A golf ball that goes right (for a right-handed golfer) has one root cause: the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact. Understanding which specific cause applies to you determines the fix. Here are the four most common causes, from most to least frequent.
Cause 1: Weak grip (most common)
A weak grip — where both hands are rotated toward the target, showing fewer than 2 knuckles on the lead hand — makes it mechanically very hard to square the face at impact. It is the single most common cause of a ball going right. Fix: strengthen your grip by rotating both hands away from the target until you can see 2.5 knuckles on your lead hand. The ball will feel like it is going left initially — that is the face squaring for the first time.
Cause 2: Over-the-top swing path
An over-the-top swing (club comes from outside the target line on the downswing) produces a slice when combined with an open face. Fix: place an alignment stick 6 inches outside your ball during range sessions. Practice swinging without hitting the stick — this forces an inside-out path. Do not try to fix this without first checking your grip.
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Cause 3: Early extension
Early extension happens when your hips thrust toward the ball on the downswing. This pushes the club face open through impact. A putting mirror or impact recording on your phone will reveal whether this is happening. Fix: during practice swings, focus on keeping your hip depth constant through impact — feel like your hips rotate around, not toward the ball.
Equipment: is your shaft too stiff?
A shaft that is too stiff for your swing speed does not flex enough to square the face at impact, producing a shot to the right. If you hit the ball reasonably on center but it consistently goes right even with a strong grip, visit a fitting center and get your swing speed measured. Most recreational male golfers swing between 75–95 mph — regular flex is correct for most, not stiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my ball go right with my driver but not my irons?
Is a ball going right a slice or a push?
How quickly can I fix a ball going right?
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