If you’ve ever asked, “Why does my golf ball go to the right?” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues golfers face, especially beginners and high handicappers. For right-handed golfers, a ball that travels right is usually caused by either:
- An open clubface at impact (slice)
- A swing path that pushes the ball right (push)
The good news? Once you know why it’s happening, you can fix it. In this guide, we’ll explain the main causes, how to diagnose your issue, and give you step-by-step drills and a 30-day plan to straighten your shots.
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Style)
For right-handed golfers, your ball goes right because the clubface is open at impact (slice) or because your swing path pushes the ball right of target (push).
- Starts right + curves right = slice
- Starts right + stays right = push
- Starts straight then curves right = slice
Fixes include adjusting grip, checking alignment, squaring the clubface, and practicing swing path drills.
How Ball Flight Works (The Basics)
Before fixing your swing, it helps to know what controls ball direction:
- Clubface angle at impact: Determines where the ball starts.
- Swing path: Determines how the ball curves.
- Spin axis: Created when the face and path don’t match — this causes slices or hooks.
Example: If your face is pointing right at impact, the ball will start right. If your path is left of face direction, the ball curves right.
Common Causes of Why Does My Golf Ball Go to the Right?
1. Slice (ball curves right)
- Weak or open grip
- Open clubface at impact
- Outside-in swing path
- Poor release of hands
2. Push (ball starts right, stays right)
- Clubface aimed right at impact
- Path matching the face, so no curve
- Alignment errors (aiming too far right)
3. Push-Slice
- Combination: face open + out-to-in path
- Produces a ball that starts right and curves even further right
4. Setup Problems
- Ball too far forward in stance
- Shoulders or feet aimed right of target
- Weight stuck on back foot
5. Equipment Issues
- Wrong lie angle (too flat sends shots right)
- Shafts too stiff or grip too thin
- Driver settings not adjusted
How to Diagnose Your Miss
Ask yourself two key questions:
- Where does the ball start?
- Left of target → Path issue
- At/near target → Face is fine, but path may curve ball
- Right of target → Open face
- How does the ball curve?
- Curves right → Slice (face more open than path)
- Goes straight right → Push (face open, path matching)
Simple Tests
- Alignment Stick Test: Place a stick on target line. Watch where the ball starts.
- Impact Tape Test: Check where the ball hits the clubface.
- Phone Video: Record down-the-line to see swing path.
- Launch Monitor (if available): Gives numbers on face angle and path.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Today
If You Slice (curves right):
- Strengthen grip (rotate hands slightly to the right on club)
- Close face slightly at address
- Feel the clubhead release after impact
- Practice inside-to-out swing path
If You Push (ball starts right, no curve):
- Square the face at setup
- Aim properly at target
- Shorten backswing to control face
- Practice drawing ball with inside path
Drills to Straighten Your Shots
Slice Fix Drills
- Grip Drill: Rotate both hands slightly right on grip → helps square face.
- Towel Drill: Keep towel under both arms → promotes connected swing and release.
- Gate Drill: Place two tees in front of ball → practice swinging club through “gate” to train square path.
Push Fix Drills
- Inside-Out Drill: Put two tees just outside ball → swing inside them to force proper path.
- Closed Stance Drill: Drop trail foot back → encourages in-to-out swing.
- Alignment Drill: Always lay alignment stick at target → retrains aim.
Why Does My Golf Ball Go Right With Irons?
- Ball too far forward → face opens at contact
- Too steep downswing → pushes ball right
- Poor weight shift → leaves face open
Iron Fixes:
- Move ball slightly back
- Focus on balanced finish
- Practice divot after ball (clean strike)
Why Does My Golf Ball Go Right When I Drive?
Driver exaggerates swing faults because of its long shaft and low loft. Common causes:
- Tee too low or ball too far forward
- Outside-in swing path → slice
- Holding off release
Driver Fixes
- Tee ball higher, inside left heel
- Shallow swing path
- Focus on sweeping through impact
When Equipment is the Problem
Sometimes it’s not your swing — it’s your clubs.
- Lie angle too flat: Shots go right
- Stiff shaft: Harder to square face
- Small grips: Cause overactive hands
Solution: Get a fitting if you’ve worked on your swing but the issue remains.,
30-Day Practice Plan
1st week: Focus on grip & setup. Use alignment sticks every session.
2nd week: Add slice/push drills (20–30 balls daily).
3rd week: Mix driver + irons, record 2–3 swings.
4rth Week: On-course test, track % of shots missing right.
Goal: Cut right-side misses by 50% in one month.
When to See a Coach
If after 4 weeks you still miss right — especially with both irons and driver — it’s time for a coach or club fitting. A trained eye can quickly identify hidden flaws.
Summary Checklist
- Ball goes right + curves → slice (fix grip, release, inside path)
- Ball goes right + straight → push (fix face & aim)
- With irons → check ball position & weight shift
- With driver → check tee height & swing path
- Equipment can also cause right misses
Read also more related topics: Why do I keep missing the golf ball?
How to Stop Hooking a Golf Ball?
How Do You Hit a Golf Ball Higher?
FAQs
Why does my golf ball always go right?
Because your clubface is open at impact, or your swing path is off. Fix grip, alignment, and swing release.
How do I stop my golf ball from going right?
Start with alignment sticks, square your grip, and practice inside-to-out path drills.
How to hit a golf ball straight?
To hit straight shots, align feet and shoulders to the target, square the clubface at impact, and swing along the target line. Consistency comes from proper grip, balanced stance, and practicing with alignment sticks.
Why does my golf ball go right when I drive?
Driver length magnifies errors. Tee ball correctly, shallow swing path, and release clubhead.
Why does my golf ball go right with irons?
Ball too far forward, steep downswing, or open face. Move ball back, shallow path, and check divots.