Question:
I'm a 7 handicapper who's recently developed a slice on the drive. I dipped a club in paint, took over 100 swings and noticed that I am repeatedly swinging outside in, even though my club is perfectly on target when horizontal to the ground. What may be the cause of this "coming in" off the target line?
Answer:
Coming across the target line is commonly referred to as "swinging outside to inside". This is primarily caused by a conscious effort to hit the ball with your upper body from the top of your downswing (spinning out toward the target prematurely). Golf is a game of feel, and its essential that you understand what is really happening versus what you feel is happening. Because your arms are connected to the body and your body rotates during the golf swing, the club will be naturally be pulled inside (with your body rotation) through the hitting zone. So, if the club approaches the ball (pre impact) outside of the target line, it's very difficult to re-route the club down the target line, as the power of your body rotation will be fighting this motion. See the following drill:
- Draw a target line with paint on the ground (red line in illustration).
- Draw another line approximately the "width of your club head" inside the target line and the same club width outside the target line on the target side (see yellow line). Practice swinging the club down on the yellow line and consciously swing out on the yellow line.
Illustration for diagram:
Compared to how you were swinging before, completing this drill will probably make you feel as though you are exaggerating an in-to-out swing. However, keep in mind that as your body rotates through impact, the outside feeling will actually be down the target line. I suggest you practice this for a week and then dip your clubhead in paint as you did before. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result. The main benefits of this drill? You will understand "how" you are supposed to swing and "why". This is the only way to ensure your technique will have permanence.
Good Luck.
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