Why You Miss Right With Butch Harmon

Golfers see their tee shots go right and automatically curse the slice.

Sometimes those are blocked shots caused by swinging too much from the inside. The slice comes from an out-to-in swing, so trying to fix a slice when you’re hitting a block is the worst thing you can do.

Problem

When the ball flies dead right, it means your lower body slid ahead, which drops the club too far inside.

Here’s how to tell the difference: A slice starts left and curves right, and a block flies straight right. Blocks occur when you slide too hard with your lower body on the downswing (above). The club drops behind you and swings too much from the inside. You have too much lateral motion and not enough turn through the shot.

The best drill to promote turn is to take a narrow stance, about a foot wide, and hit drives at 75 percent. With a narrow base, you won’t be able to slide much without falling over. You’ll make a better turn, and the club will swing straighter down the line, with your arms turning over to square the clubface. You’ll beat the block.

Solution

To quiet your legs and hips, practice hitting drives from a narrow stance. You’ll slide less and turn more.

© GOLF DIGEST