Category: Blog

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Master Your Swing: Simple Tips to Quickly Fix Your Slice

By Kevin Cotter, PGA

Slicing the golf ball is often caused by delivering the clubface to the ball in an open position at impact (for right-handed players, the clubface points right of the target). The good news is that fixing a slice is easier than you think! Here are the most common causes of a slice and simple cures to help you straighten out your shots:

  1. Grip Position

Your grip is the first area to examine when dealing with a slice. If your hands are rotated too far to the left (for right-handed players), the clubface will likely be open at impact, causing the ball to slice. Ensure your left hand is in a “strong” position—where you can see two to three knuckles when looking down at address. This adjustment can have an immediate positive impact on your ball flight.

  1. Wrist Position at the Top of the Swing

Next, closely examine the position of your left wrist at the top of your backswing. If your left wrist is cupped (bending inward), the clubface will likely be open, and if you return to impact in this position, it will result in a slice. Keep your left wrist flat at the top of your swing, which helps square the clubface at impact.

  1. Forearm Rotation (Pronation)

Another critical factor is your forearm and hand rotation through impact. Suppose your right hand pushes against or overpowers the left hand through impact (see image below of right hand working underneath and breaking down left wrist) rather than allowing the hands and forearms to rotate correctly. In that case, the clubface will remain open, causing a slice. Instead, focus on naturally pronating (rolling) your hands and forearms through the ball to help square the clubface.

  1. Swing Path

An out-to-in swing path is one of the primary causes of a slice. When your swing cuts across the ball from outside the target line, it creates sidespin, sending the ball curving to the right. Focus on swinging from the inside, then down the line.

  1. Alignment and Stance

Incorrect alignment can also lead to a slice. If you’re aiming too far left, you may unknowingly encourage an out-to-in swing path. Check your stance and ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all aligned parallel to the target line. A proper setup gives you the best chance to swing along the right path.

A few simple adjustments can drastically reduce or eliminate your slice, leading to more consistent shots and a more enjoyable round of golf. Try out these fixes and watch your game improve!

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Greenside Bunker Tips

  1. Improve your greenside bunker play with some great practice tips!

    By Kevin Cotter, PGA

    By far, the most important aspect to successful greenside bunker play is striking the sand an inch or two behind the ball.  As another PGA Professional recommends as a sort of visual is to “Imagine the golf ball lying on top of a dollar bill and you’re scooping the entire bill and ball up together.”The video below from Alan Wronowski PGA Director of Golf demonstrates a great practice technique by drawing a line in the sand to practice striking a specific spot.

  2. Greenside Bunkers | PGA.com

    Allen Wronowski, PGA Director of Golf at Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, Md. , talks about greenside bunkers and gives some tips to …
    Pga
  3. Below “Your Best Bunker Tips” from PGA.com offers some interesting comments from Facebook fans on greenside bunker play including some great tips as well, starting out with my favorite of course “Don’t hit it in the bunker to begin with.”

    Enjoy!
  4. Your best bunker tips | News | PGA.com

    When we think of Florida, we think of many things. Among them?
    Pga
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Practicing Your Golf Swing in Slow Motion

  1. Slow down when working on your swing for amazing results!

    Practicing your golf swing in slow motion is a concept I’ve always believed in and have religiously articulated throughout my teaching career, “If you can’t do it in slow motion, how could you ever do it in fast motion.”

    Now some have argued they are not one in the same in the sense that with a full speed swing the dynamics are different when considering the impetus generated through centripetal force.  I believe this is true but only to a certain degree as they are overall missing the point that the player first needs to understand the exact positions they need to achieve within the swing and repeat those motions slowly over and over again and habituate them then slowly transgress over to full speed swing.

    Check out the Slow Mo Drill video below:

  2. Slow Motion Golf Swing | Golf Channel

    Jan 2, 2013… and in this video Brad Brewer shows you how to practice in slow motion to … In this video segment, Brad Brewer shows y…
    Golfchannel
  3. Amazing, here is a video of Ben Hogan actually practicing in slow motion as referenced above by Brad Brewer.
  4. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vTfi0gtZ8?feature=oembed&w=400&h=225]
    Ben Hogans’ slow motion practice routine
    TSSfootage
    ·

    Sun, Feb 24 2013 15:29:35

  5. Just for the sake of analysis here is a great slow motion swing video with Professional Golf Coach Mitchell Spearman examining the swing of the 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell.
  6. Slow Motion Golf Swing Videos | Hit The Perfect Golf Ball Video

    Golfing World have amazing slow motion golf swing videos so you can see exactly how … The Path to Par Series – Perfect PracticeProfes…
    Golfingworld
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Executing the Perfect Pitch Shot

  1. This is a great tip to improve your pitching game.  The primary key to the shot is keeping the arms, shoulders and body moving somewhat in sync as described in this article by Krista Dunton PGA, by allowing the right elbow to fold against the right side during the back swing and left elbow to fold against the left side during the through swing.  Check out the article and video below for some great short game pointers.
  2. executing the perfect pitch shot | Short Game | PGA.com

    That troublesome 20-30 yard pitch shot is easier than you think.
    Pga
  3. Todd Anderson on the Pitch Shot
  4. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGA9HofE1Ek?feature=oembed&w=400&h=225]
    Golf: Pitch Shot
    SIvideo
    ·

    Sat, Feb 23 2013 15:37:26

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Hitting the Ball Farther

  1. This is a great tip by Martin Hall PGA.  I provided an excerpt below from my recently posted article referencing the one-piece-takeaway and how it also helps establish the coiling affect described in this video. Combining the two thoughts will certainly go along way in “Hitting the Ball Farther.”

    “The “one piece takeaway” sets the timing of the swing into immediate sync. The desired sequence of movement is; clubhead, hands, shoulders, hips and lower body in that order. This backswing sequencing establishes proper coiling of the upper body against the lower body, providing a power generating spring like action to be unleashed during the downswing.”

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7488903

  2. Hitting the Ball Farther | PGA.com

    Martin Hall, PGA Director of Instruction at Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida talks … Hall demonstrates a drill …
    Pga
    ·

Of course better physical condition can also help you hit the ball farther, check out these drills from PGA.com to help build the muscles you need to hit the ball farther! 

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The Golf Grip: Your Essential Foundation for a Consistent Swing

By Kevin Cotter, PGA
The grip is the crucial link between your body and the golf club — the point where feel, control, and power all begin. Arnold Palmer captured it perfectly:

“The grip is the crucial junction point from which all the body’s strength and rhythm are transferred to the club.”

A sound grip is not just a fundamental—it’s the foundation of every consistent, repeatable golf swing.

The Three Primary Golf Grips

Golfers generally use one of three classic grip styles. Each has unique benefits, and understanding them helps you select the grip that best suits your hands, mechanics, and comfort.

1. The Overlapping Grip (Vardon Grip)

The most widely used grip in golf, named after legendary champion Harry Vardon.

How it works:

  • The right pinky rests on top of the gap between the left index and middle fingers.
  • This softly “connects” the hands into one unified unit.

Benefits:

  • Encourages a natural release of the club.
  • Promotes hand unity without tension.
  • Ideal for players with medium or larger hands.

This grip is the preferred choice for most advanced golfers because it blends control with fluidity.

2. The Interlocking Grip

A favorite among players wanting an even more secure hand connection. Used famously by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

How it works:

  • The right pinky hooks around the left index finger, interlocking them together.

Benefits:

  • Creates a very strong, unified hand structure.
  • Prevents the dominant hand from overpowering the swing.
  • Great for players with smaller hands or those seeking tighter control.

If your hands tend to separate during the swing, this grip can be a game-changer.

3. The Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)

Less common among seasoned golfers, but incredibly useful for beginners and players with limited strength.

How it works:

  • All ten fingers remain in contact with the club, similar to holding a baseball bat.

Benefits:

  • Easy to learn and very comfortable.
  • Provides leverage for players who need extra strength.
  • Ideal for juniors, newcomers, or players overcoming physical limitations.

While it may lack some refined control, it is an excellent stepping-stone grip for developing players.

Choosing the Right Grip for Your Game

There is no single “correct” grip — just the one that fits your hands, preferences, and golf goals.

Ask yourself:

  • Which grip feels most natural?
  • Do my hands stay connected throughout the swing?
  • Am I gaining control without adding tension?

Mastering your grip is one of the fastest ways to improve ball striking, create consistency, and unlock your natural swing motion.

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Releasing the Clubhead

This story is for you if…
• You want more distance and accuracy
• You often miss your target to the right
• You don’t understand what “release” means
Photo By J. D. Cuban/Golf Digest

BY ERIKA LARKIN

It’s no big mystery why you’re slicing your driver. The clubface is open to your swing path at impact. And that slice can get worse if you pull in your arms on the downswing to try to steer the ball into the fairway. Here’s my easy fix: Remember to roll and reach as you swing through. Let your forearms roll over to square the clubface and then reach your arms toward the target.

You can get a feel for this full release by hitting some “bunt” shots with your driver. Tee up a ball and take your driver back until the shaft is parallel to the ground and the toe of the club points straight up (see photo). From there, focus on extending the shaft toward the target so it mirrors that halfway-back position, with the toe up again. Bunt some balls down the range, and don’t worry about distance.

 The Standard Advice

Try to square the clubface at impact for straighter and more accurate shots.

Why it’s Misleading

Impact lasts only a few milliseconds, so trying to perfect that moment is nearly impossible.

The Tip You Really Need

A solid release guarantees proper clubface rotation through impact, so perfect it instead. Plus, it’s easier to control your release. As you drive through the hitting zone, give the ball a slap with your right hand, changing your right wrist from bent back to bowed. Check the positions at left to see what it looks like.

 Elbow In

Your left elbow should hang tight against your torso as your hands release. You can’t unhinge your wrists if your left arm bows out (no chicken-winging).

 Shoulder Under

Your right shoulder moves under your chin, not in front of it. This allows your hands to power the clubhead correctly through impact and then around your body.

 KEY MOVE – Active Wrists

Prior to impact your right wrist was bent. Now it should be bowed. This doesn’t happen by itself—”slap” the ball with your right hand to release the club properly.

 Club on Line

A proper release whips the clubhead around your body in a circular motion and into your finish.

 

  1. Make a Power Release | GOLF.com

    Jun 22, 2007 … This story is for you if… • You want more distance and accuracy • You often miss your target to the right • You don&…
    Golf
    ·

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My Favorite Shots To Save Par

See on Scoop.it – golf instruction

Brandt Snedeker shares his favorite shots around the green. (RT @GolfDigestMag: One of Brandt Snedeker’s favorite shots around the green? The hands-free lob.

BestGolfeBooks‘s insight:

The "Hands free lob" is an adaptation to the pitching swing and is a great tool in and around the green.  The firmness in the hands provides a high degree of consistency.

See on www.golfdigest.com

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How to Start the Golf Swing

By Kevin Cotter, PGA

The takeaway or start of the golf swing begins with combined movement of the clubhead, hands, arms and shoulders.

This movement, commonly referred to as the “one-piece takeaway” is quickly followed by the hips as they begin to turn in response to the shoulders.  As the hips rotate the lower body (knees and feet) become active as the weight begins to transfer back onto and eventually around the right leg.

Soon after the “once piece takeaway” begins, allow your right elbow to fold somewhat against your right side, at least in the early stages of the backswing.  This allows the arms to remain connected to the body.

The “one piece takeaway” sets the timing of the swing into immediate sync.  The desired sequence of movement is; clubhead, hands, shoulders, hips and lower body in that order.   This backswing sequencing establishes proper coiling of the upper body against the lower body, providing a power generating spring like action to be unleashed during the downswing. Correct timing also helps establish a square clubface position at the top of the swing.

In addition to timing, the proper takeaway is crucial in developing power through angular momentum or also known as the “lever system.”  Proper use of the “lever system” not only unleashes tremedous power but helps establish a ball first then turf strike when playing shots directly off the turf.  Learning to strike the ball with a descending blow is vital, a downward strike to a ball sitting on the turf provides the much needed spin necessary for the ball to stick and hold in the intended target area.

Also, the path of the club is hugely influenced by the natural flow of the “one-piece takeaway.” When not contrived in any way the club moves straight back then slightly to the inside around then up. Eventually, the club returns somewhat along the same path on the way down, creating a semi-circle pattern starting from behind the ball through the ball and into the through swing.

If the club is forced quickly to the outside during the initial stages of the backswing an out to in swing path is likely to be created. Conversely, if you force the club back too quickly to the inside,  the club eventually has nowhere to go but to be forced to the outside and then back across the ball resulting in pulled or sliced shots.

So, as you can now clearly see, the “one piece takeaway” is the crucial first step in developing a powerful repeating golf swing, and provides the ability to consistently strike the ball cleanly and squarely,  leading to longer and straighter shots.

For the best golf training and instructional aids on the web please go tohttp://www.BestGolfeBooks.com your golf eBook superstore andhttp://www.EasytoLearnGolf.com blog for more great stuff to improve your game. Lower scores are just a click away!

Happy golfing!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_R._Cotter
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PGA Golf Etiquette

By PGA.com and Kevin Cotter, PGA

What to Expect During a Round of Golf: From Start to Finish

Arrival:

  • If caddies are available, remember that caddie programs provide young people with a chance to earn money and gain exposure to a sport that can positively shape their character.
  • A good caddie can enhance your experience by offering tips that might help lower your score. They provide information on yardage, club selection, reading greens, and understanding the course layout.

Warm-Up:

  • Arrive early enough to give yourself time to warm up properly.
  • Start with your short irons, then move to mid and long irons, and finish with your woods.
  • End your warm-up by hitting a few soft wedge shots, then practice a few putts on the green.
  • Avoid hitting too many balls and tiring yourself out before the round.

First Tee:

  • Check the scorecard for local rules specific to the course.
  • If your playing partners suggest a match, ensure everyone is comfortable with the stakes.
  • Mark your ball with an identifying mark and let the other players know what ball you’re using.

Avoiding Slow Play:

  • Keep pace with the group ahead of you by walking at a reasonable speed between shots.
  • Plan your next shot as you approach the ball by considering the wind and course layout.
  • When it’s your turn, check the lie, choose your club, visualize the shot, and play it. This process should take no more than 30-45 seconds.
  • If you’re not ready when it’s your turn, encourage another player to go ahead.

Maintaining the Course:

  • Replace your divots. If you can’t replace the divot, either use the toe of your shoe to smooth the edges or fill it with a soil/seed mix provided by the course.
  • Always bring a rake into the bunker, entering from the low side nearest the ball. After your shot, rake the area and any footprints, leaving the rake near the bunker.
  • Repair any pitch marks on the green using a tee, knife, or repair tool by gently pushing the edges toward the center and smoothing them with your foot or club.
  • Remember, while you can repair pitch marks on your putting line, spike marks must be left alone until after you putt.

On the Green:

  • Avoid stepping on another player’s putting line, the imaginary line between their ball and the hole.
  • If your ball is in someone’s line, offer to mark it with a small coin or plastic marker.
  • If you’re asked to tend the flagstick, ensure you’re not standing on anyone’s line. Hold the flagstick at arm’s length so it doesn’t flutter and cast shadows, and remove it carefully after the player putts.
  • Lay the flagstick off the green to avoid damaging it. The player closest to the hole usually tends the flagstick.
  • After everyone finishes putting, walk directly to the next tee.

Miscellaneous:

  • Play a provisional ball if your tee shot goes into the woods or might be out-of-bounds. You have five minutes to search for the original ball once you reach the area. If not found, continue with the provisional, incurring a one-stroke penalty.
  • If you find your original ball in-bounds, continue playing it and pick up your provisional.
  • Out-of-bounds balls result in a penalty of stroke and distance.
  • Never hit if there’s a chance of reaching the group ahead. If a shot might hit others, yell “fore” immediately and apologize if your ball lands near anyone.
  • Displays of frustration are fine but avoid temper tantrums like yelling or throwing clubs. It’s unsafe and unsportsmanlike.
  • Learn and understand the basic Rules of Golf, such as out-of-bounds, lost balls, unplayable lies, cart paths, and water hazards.
  • If your group stops for refreshments at the turn (after nine holes) or at the end of the round, offer to pay, especially for the caddies. Whoever buys at the turn shouldn’t be expected to pay at the end of the round.
  • Finally, shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners, and thank everyone for their company. At the end of the day, the real joy of golf is the time spent with friends, old or new.

For a complete discussion of the Rules of Golf, visit the USGA’s web site.