You may have heard the terms slice and hook when playing golf.
But what do they mean, and which type of shot is better?
In this post, we’ll discuss the difference between a slice and a hook in golf, and help you decide which one is right for you!
Here's What We'll Cover
Slice vs Hook: What’s The Difference?
For right-handed golfers, a slice is a type of golf shot that veers off sharp to the right of the target, while a hook veers off sharp to the left.
And for left-handed golfers, a slice would go to the left of the target while a hook would go to the right of the target.
Slices are caused by an outside-to-in swing path, while hooks are caused by an inside-to-out swing path.
One of the main differences between a slice and a hook is that a slice is typically more difficult to correct than a hook.
This is because slices are often the result of incorrect form or grip, while hooks can be corrected with a few simple tweaks to your swing.
When you should hit a slice shot
There are some situations where you may want to intentionally hit a slice shot.
One example is if you’re trying to hit a long drive and there’s water close on the right side of the fairway.
By hitting a slice, you can avoid the water and still have a chance at reaching the green.
Another situation where you may want to slice the ball is if you’re trying to hit a shot around a tree.
You can make the ball curve around the left side of the tree and back onto the fairway by hitting a slice.
And lastly, if a hole is a dogleg right, you can hit a slice towards the natural shape of the hole and hit the fairway without losing any distance.
For lefties, it would be the opposite for each scenario (e.g. water close on the left).
When you should hit a hook shot
There are also situations where you may want to intentionally hit a hook shot.
One example is if you’re trying to hit a shot and there is water on your close left.
You can make the ball curve around the water and back onto the fairway by hitting a hook.
Another situation where you might want to hit a hook is if you’re trying to hit a shot around a tree.
You can make the ball curve around the right side of the tree and back onto the green by hitting a hook.
And lastly, if a hole is a dogleg left, you can hit a hook towards the natural shape of the hole and hit the fairway without losing any distance.
For lefties, it would be the opposite for each scenario (e.g. water on the right).
How to fix a slice
Since a slice is a more exaggerated fade shot, it can be fixed in a similar manner.
Here are the three main things you should do to fix a slice:
- Hold a strong club grip
- Have an inside-out swing path
- Close your club face
While you can do more, that’s the core of fixing your slice.
How to fix a hook
Since a hook is a more exaggerated draw shot, it can be fixed in a similar manner.
Here are the three main things you should do to fix a hook:
- Hold a weak club grip
- Have an outside-in swing path
- Open your club face
While you can do more, that’s the core of fixing your hook.
Final thoughts
As you can see, the main difference between a slice and a hook is the direction that the ball will travel.
Slices are more difficult to correct than hooks, but they can be useful in some situations like a hook shot.
It’s best to let yourself curve the ball whichever way is natural, but a slice or hook isn’t easy to control.
If you can turn your slice into a fade, or your hook into a draw, you’ll be in good shape to lower your scores!
