Slice/Fade: Closed vs. Open Stance?

[kfowler]

My understanding has always been that a closed stance ecnourages an inside to our swing, therefore a hook/draw, while a open stance encourages an over-the-top swing, therefore a slice/fade. I'm assuming here that grip and release are the same for all. I read something the other day that was opposite of this. That a closed stance encourages a slice.

Which is correct?

[ERC7.5]

For myself:
closed = draw/hook
open = cut.

Without changing my grip.

[TinCupTampa]

For myself:

Agreed... as long as the club face is pointing towards the target.

[klaymon]

When I first started playing, I found if I closed my stance and did nothing else I could limit/correct my slice. Now I stand square and I've learned better mechanics to help eliminate it.

[Augusta Hacker]

For myself:

That is how I line up as well. If I am fighting the fade/slice, I may play with a closed stance just to hit the ball straight and play the fade when it is possible. If I get into that habit during a round, I make sure I get to the range to fix the mechanical problem.

[kfowler]

I agree with you all. I always believed that a closed stance gave you more room for your arms to come through on an inside approach. Open stance would be the opposite.

This all stems from an analysis I read on Swing Academy. I disagreed with everything the guy said. Just proves you have to take opinions with a pretty hefty grain of salt.

[pjsnyc]

Ditto - closed = draw/hook...open = fade/slice

I feel ball position is important too. I try to bring the ball back in my stance a bit for a draw and forward a bit for a fade...sometimes the realigning of my toe line does it for me anyway, but I double check just to make sure - I've hit too many fat draw shots in the past because the ball was too forward.

[Augusta Hacker]

I feel ball position is important too. I try to bring the ball back in my stance a bit for a draw and forward a bit for a fade...sometimes the realigning of my toe line does it for me anyway, but I double check just to make sure - I've hit too many fat draw shots in the past because the ball was too forward.

That has always been counter-intuitive to me. I keep the ball position in the same place regardless of shot shape. Then again, I play the ball back in my stance for most clubs.

[pjsnyc]

That has always been counter-intuitive to me. I keep the ball position in the same place regardless of shot shape. Then again, I play the ball back in my stance for most clubs.

To each their own i guess. The difference with me is that I graduate ball position from back to front depending on the length of the shaft (assuming I'm trying to hit it straight, not fade or draw it). So for my highest lofted wedge, i play it maybe 1.5-2 balls back of center, 5 and 6 irons basically centered, driver just inside my left heel. When trying to draw or fade it, i start out with the club that'll give me the correct distance and open or close stance. I've gotten so used to what I described above that when i reposition my feet to open or close it, the ball position changes without me trying.

I guess I find it particularly hard to strike the ball cleanly for a draw if its too far forward. Keeping it slightly back helps me strike the ball first AND stay inside to out through the zone. Fades are easier for me to hit regardless of ball position because, well, most of us regular joe shmos are used to coming out to in (setting the ball slightly forward just makes me feel better )