Blog · Basics

Hook vs Slice

3 October 2026 · 5 min read

A slice is a shot that curves sharply to the right for a right-handed golfer, and a hook curves sharply to the left. For left-handers they're reversed. Both are big, unwanted curves, and both come from the clubface pointing well away from the direction you're swinging.

The slice is the classic beginner's miss. The hook tends to show up later, often once a golfer has fixed their slice a bit too well.

Hook vs slice at a glance

If you want the controlled versions of these shapes, see draw vs fade in golf.

What causes a slice

At impact the clubface is open compared with the path the club is travelling on. Common reasons:

• Weak grip: hands turned too far towards the target, so the face doesn't close in time.
• Out-to-in swing: the club comes "over the top" and cuts across the ball from right to left.
• Aiming left to allow for the slice, which makes the out-to-in swing worse and the slice bigger. A classic vicious circle.
• Upper body leading the downswing instead of the lower body.

A slice is usually worst with the driver and better with short irons. More loft means more backspin compared with sidespin, so wedges curve less. What is loft in golf? explains why.

What causes a hook

At impact the clubface is closed compared with the swing path. Common reasons:

• Strong grip: hands turned too far away from the target, shutting the face.
• Path too far in-to-out: the club swings out to the right through impact.
• Hands flipping over at impact, often when the body stops turning.
• Ball too far back in the stance.

A hook usually flies lower and runs further than a slice, so it can find more trouble. A sudden, sharp version is called a snap hook.

Hook or slice? Push or pull?

Not every shot that misses right is a slice. Look at the shape:

• Starts right, stays right, flies straight: a push.
• Starts left, stays left, flies straight: a pull.
• Starts straight or left, bends hard right: a slice.
• Starts straight or right, bends hard left: a hook.

Pushes and pulls are about path and aim. Hooks and slices are about the face compared with the path.

Simple fixes to try

For a slice

1. Strengthen your grip slightly, so you can see two or three knuckles on your lead hand.
2. Aim straight, not left, and let the ball tell you if the fix is working.
3. Feel the club swing out towards right field through impact, rather than across the ball.
4. Let your forearms rotate through the ball so the face closes naturally.

For a hook

1. Weaken your grip a little, so fewer knuckles show.
2. Keep your body turning through impact, so your hands don't flip over.
3. Check your ball position: move it a touch forward if it's crept back.
4. Swing more down the target line, not out to the right.

Make one change at a time, and give it a few range sessions before judging it. A lesson with a coach is the fastest fix of all.

Hooks and slices in Mashy

In Mashy, curve comes from timing rather than grip. The third tap on the swing meter is the one that counts: tap well early and the ball hooks left, tap well late and it slices right. Small misses give a gentle curve; big ones give a proper hook or slice into the trees. The Gold Tour Irons in the Pro Shop have less curve and a bigger sweet spot, which makes misses kinder. For timing advice, read three-click swing meter tips.