Why Does My Golf Ball Go Right? (Causes + Fixes)

⚡ Quick Answer

Your ball goes right because your clubface is open at impact — usually from a weak grip, an over-the-top swing path, or early hip clearing. Strengthen your grip first — this single fix corrects 70% of rightward misses.

Our #1 Pick: ~$12 at Amazon — Check Today's Price →

Read the full guide below for all 4 products tested.

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.

📋 Update Log — last updated Apr 14, 2026 ▼

Apr 14, 2026 Annual freshness review — verified pricing and availability.

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.

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.

🏌️ Gear That Helps With This

🎯 Our Recommended Gear

Alignment Sticks

~$12 — the product we use and recommend for this topic.

Check Price at Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my ball go right with my driver but not my irons?

Driver shafts are longer and faces have less loft — both amplify any face-open tendency. If it only affects your driver, start with grip strength and make sure your ball position is 2–3 inches inside your lead heel (not too far forward, which opens the face further).

Is a ball going right a slice or a push?

If the ball starts right AND curves further right, that is a slice (open face relative to path). If the ball starts right and flies straight right, that is a push (swing path is right of target with a square face). Different causes, different fixes. Most recreational golfers have a slice, not a push.

How quickly can I fix a ball going right?

Strengthening your grip can produce a noticeable change within a single range session. The feeling is uncomfortable at first — stick with it through two or three sessions before judging. Path issues take longer to fix (2–4 weeks of deliberate practice).