You’re lined up perfectly. Your stance feels solid, your grip seems right, and you swing only to watch the golf ball veer off sharply to the right. Frustrating. Hitting the golf ball to the right is one of the most common problems golfers face, from weekend amateurs to seasoned pros. Whether it’s a subtle push or a dramatic slice, this right-side miss can turn a great round into a frustrating one.
The reasons behind it vary—an open clubface, poor alignment, swing path issues, or even improper equipment setup. We’ll break down everything you need to know about why your golf ball slices right, what causes a push, and how to correct your mechanics.
From understanding the root of the issue to learning how to stop hitting the golf ball to the right, this article will help you go from slice to straight with actionable tips, drills, and expert advice. Let’s uncover the real reasons behind your right-side misses—and most importantly, how to fix them for good.
Understanding the Problem: Why You’re Hitting the Golf Ball to the Right
When we say you’re “hitting the golf ball to the right,” we’re referring to two types of common ball flights:
- Slice: A shot that starts straight or slightly left and curves sharply to the right.
- Push: A shot that travels straight but ends up to the right of the target.
Both types are frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right. These issues can happen to beginners and seasoned players alike.
Even professional golfers occasionally struggle with these right-side misses due to subtle swing mechanics slipping out of sync.
To understand why this happens, it helps to know a few key golf terms:
- Swing path: The direction your club travels during your swing.
- Clubface angle: The direction the clubface is pointing at impact.
- Grip pressure: How tightly you’re holding the club, which influences control and feel.
Understanding these elements is the first step in diagnosing the real reason behind your rightward misses.
Why Does My Golf Ball Slice Right?
A golf ball slices to the right when the clubface is open relative to your swing path at impact. This typically happens when your swing path moves from outside to inside (over-the-top motion) and your grip or wrist position leaves the face angled right.
The result? A frustrating curve that veers off-target—even if you were lined up perfectly.
Common slice causes include:
- Weak grip – promotes an open clubface.
- Out-to-in swing path – cuts across the ball.
- Poor body rotation – Hips or shoulders may open prematurely.
- Incorrect clubface control – wrists not squaring the face at impact.
Slicing is extremely common among beginners and even experienced players during swing slumps. But the good news? It’s fixable with proper grip adjustment, alignment correction, and swing path drills.
Practice an in-to-out swing path and strengthen your grip slightly to square the face earlier. Fix the face, fix the slice!
Main Causes of Hitting the Ball Right in Golf
Open Clubface at Impact
An open clubface is one of the most common reasons for hitting the ball right. This often happens due to:
- A weak grip
- Improper wrist angles at the top or during release
When the clubface is open at impact, it sends the ball to the right, even if your swing path is perfect.
Out-to-In Swing Path
This is commonly known as a “slicing swing.”
- During the downswing, your club shifts from being outside the target line to the inside.
- The result is a glancing blow, often causing a slice.
Common causes include over-rotation of the upper body or trying to swing too hard.
Improper Alignment or Stance
Many golfers unknowingly set up with their body aimed too far left.
- This open position promotes a swing path that travels from outside to inside.
- Feet, shoulders, and hips need to be aligned parallel to the target line.
Grip and Wrist Position Errors
A grip that’s too weak (hands rotated too far to the left on the club for a right-handed golfer) promotes an open clubface.
- Adjust to a neutral or slightly strong grip.
- Make sure that wrists remain flat at both the peak of the swing and at the moment of impact.
Equipment Factors
Sometimes it’s not your swing—it’s your clubs.
- A shaft that is excessively rigid or overly flexible can affect your timing.
- Incorrect loft or lie angles can cause directional issues.
Types of Right-Side Misses and How to Identify Yours
Slice
- For right-handed golfers, the ball curves sharply to the right.
- Typically caused by an open clubface combined with an out-to-in swing path.
Push
- The ball flies straight but ends up right of the target.
- Typically, this is a result of a swing path that is excessively inside-out combined with a square or open clubface.
How to Stop Hitting the Golf Ball to the Right – Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix Your Grip (With Visual Cues)
- Adopt a neutral to strong grip.
- A good checkpoint: You should see two to three knuckles on your lead hand at address.
Correct Your Setup and Alignment
- Use alignment sticks or golf clubs to practice proper alignment.
- Ensure that your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned with the target line.
Swing Path Adjustments
- Practice in-to-out swing drills like the “gate drill.”
- Use slow-motion swings to build muscle memory.
Clubface Control at Impact
- Focus on correctly releasing the club at impact.
- Practice wrist rotation drills to square the clubface.
Equipment Check
- Get a professional fitting for your driver or irons.
- Ensure proper shaft flex, lie angle, and grip size.
How to Stop Pushing the Golf Ball Right with the Driver
Here are fixes tailored to driver-specific issues:
- Ball position: Make sure it’s not too far forward.
- Tee height: Adjust so that half the ball is above the driver crown.
- Spine tilt: Slight rightward tilt at setup helps promote upward, inside-out swing.
Try this drill: Keep your head behind the ball through impact to promote better path and timing.
Also, focus on a smooth transition from backswing to downswing to avoid casting or early extension.
From Slice to Straight: Fix Hitting the Ball Right in Golf
Here’s a progression plan to correct your shot shape:
- Analyze your ball flight and swing.
- Practice drills for grip, path, and clubface control.
- Fix equipment if needed (get fit for the right clubs).
- Video yourself to check alignment and movement.
- Evaluate weekly and adjust as needed.
Example:
One amateur golfer struggled with a persistent slice for years. After switching to a stronger grip and practicing with alignment sticks, he reduced his right-side misses by 70% in just three weeks.
Pro Tips and Practice Drills
- Alignment sticks: Use two on the ground to guide feet and swing path.
- Impact bag: Helps with clubface awareness.
- Mirror work: Visualize proper positions in your backswing and impact.
- Practice indoors: Use foam balls or slow swings when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Mental tip: Visualize a straight shot before swinging to build confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcorrecting and hitting hooks.
- Ignoring shorter clubs when fixing longer ones.
- Practicing too fast without focusing on mechanics.
- Skipping equipment checks.
How to Hit a Golf Ball Straight?
Hitting a golf ball straight is every golfer’s dream—but it takes more than luck. The secret lies in mastering three key fundamentals: alignment, grip, and swing path.
1. Square Your Setup:
Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to your target line. If your body is misaligned, even a good swing can send the ball off course.
2. Grip the Club Correctly:
Use a neutral grip—not too strong, not too weak. A correct grip allows the clubface to return square at impact, reducing slices and hooks.
3. Swing on Plane:
Your backswing and downswing should follow a natural arc. Avoid coming over the top or swinging too far inside. Focus on a smooth, in-to-square-to-in path that lets the clubface strike the ball straight.
Practice with alignment sticks and video your swing to identify flaws. Consistent ball striking starts with consistent fundamentals.
Conclusion
Hitting the golf ball to the right is a fixable problem once you understand the cause. Whether it’s a slice or a push, proper grip, alignment, swing path, and equipment all play critical roles.
Step-by-step improvement looks like this:
- Identify the type of miss.
- Apply the right fix.
- Stay consistent with practice.
Be patient and methodical, and soon you’ll start seeing straighter, more reliable shots off the tee and fairway.
Don’t miss knowing: Hit in the Head by a Golf Ball
FAQs
Why does my golf ball slice right even when I aim straight?
Aiming straight doesn’t correct an open clubface or an out-to-in swing path, which are the main causes of a slice.
Is a push the same as a slice in golf?
No. A push travels straight but right of target. A slice curves to the right mid-flight.
Can driver settings affect ball direction?
Yes. Loft, face angle, and lie angle can all influence ball direction. Adjusting your driver settings can help reduce right-side misses.
What’s the best drill to fix hitting a golf ball to the right?
The “gate drill” helps correct swing path and clubface control. Could you pair it with a strong grip and alignment check for best results?