Slicing the ball is a common problem among golfers. A slice is when the ball travels from one direction to the other [depending on the left or right-handedness of the golfer], generally not in the direction you want it to go. This contrariness of the ball not to go straight toward the hole is the bane of the golfing world.

Correcting a golf slice is not difficult, but may require plenty of practice, patience and more practice.

There are three ways to correct a slice. Hire a golf instructor, purchase some DIY books and/or grab a golfing buddy to follow you around the fairways and tell you what you're doing wrong.

In the meantime, practice these simple guidelines in the backyard or out on the course.

1. Line your feet up correctly - square yourself up with your feet approximately shoulder width apart and the golf ball about half way between them

2. Point your leading shoulder in the direction of the hole. Wherever your shoulder points is where the ball will go

3. Keep your swing even and relaxed, knees slightly bent. Don't try to hit the golf ball too hard, jab at it or over-correct

4. Head should be down and eyes fixed on the ball. Don't look to see where the ball is going, your aim should already be lined up with your body positioning. Lifting your head will destroy your aim

5. Always remember to follow through. When the ball is hit and the club is over your head, then you can look up

Afterward, don't forget to shout your golf buddy some liquid refreshment at the clubhouse. Important tips can be traded and your golf slice discussed with all the minutiae a relaxing cold drink allows.