Slice or pushing it right.

Question
Rick, hello.
I am 41 yrs old and have been playing golf for about 5-6 years. I have always be very atheletic in several sports. However, I have not excelled my game to the next level. I play gard to difficult courses here in Cols Ohio.I can not seem to break that elusive 90 mark! I seem to have a habit of slicing out of the tee-box and pushing my irons to the right. Other than seeking private lessons, what is your feedback?
Regards


Answer
Good morning Patrick, and thanks for your question.  Please let me apologize for taking several days to respond...our course has been an absolute zoo and I have been quite busy!

So, pushing and slicing....as a "root" cause, your club face is open at impact (that is the main reason a ball will go to the right).  So, we need to figure out why the club face is open.  And, since you asked "short of taking private lessons", I will give you a couple of ideas, and you can get back to me with a little more feedback at a later time.

First, check your hand position on the club.  Is your left hand "v" (created by your thumb and index finger) pointing to your left shoulder, chin or right shoulder?  And, is the shaft supported under the "meat" of your palm (like placing your right index finger in the base of your fingers on your left, then closing your left hand around it)?  We want the club to be more in the fingers....Then, check to see if your right hand "matches" your left, with the right hand "v" pointed to the right shoulder, as well.  We just described a "stronger" or more "closed face" grip.  If you make your grip a little "stronger", you may see the ball flight straighten out or hook a little.

The other thing to check is your alignment.  Lay a club down to note your "target line" and a club parallel to that to note your "body line".  It is like looking at railroad tracks.  If your body alignment is off, that can also lead to pushing.  Let's see if you can get more "square" to your target.

Try this out, check your positions, and get back to me.  I am interested to see if this helps.  As a last resort, go see your local PGA Pro!

Take care, and good golf,

Sincerely,

Rick Williams
PGA Head Professional
Bucks County Country Club