Finding swing fixes on YouTube can lead to confusion. Especially when it comes to fixing a slice!
Every golf instructor has their own method and there’s no universal solution to fixing a slice. With that in mind, we took a deep dive into two popular videos.
One promises to fix a slice in just two minutes, the other in three minutes. While both offer a quick fix, their approaches are different. I’ll break them down, compare their methods and figure out which one you should trust (or if you shouldn’t trust either of them) to straighten out your drives.
Two slice fixes
Adam Bazalgette’s video focuses on two key components of the slice: swing path and clubface angle at impact. He explains that most slicers swing too far across the ball and emphasizes how shifting the hips forward can create a more inside path.
Steve Pratt takes a different approach, arguing that most slices come from an open clubface rather than a poor swing path. He prioritizes grip adjustments, encouraging players to rotate their hands to a stronger grip and then teaches a forearm rotation drill to promote squaring the face earlier in the swing.
What’s the same?
Here’s the good news—and something I was happy to see when watching both videos—the instructors acknowledge that clubface control is the biggest factor in why players slice.
Bazalgette says: “Believe me, the modern data shows that wherever that club face is aimed at the moment of contact, that’s pretty much where the ball’s going to start out.”
Pratt says: “Trackman has taught us that more than 80 percent of the influence and the direction and the curve of your golf ball is in the clubface.”
An open clubface at impact is the primary reason for a slice and the issue you should be working on fixing if you slice the ball. How you go about that fix will vary depending on who you listen to.
What’s different?
The difference between these two videos is the method for fixing the slice. Adam focuses on body movement, while Steve focuses on grip and forearm rotation.
How Adam Bazalgette fixes a slice
While Adam believes an open clubface at impact causes the slice, his fix centers on creating a more inside-out path and helping you focus on releasing the clubhead. He also recommends a clubface release without excessive wrist rolling.
Step-by-step breakdown of Adam’s fix:
- Shift your hips forward at setup – Start with your hips slightly toward the target to promote a shallower downswing.
- Feel more side bend in your spine – Keeping your head still while adding a side bend helps eliminate an over-the-top motion.
- Take small swings to feel the change – Start with half-swings to develop the feel of a more inside path.
- Clubface release: snap, don’t roll – Instead of rolling your wrists, snap the back of your lead hand down through impact to square the face.
How Steve Pratt fixes a slice
Steve believes most slicers struggle with an open clubface, not an out-to-in swing path. His fix is all about adjusting your grip and training your forearm rotation (to close the face).
Step-by-Step breakdown of Steve’s fix:
- Strengthen your grip – Rotate your hands to the right (for right-handed golfers) to prevent the clubface from staying open and give the trail hand more control.
- Forearm rotation drill – Hold the club at eye level and rotate your lead hand down, trail hand up. Repeat to build muscle memory for squaring the face.
- Take it to the ground – Bend into your golf posture and perform the same forearm rotation drill to reinforce the movement in a real swing position.
- Apply it to your swing – Start with small swings, focusing on closing the face earlier. If the ball still slices, you may be releasing the club too late.
Which method should you try?
If you’ve been slicing for years, here’s the hard truth: neither of these fixes will magically cure your slice in under three minutes. You may hit a good one or feel what it takes to square the face but you’ll still have some work to do.
Here’s how I would choose a method to work on:
- If your slice comes from a bad swing path (out-to-in, over-the-top move) or you struggle with weight transfer. → Try Bazalgette’s body movement fix.
- If your path is fine but your clubface still remains open at impact. → Try Pratt’s grip and forearm fix.
- If unsure, start with Pratt’s grip adjustment as a quick fix. Then, you can move on to body movement and path fixes and readjust the grip as needed.
Final thoughts: Which one is more effective?
Both methods can help fix a slice but the key is finding the best one for your swing. The goal is the same: Square the clubface at impact.
Whether you achieve that by adjusting your swing path to allow time to release the clubhead (Bazalgette’s method) or by strengthening your grip and training forearm rotation (Pratt’s method), the fix comes down to what feels more natural and effective.
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