Drills for Consistency

Integrating targeted drills into your practice routine can help ingrain the correct mechanics to stop hitting the ball right. Below are several effective drills:

  • Swing Path Drill with Alignment Sticks: Place one alignment stick on the ground pointing at your target and another just outside the ball, parallel to the target line. Practice swinging without touching the outside stick to encourage an inside swing path.
  • Toe-Up to Toe-Up Drill: Swing the club back and through so the clubface is “toe-up” at both the halfway back and halfway through points. This drill promotes proper clubface rotation and prevents an open face at impact.
  • Grip Strength Check: Take several practice swings focusing on the position of your hands and the clubface. Adjust your grip as needed and note the difference in ball flight.
  • Slow Motion Impact Drill: Swing slowly and pause at impact, focusing on clubface square to the target line and proper swing path.

Consistent application of these drills helps build muscle memory and confidence, leading to straighter, more accurate shots.

Equipment Considerations Affecting Direction

Sometimes the cause of hitting shots to the right lies not in technique but in equipment fit. Several factors should be evaluated:

  • Shaft Flex: A shaft that is too flexible can cause the clubhead to lag behind, resulting in an open clubface and shots to the right. Conversely, too stiff a shaft can lead to compensations in swing path.
  • Clubface Loft and Lie Angle: Clubs with incorrect lie angles can cause directional issues. A lie angle that is too upright or too flat changes the face angle at impact.
  • Grip Size and Condition: Worn or improperly sized grips can affect hand placement and control.

Consulting a professional club fitter or instructor can help identify if equipment modifications are necessary. Below is a summary of equipment checks:

Equipment Aspect Potential Issue Recommended Action
Shaft Flex Too flexible causes open face at impact Test shafts with varying flex; fit to swing speed
Lie Angle Incorrect angle opens or closes face Have lie angle checked and adjusted by a pro
Grip Size Poor control from worn or wrong size gripsUnderstanding the Causes of Hitting the Ball to the Right

Consistently hitting a golf ball to the right, often referred to as a “slice” for right-handed golfers, can stem from multiple swing and setup issues. Identifying the root cause is essential for making the correct adjustments. Common causes include:

  • Open clubface at impact: The clubface points right of the target line at contact, imparting side spin that pushes the ball right.
  • Outside-to-inside swing path: Swinging across the ball from outside the target line to inside causes the ball to curve right.
  • Improper grip: A weak grip can prevent the hands from rotating the clubface squarely through impact.
  • Incorrect alignment: Aiming the body or clubface right of the target leads to shots going right.
  • Ball position too far forward: This can cause the clubface to be open at impact.

Adjusting Your Grip to Square the Clubface

The grip controls clubface orientation throughout the swing. A weak grip typically causes the clubface to remain open through impact, resulting in shots to the right. To correct this:

  • Strengthen your grip: Rotate both hands slightly to the right on the grip (for right-handers) so that more of the knuckles are visible on your lead hand.
  • Check thumb positioning: The lead thumb should be slightly to the right of the shaft center, promoting better clubface rotation.
  • Maintain a neutral grip pressure: Avoid gripping too tightly, which can inhibit proper wrist release.

Using a mirror or recording your grip setup can help confirm that your hands are positioned correctly before your swing.

Improving Swing Path to Avoid an Outside-In Motion

An outside-in swing path often causes the ball to slice to the right. To promote a more inside-out or square path:

  • Focus on takeaway: Start the clubhead back along the target line or slightly inside to prevent an over-the-top move.
  • Drill with alignment sticks: Place one stick parallel to your target line and another just outside the ball, guiding your swing path inside the outside stick.
  • Practice the “pump” drill: Swing halfway back and halfway through several times to feel the proper inside path.
  • Use video feedback: Record your swing to analyze the path and make adjustments accordingly.

Ensuring Proper Alignment and Ball Position

Aspect Common Mistake Correction
Body Alignment Feet, hips, and shoulders aimed right of target Align parallel to the target line, using clubs or alignment sticks
Clubface Alignment Clubface pointing right at address Square the clubface directly at the target before the swing
Ball Position Ball too far forward in stance Position ball just inside the lead heel for drivers; adjust slightly back for irons

Consistently checking these setup elements ensures the ball starts on the intended line, reducing rightward misses.

Drills to Promote a Squarer Clubface and Path

Integrating targeted drills into practice sessions can build muscle memory for a straighter ball flight.

  • Toe-Up Drill: Swing halfway back and halfway through, pausing to check if the clubface is square (toe pointing upwards). This encourages proper wrist rotation.
  • Gate Drill: Place two tees slightly wider than your clubhead just ahead of the ball to encourage an inside swing path without hitting the tees.
  • Impact Bag Drill: Hit into a soft impact bag focusing on squaring the clubface and having an inside path at impact.
  • Slow Motion Swing: Practice your swing in slow motion, focusing on grip, path, and clubface orientation through impact.

Equipment Considerations to Reduce Shots to the Right

Sometimes, equipment factors contribute to a rightward ball flight. Review these elements with a professional fitter:

  • Clubface loft and lie angle: Incorrect lie angle can cause directional errors. Clubs that are too upright or flat can push shots right.
  • Shaft flex and torque: A shaft that is too flexible or has excessive torque can lead to inconsistent clubface control.
  • Grip size: Grips that are too small can encourage a weak grip, contributing to an open clubface.

Professional club fitting ensures your equipment matches your swing characteristics, minimizing rightward misses.

Professional Insights on How To Stop Hitting A Golf Ball To The Right

Michael Trent (PGA Certified Golf Instructor). To correct a consistent push or slice to the right, golfers must first evaluate their grip and stance. A weak grip often causes the clubface to open at impact, sending the ball right. Strengthening the grip and ensuring the shoulders and feet are aligned parallel to the target line can significantly reduce this issue. Additionally, focusing on a more inside-to-square swing path helps prevent the ball from drifting right.

Dr. Lisa Chen (Biomechanics Specialist, Golf Performance Institute). From a biomechanical perspective, hitting the ball to the right is frequently caused by an improper swing plane and body rotation timing. Golfers should work on sequencing their hip and shoulder rotation to create a more consistent clubface angle at impact. Incorporating drills that promote proper weight transfer and maintaining a stable lower body can correct the tendency to push the ball right.

James O’Connor (Golf Equipment Fitting Expert, ProGolf Tech). Sometimes the root cause lies in the equipment. Clubs with too much loft or shafts that do not match the player’s swing speed can lead to shots veering right. I recommend a professional club fitting session to ensure the driver and irons are optimized for the player’s swing characteristics. Properly fitted equipment enhances control and helps eliminate the ball flight to the right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I keep hitting my golf ball to the right?
Hitting the ball to the right is often caused by an open clubface at impact, an outside-to-inside swing path, or improper alignment. Addressing these fundamentals can help correct the shot direction.

How can I adjust my grip to prevent shots going right?
A weak grip, where the hands are rotated too far to the left on the club, can cause the ball to go right. Strengthening your grip by rotating your hands slightly to the right can promote a square or closed clubface at impact.

What swing path adjustments help stop hitting the ball to the right?
Focusing on an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path reduces slices and pushes. Drills that promote swinging from the inside help align the clubface and path, minimizing shots to the right.

Does my stance or alignment affect hitting the ball to the right?
Yes, aiming too far right or having an open stance encourages shots to the right. Ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line to promote straighter shots.

Can equipment issues cause the ball to go right?
Improperly fitted clubs, such as those with too much shaft flex or a clubface that opens at address, can contribute to rightward shots. Getting a professional club fitting can help identify and correct these issues.

What drills can help me stop hitting the ball to the right?
Drills focusing on square clubface impact and inside swing path, such as the “gate drill” or slow-motion swings with feedback, improve consistency and reduce shots to the right. Regular practice with these drills builds muscle memory for proper mechanics.
stopping the tendency to hit a golf ball to the right requires a thorough understanding of the common causes, such as an open clubface, improper swing path, or alignment issues. Addressing these factors through proper grip adjustments, swing mechanics, and stance alignment is essential for correcting the shot direction. Consistent practice combined with professional feedback can significantly improve accuracy and help develop a more reliable ball flight.

Key takeaways include the importance of maintaining a square clubface at impact, ensuring the swing path follows the desired target line, and aligning the body correctly to prevent compensatory movements. Additionally, focusing on balance and tempo can prevent over-rotation or an outside-to-inside swing path, which often leads to shots veering right. Utilizing drills and video analysis can further assist in diagnosing and correcting these tendencies.

Ultimately, patience and persistence are crucial when working to eliminate hitting the ball to the right. By systematically addressing the technical elements and reinforcing proper fundamentals, golfers can achieve greater consistency and confidence in their shots. This approach not only improves performance but also enhances overall enjoyment of the 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.

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