Correcting excessive curve while playing

If, while you're playing, your fade starts turning into a slice, how do you self-correct on the course? Without a Trackman, how do you know if the slice is a result of face alignment at impact or swing path? And how would you know what to correct while playing? Would you try to square the face more (a la bowing the lead wrist) or change club path by swinging more right?

All I can do is try to make the best swing I can make. I know what a good swing feels like for me so I keep rehearsing it and then do my best to let it happen when I take the swing. If I start guessing that I'm doing this or that wrong, it's over for the round.

Have you and your instructor discussed what your one bad habit is that causes your big miss? Go back to that discussion in your mind and try to feel what the drill was to put you into a better swing. You're never going to intellectualize your way to good positions - certainly not on the course - so just rehearse what you're supposed to be doing until you can feel the good swing emerge.

Start line will tell you if its a face issue for the most part, how much it curves is typically more due to path.

However knowing exactly what physically is happening at impact is less important than knowing what it is about your swing that typically results in those impact conditions. It also helps to know what doesnt work...ie if you are slicing the ball more than normal and decide to aim more left...or slam the face shut..which can make the slice worse or introduce the good ol double cross two way miss

And there is a lot of value in accepting that bad shots happen sometimes...

Where the ball starts would give you a good idea on if you left the clubface too open or not.

Ah yes. Should've given more thought to ball flight laws. What about a ball that travels straight a couple hundred yards and then starts turning right vs. a ball that goes straight maybe 50 yards and then starts curving right? Does that mean face was square at impact for both but swing path was more severe in 2nd scenario?

First scenario you'd be fairly neutral, the latter you wiped at the ball.

I love the use of "excessive curve". So much more positive than many other descriptors.

I like to move the ball back slightly in my stance if I feel like my fades moving too much, then go back to normal on the next tee. I don't play super tight fairways so no big deal.

Change setup with some draw bias changes.

Im with Monte. If the ball is starting off more right than usual then setup for a draw even if you cant hit one consistency it will give you a different feel and instant feedback

I just keep aiming farther left until I hit one straight into the trees...

I love the use of "excessive curve". So much more positive than many other descriptors.

Im with Monte. If the ball is starting off more right than usual then setup for a draw even if you cant hit one consistency it will give you a different feel and instant feedback

Just hook the ball a few times and you'll be back to normal in a jiff