 | Don Farquhar is Head Golf Professional at Rolling Hills CC, a position he has held since 1988. Don has earned several distinctive awards: 1991 South Central Section Golf Professional of the Year, 1994 South Central Section Merchandiser of the Year, 2003 & 2004 South Central Teacher of the Year and 7 Time Kansas Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year. Don has competed in 5 National Club Professional Championships and qualified for the USGA Public Links Championship. Don is also a member of the Titlist Custom Fitting Staff. Don may be contacted Rolling Hills Country Club Pro Shop, (316) 722-1181, 223 Westlink Drive, Wichita, KS 67209, or by e-mail at dafarquhar@pga.com. |
Golf
2001-07-01 09:02:00
"Another slice... help!"
Don Farquhar
Question: I have played golf for more than 30 years. My normal swing produces a slice, or at the best... an accentuated fade. I am always fighting to control it. I use my hands, club face, turn my right shoulder (I play from the right side) as I take the club back, concentrate on keeping my right arm tucked in during takeaway, try to get my swing plane inside out... I have tried it all and can usually make it work enough to score mid-80’s but it is with so much effort. Is this the way it will always be or is there some other tip you can provide that will make my normal swing hit it straight without the constant battles I have been used to?Answer: The first thing that you need to understand is what is causing the ball to go to the right. After fully understanding this then it might be easier to correct when you play. A ball slices because of the spin imparted on the ball. The spin comes from two factors. First is the angle of the club face- open, square, closed. Second is the path of the swing- outside in, inside out, or straight down the line. Your problem could be caused by one or both of these factors. You should first examine your club face. If you find that it is not square at impact, then you should work to correct it by being a little more active with your hands. Think in terms of a steering wheel. If you want your car to go to the left then you turn your steering wheel to the left. If you want it to go right the you turn your wheel to the right. Next check your divots to find the direction of your path. In your case your divot will point to the right. This indicates an outside in swing path. In order to correct this think of a bar hovering over your ball pointed down the target line. Try to swing your club under this bar and down the line. This should produce a better path. Both of these thoughts are simple and can be used together or by themselves. They should be easy to incorporate into your game. Good luck, let me hear how you are progressing.
