[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "Slices Are Scary in Spring"

To correct a slice, the swing path must be changed from out-to-in to in-to-out.

April is a cruel month for beginner and intermediate golfers.

This is because their inconsistent shot patterns leave them defenseless against the spring winds. Most amateur golfers, in particular, suffer from slices. When they hit a drive, the ball is cut and flies weakly, with the wind pushing it into out-of-bounds (OB) areas or deep rough. For amateur golfers, the slice is an ongoing source of pain and a constant challenge (Most amateurs suffer from a slicing problem).

A slice, for right-handed golfers, is a shot in which the ball suddenly curves from left to right due to side spin (The slice is a golf shot that bends far to the right when hit by right-handed golfers). Because the ball curves like a banana, it is often called a "banana ball" in slang, and golfers who consistently hit slices are jokingly called "slicers."

According to the Golf Ball Flight Law, slices are generally divided into two types. The first is the dreaded slice, where the ball initially moves left and then gradually curves right. The second is the push slice, where the ball starts right and continues to curve further right. The dreaded slice is more difficult to fix than the push slice. So, what causes a slice? (What causes a golf slice?)

Usually, slices occur because the clubface is open at the moment of impact (Slices are caused by reaching impact with the face of your club open). Another cause is swinging down too steeply from above, resulting in an out-to-in swing path that cuts across the ball (Coming 'over the top' and sweeping across the ball from outside to in easily turns into a particularly bad banana ball).

One solution is to turn your left hand inward so that the logo on your glove is visible, adopting a strong grip (Gripping the club tightly), and practice making the clubhead square to the ball. Take a closed stance and tee the ball high to prevent a descending blow. By positioning the ball near your left toe during setup, you can avoid an outside-in swing path (Position your golf ball properly in your set up).

A: I've hit a slice again. What a poor shot! Where did it go?

B: It sliced into the penalty area on the right.

A: Because of my slices, I can hardly ever keep my ball in the fairway.

B: That sounds like trouble.

A: What was the cause of my slicing?

B: Like many other slicers, you're cutting across the ball. To correct a slice, you have to change your swing path from out-to-in to in-to-out.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist