3 steps to ‘help you never cut again,’ according to a Top 100 trainer

Andrew Rice, whose video was recorded and his tweet of the video shared, got the answer. Why, the commenter wrote, there are so many pieces of content – about how to treat a piece.

Said Rice:

“Hmm! I wonder why…?”

Indeed. Fixing a slice is a popular topic, as a slice is the most commonly encountered error. That said, Rice, a GOLF Top 100 instructor, believes there are three steps to directing the plane from right to left (or left to right), and you can watch it in the video below. We’ll update them when you’re done watching them.

1. Focus on the clubface

Most golfers who cut the ball have an open clubface during their swing – not just at impact.

The clubface has a huge influence on the swing of the ball, so it’s important to get it square as soon as possible in your swing. Remember, the ball will deflect where the clubface is aiming, so if the face is open, the contact is not square – which will cause the ball to cut.

2. Holding

To avoid cutting the golf ball, your grip needs to be spot on. This means that the club in your lead hand is properly gripped with the fingers and not the palm. For those golfers who have a hole in their glove, this means you are holding the club incorrectly.

Most cutting golfers tend to place their thumb straight down in the middle of the grip. Instead, place your thumb just off-center to the right if you’re a right-handed golfer, and to the left if you’re a left-handed golfer.

3. Standing

Posture has a lot to do with good communication. This means that your arms hang with your hands under your shoulders, which will help focus your swinging club.

Naturally, your arms swing where they hang, so good posture will help you stay longer in flight.

4. Depth of return

You absolutely need to let the club go off your back as your chance. Depth is directly related to the rotation of your body through the back and hips, rather than using only your arms.

When you turn and rotate your body, you can allow the arms to rotate around your shoulder line. This correct technique will help produce a straight shot or draw – assuming your grip and clubface are correct.

5. Release

To help combat this issue, I suggest using one of my favorite exercises.

Separate your hands from the club grip by 4 to 6 inches, and perform your normal golf swing. The clubhead doesn’t need to hit the ground when you do this, and you don’t even need to use the ball at first.

Try to feel a little ‘whoosh’ in the forward swing, and, because your hands are spread apart, it should influence the clubface to stay square and closed.

If you are too tight, or delay this release, you won’t be able to hear the ‘whoosh’ sound.

Once you hit the ball, bring your hands back together, trying to release the clubface.

6. Exaggerated relief

I think drills are a great way to prevent you from cutting the golf ball – so here’s one to try.

Place your ball on the low tee.

Now, take a half-swing with a short to medium iron, and, on your forward swing, try to exaggerate the release of the clubface by making the face face down. It should be at hip level on the front side of your swing.

If done correctly, you should be able to produce hooks due to this exaggerated release.

7. Be willing to hit the hooks

Having a positive attitude and trusting the process goes a long way when trying to make changes to your golf game.

So if you have a long cut, hitting a draw or a hook will sound and feel really good – as it produces a very strong connection.

Just remember to be patient as you make changes to your swing – nothing will be fixed overnight.

8. The way down

Beyond the clubface effect, the second major influence on the ball’s flight is the downward path. This is where you will want your arms to swing down over your shoulder line.

To get a feel for this, I recommend using directional sticks, which can help guide your swing on the way out and off the ball.

Putting things in a way to avoid this high road will help provide feedback and improvement.

9. End disagreements

As mentioned earlier, tension can greatly influence your piece. So you’ll want to try to slow it down for a natural release and speed.

Most club grips are tapered, meaning they are larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. However, many beginners grip the club too tightly, wrongly thinking it will go over them if they loosen their grip.

Instead of using a deadlift, hold the club lightly. This will allow you to feel the weight of the clubhead throughout your golf swing.

10. Close your posture

To help improve your turning ability and have depth in your backswing, try closing your stance.

Take your normal setup and aim your clubface at your target. Then, just drop your foot back about 2 to 6 inches, letting your shoulders and arms react to this as well.

This subtle movement will give you a head start on your timing, helping the club to come out more on the inside – which will help finish the pieces.