Golf Slice vs. Hook. Which is better and WHY?

When golfers hit their tee shot, there are typically three ball flight patterns to expect. These include a straight shot, a slice, and a hook. Of course, there are variations like the fade and the draw, but the slice and the hook are most common. If you are wondering about the difference between a golf slice vs. hook, we have you covered.

What is a golf slice?

A golf slice is a shot that starts to travel straight towards the target and then takes a significant turn to the right (to the left if you're a lefty). The slice will not go as far as a straight shot because it has a side spin on it that causes it to lose distance.

Slice shots are common among new players who are still learning how to turn the club over and hit a straight shot. It takes great timing, a good golf grip, and a proper release in order to hit the ball straight and stop a slice.

What is a golf hook?

A golf hook is essentially the opposite of a slice. The ball will head straight towards the target and then take a significant turn to the left (to the right if you're a lefty). If the ball simply falls to the left, this is not a hook. Hooks tend to go a long way because they have more of a forward spin on them from the clubface being more closed at impact.

A hook will be difficult to watch because it feels as though they roll forever. If there is trouble down the left hand side of the golf course, the hooked golf shot will find it and cause you some significant issues.

Difference between a slice and a hook

The difference between the slice and the hook has everything to do with the angle of the clubface at impact. With a slice shot, the clubface is open, and that is why the ball goes to the right (for a right handed player). With a hook, the golf club face is closed, and the ball will end up to the left because of that.

The slice and the hook can be troublesome, especially if you are not expecting them.

Golf slice vs. hook - which is better?

I have always felt that the hook is the better miss than the slice. The hook shows that you are at least turning your hands over at impact and starting to learn the proper release. Of course, your timing is not quite where it needs to be yet, and that will take time to perfect.

The slice can sometimes show that a player still does not have the understanding of the feel of what is necessary to hit a golf ball straight. Typically you see more golfers that are new to the game slice the ball, although plenty of professionals will make mistakes from time to time and hit a slice.

On the other hand the slice is usually caused by an open clubface which means if you would close it enough, there's a big possibility you would hit a nice fade down the fairway.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can understand now that the slice is going to go right of your target, and the hook will go to the left (for a right handed golfer). Both of these shots can be played intentionally when playing a dog leg golf hole; however, most of the time, a slice or a hook is unexpected. I highly suggest narrowing down your swing faults to expect either a slice or a hook. This allows you to aim down the left side or right side of the fairway and end up in a better overall position.

If you feel like you can't figure your swing and you don't have a consistent ball flight (sometimes a hook, then a slice, a pull etc.), I would advise you to visit a golf coach for a few lessons. In this case the lessons will help you go through the fundamentals and improve your swing.