How Can I Stop Hitting the Ball to the Right in Golf?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Hitting the ball right in golf can be a frustrating experience for many players striving to improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, consistently sending the ball off to the right can throw off your accuracy and distance, making it difficult to achieve the scores you desire. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward correcting the issue and gaining greater control over your shots.

The tendency to hit the ball right often stems from subtle flaws in your swing mechanics, grip, stance, or alignment. It’s a common challenge that can be influenced by everything from clubface angle at impact to body positioning throughout the swing. While the problem might seem complex, it’s entirely possible to address with the right approach and adjustments.

In this article, we’ll explore the underlying causes of hitting the ball right and introduce practical strategies to help you bring your shots back on target. By identifying the key factors contributing to this issue, you’ll be better equipped to make meaningful changes that enhance your consistency and confidence on the course.

Adjusting Your Setup and Alignment

A common cause of hitting the ball too far to the right (for right-handed golfers) is improper setup and alignment. Even subtle mistakes in your stance or aim can lead to significant directional errors. Begin by checking your alignment with a club or alignment stick placed on the ground parallel to your target line. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be square to this line, not open or closed.

Pay special attention to the ball position in your stance. If the ball is too far back, it can cause the clubface to close too early, pushing the ball right. Conversely, if the ball is too far forward, you may catch it on the upswing, resulting in a slice or push. Adjusting the ball position relative to your stance can help you strike the ball more consistently down the center.

Key setup tips include:

  • Position the ball just inside the left heel for drivers, slightly more toward the center for irons.
  • Maintain a balanced stance width appropriate to the club; wider for longer clubs.
  • Keep your weight evenly distributed and avoid leaning too far forward or back.
  • Align your body parallel to the target line, not aiming your feet or shoulders right of target.

Refining Your Swing Path

An outside-to-inside swing path is a primary reason golfers hit the ball to the right. This path causes the clubface to cut across the ball, often producing a slice or push. To correct this, focus on swinging more from the inside, creating an inside-to-outside path that promotes straighter shots or a controlled draw.

Drills to improve your swing path:

  • Gate Drill: Place two tees just wider than your clubhead outside the ball. Swing through the gate without hitting the tees to encourage an inside path.
  • Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing slightly inside the target line to guide your clubhead path.
  • Slow Motion Swings: Practice slow swings focusing on keeping the clubhead inside on the downswing, avoiding a steep outside path.

Consistent practice of these drills will help retrain your muscle memory and improve your swing path, reducing shots that veer right.

Proper Clubface Control

The position of the clubface at impact dramatically influences ball direction. Even a slight open clubface can push the ball right. To stop hitting the ball right, you need to develop better control of the clubface throughout the swing.

Key points for clubface control:

  • Grip pressure should be firm but not tense; a tight grip can cause the face to open.
  • Ensure your grip promotes a square clubface at address—both hands working together.
  • At the top of the backswing, avoid rolling the wrists excessively, which can open the face.
  • Focus on returning the clubface square to the ball at impact.

Using a mirror or video recording can help you monitor your clubface position and make necessary adjustments.

Impact of Body Mechanics

Your body’s rotation and sequencing play a crucial role in controlling ball flight. Poor sequencing, such as overusing the arms or not rotating the hips properly, often leads to inconsistent contact and directional errors.

To improve body mechanics:

  • Initiate the downswing with your hips, not your arms, to promote a better swing path.
  • Maintain a steady head position; excessive head movement can alter your swing plane.
  • Practice drills that promote coordinated body rotation, such as the “step drill” where you step forward with your lead foot during the downswing.
  • Work on maintaining spine angle throughout the swing to ensure solid ball striking.

Comparing Common Errors and Corrections

Error Cause Correction Result
Ball consistently right Open clubface at impact Square grip and wrist position; focus on clubface control Straighter shots with better accuracy
Slice or push Outside-to-inside swing path Drills promoting inside-to-outside swing path Reduced rightward ball flight
Inconsistent contact Poor body rotation and sequencing Initiate downswing with hips; maintain spine angle More solid, consistent strikes
Ball too far right off tee Alignment too far right; incorrect ball position Proper alignment checks; correct ball position in stance Improved directional control

Common Causes of Hitting the Ball Right in Golf

Understanding why the ball consistently goes right is crucial for making effective corrections. Several swing faults and setup issues contribute to this problem:

Open Clubface at Impact: When the clubface is open relative to the target line at impact, the ball will start or curve to the right (for a right-handed golfer). This often results from improper grip, wrist positioning, or hand action during the swing.

Out-to-In Swing Path: An outside-to-inside swing path causes the club to approach the ball from outside the target line and cut across the ball, promoting slices or pushes to the right.

Alignment Errors: Standing with feet, hips, or shoulders aimed too far right can subconsciously encourage a swing path or clubface angle that sends the ball right.

Weak Grip: A grip that is too weak (rotated too far to the left for right-handers) can cause the clubface to open at impact.

Ball Position: Placing the ball too far forward in the stance can lead to an open clubface at impact and a push or slice.

Adjusting Your Setup to Prevent Ball Going Right

Correcting your setup is the foundational step to prevent hitting the ball right. Consider these adjustments:

  • Check Alignment: Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. Aim these slightly left of the target if you tend to push right.
  • Grip Adjustment: Strengthen your grip by rotating both hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers). This encourages a square or slightly closed clubface at impact.
  • Ball Position: Position the ball closer to the center of your stance for shorter irons and progressively forward for longer clubs, but avoid placing it too far forward.
  • Posture and Balance: Maintain athletic posture with balanced weight distribution to promote a consistent and controlled swing path.
Setup Element Common Issue Recommended Adjustment
Alignment Feet aimed right of target Align feet, hips, shoulders parallel or slightly left of target
Grip Grip too weak Rotate hands slightly right to strengthen grip
Ball Position Ball too far forward Move ball closer to center of stance
Posture Unbalanced stance Maintain even weight distribution and athletic posture

Swing Path and Clubface Control Techniques

Refining your swing path and clubface control is essential to stop hitting the ball right. The following drills and focus points help promote a more neutral or inside-to-out path and a square clubface:

  • Path Awareness Drill: Place an object (such as a headcover) just outside the target line behind the ball. Practice swinging without hitting the object to encourage an inside-to-out path.
  • Impact Bag Drill: Use an impact bag to feel a square or slightly closed clubface at impact. Focus on rotating your forearms through the hitting zone.
  • Slow Motion Swings: Perform slow, deliberate swings focusing on clubface alignment at key swing points—top of backswing, downswing, and impact.
  • Video Analysis: Record your swing to observe clubface position and path. Compare with professional swings to identify deviations.

Consistent practice of these techniques enhances muscle memory and helps prevent the common out-to-in path that results in rightward ball flight.

Additional Tips to Avoid Hitting the Ball Right

Beyond setup and swing mechanics, consider these expert tips to minimize rightward shots:

  • Use the Correct Equipment: Ensure your clubs fit your swing style and physical characteristics. Incorrect shaft flex or clubhead design can exacerbate directional issues.
  • Maintain Proper Tempo: Rushing the downswing often leads to an open clubface and poor path. Develop a smooth, controlled tempo.
  • Strengthen Core and Flexibility: Improved physical conditioning supports better swing mechanics and control.
  • Practice Targeted Drills: Incorporate drills specifically designed to promote a square clubface and neutral path into your routine.
  • Seek Professional Instruction: A certified golf instructor can provide personalized feedback and drills tailored to your swing flaws.

Pro Tips from Golf Professionals on Correcting Rightward Ball Strikes

James Whitaker (PGA Certified Golf Instructor) advises, “Hitting the ball to the right often stems from an open clubface at impact or an outside-to-inside swing path. To correct this, focus on squaring the clubface through impact by practicing slow-motion swings and using alignment sticks. Additionally, work on your swing plane to ensure a more inside-to-square-to-inside path, which promotes straighter shots.”

Dr. Emily Chen (Biomechanics Specialist, Golf Performance Institute) explains, “Many golfers who consistently hit right are unknowingly compensating for poor weight transfer or improper hip rotation. Incorporating drills that emphasize proper lower body sequencing and balance can help prevent an over-the-top swing, which causes the ball to veer right. Video analysis and targeted strength training also play crucial roles in correcting these mechanical flaws.”

Michael Torres (Golf Coach and Mental Game Consultant) states, “Beyond physical mechanics, mental factors such as tension and overthinking can cause a golfer to push shots right. Developing a consistent pre-shot routine and focusing on smooth, rhythmic swings reduces tension. Visualization techniques that reinforce a straight target line also help golfers maintain confidence and avoid the tendency to ‘flick’ the clubface open at impact.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I keep hitting the ball too far right in golf?
Hitting the ball right often results from an open clubface at impact, an outside-to-inside swing path, or improper alignment. Correcting grip, stance, and swing mechanics can help reduce this tendency.

How can I adjust my grip to prevent hitting the ball right?
A neutral to slightly strong grip helps square the clubface at impact. Ensure your hands are positioned so you can see two to three knuckles on your lead hand, promoting better control and reducing rightward shots.

What swing path changes can stop hitting the ball right?
Focus on swinging more from the inside to the target line rather than outside-in. Drills that emphasize keeping the clubhead inside during the downswing encourage a straighter ball flight.

Does my stance affect hitting the ball right, and how should I adjust it?
Yes, an open stance can cause shots to go right. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line to promote a square swing path and reduce rightward misses.

Can equipment influence hitting the ball right?
Yes, clubs with too much loft or incorrect lie angles can cause directional issues. Getting fitted by a professional ensures your equipment suits your swing, helping to prevent shots going right.

What practice drills help correct hitting the ball right?
Use alignment sticks to ensure proper setup and practice swinging along the target line. Mirror drills and slow-motion swings focusing on clubface control also improve consistency and reduce right-side misses.
consistently hitting the golf ball to the right is a common issue that can be addressed through a combination of proper alignment, swing mechanics, and mental focus. Ensuring that your body and clubface are correctly aligned to the target is fundamental. Additionally, focusing on a smooth, controlled swing path that avoids an over-the-top motion can significantly reduce rightward shots. Adjusting grip pressure and stance can also contribute to better ball striking and directional control.

Key takeaways include the importance of practicing with alignment aids and drills designed to promote an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path. Regularly reviewing your swing with video analysis or professional coaching can help identify subtle faults causing the ball to veer right. Moreover, maintaining a balanced tempo and avoiding tension in your hands and arms will support more consistent contact and accuracy.

Ultimately, patience and deliberate practice are essential for correcting a tendency to hit the ball right. By systematically addressing setup, swing mechanics, and mental approach, golfers can achieve straighter, more reliable shots. Incorporating these adjustments into your routine will lead to improved performance and greater confidence 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.