You hit a tee shot, it starts right and bends even farther right. Is it a push? A slice? Is the problem your path, your face, or contact? The useful first step is simpler than naming a swing flaw: separate the start direction from the curve.
First clue: where the ball starts
Pick a clear target and notice where the ball begins relative to it. Starts left, starts near target, and starts right are observations. They give you a repeatable way to describe a shot without immediately guessing about your body or club.
With a centered strike and typical driver or iron conditions, the clubface direction at impact has a major influence on initial start direction. Impact location, loft, and other conditions can affect how a shot behaves, so the start line alone is not a full diagnosis.
Second clue: how the ball curves
After it starts, does the shot tend to curve left, curve right, or travel fairly straight? That adds a second clue. The relationship between face orientation and club path at impact is an important influence on curvature; especially with a driver, off-center impact can add gear-effect curvature.
A useful observation table
Starts right, curves farther right: record both pieces rather than calling every shot simply a slice.
Starts left, curves back toward target: notice whether the curve is repeatable and how far the shot actually finishes from target.
Starts near target, curves right: record where it finishes and whether the tendency appears with one club or several.
Look for patterns, not perfect shots
Over a small set of shots, note whether the same start-and-curve combination appears often. One shot can reflect a mishit, a different target, wind, or simple variation. Repeated observations are more helpful than one dramatic miss.
What should you do next?
If you have launch-monitor data, pair your observations with measured start direction, club delivery, impact location, and ball-flight numbers when available. If not, you can still begin with consistent language and an honest baseline. A qualified coach can help verify the physical cause of the pattern.
The free Swing Evaluation asks about the same kinds of ball-flight patterns and helps organize them into understandable priorities.