“You Can Talk To A Slice But A Hook Won’t Listen.” Is That Even True?

This article examines the validity of the classic golf cliché, "you can talk to a slice but a hook won't listen," which is commonly attributed to Lee Trevino. The saying suggests that a hook is inherently harder to control than a slice. However, TrackMan spin axis data reveals that curvature works almost identically in both directions, meaning a hook does not curve more simply because of its direction.

While the curvature remains similar, MyGolfSpy testing shows that draws and hooks produce less spin and significantly more rollout than fades and slices. Robot testing from 2025 confirmed that while spin axis controls the actual curve of the ball, the lower spin rate of a hook causes it to land flatter and run farther once it hits the ground.