The Secret Golf Grip Technique to Address a Slice

Why the Separated Hands Golf Grip Might Be the Secret to Fixing Your Slice

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever played a round of golf, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of a slice. You know, that moment when your shot leaves the tee and immediately veers off to the right (for right-handed golfers), like it has a mind of its own. While there are plenty of reasons a slice can happen, one easy fix might just lie in your grip—especially if you’re an older golfer or dealing with back pain.

But before we dive in, let’s get something straight. This grip isn’t for everyone. The most common golf grip has your hands together, with your pinky on the lower hand interlocked with the index finger of the upper hand. This classic grip is how most golfers play, and it works great for them! If that’s you, feel free to skip this. But if you're struggling with a slice, or find the traditional grip putting too much strain on your body, then keep reading.

So, What Causes a Slice?

A slice happens when your clubface is open relative to your swing path at the moment of impact, giving the ball that unwanted spin that sends it curving off course. It’s not just a newbie problem either—slicers can be found at every skill level. But if you’re an older golfer, or if mobility issues like a stiff back are holding you back, it can be even tougher to fix. That’s where this little grip adjustment might come in handy.

The Separated Hands Grip—What’s That All About?

Normally, when you grip a club, both hands work as a unit, staying close together (maybe even interlocked). But with the separated hands grip, your hands are just slightly apart on the handle—sort of like how you’d grip a baseball bat. This isn’t the standard approach, but for certain golfers, it can make a real difference in squaring up the clubface at impact, helping to eliminate that nasty slice.

Why It Can Work for You

• More Control: Separating your hands gives you more control over the clubface. If you’ve got less strength or flexibility, this grip might help you get that clubface squared up more consistently.

• Less Strain on Your Body: If back or shoulder pain is making it hard to swing normally, this grip could reduce some of that strain. With your hands spaced out a bit, it’s easier to maintain good form without overworking your body.

• Consistency: By loosening the connection between your hands, there’s less chance of your wrists rolling or flipping during the swing. That’s a common culprit behind an open clubface, which leads to—you guessed it—a slice.

How to Try the Separated Hands Grip

Here’s how to give it a go:

1. Lead Hand First: Start by gripping the club as you normally would with your lead hand (left hand for righties), thumb pointing down the shaft.

2. Trail Hand: Instead of interlocking your trail hand (right hand for righties) with the lead, leave a small gap between them. Your trail hand should sit just slightly lower on the club, both thumbs still pointing down the shaft.

3. Take Some Practice Swings: Swing a few times and get a feel for how your hands are moving independently but still working together to square the clubface at impact.

Is This the Fix for Your Slice?

The separated hands grip is a simple adjustment that can make a big difference, especially if you're older or dealing with mobility issues. It’s not the “magic fix” for everyone, but for those it works for, it can lead to straighter, more consistent drives and less strain on your body. So next time you’re out on the course, why not give it a shot? You might just find it’s the key to enjoying the game more, without the constant battle against the slice.