How to Hit A Draw Golf Shot: Step-by-Step Guide

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Swing Mechanics & Fundamentals

BLOCKQUOTE_0

Quick Answer

• A draw is a shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed golfer. It’s achieved with a clubface that’s slightly closed at impact and an in-to-out swing path.
• The setup is key: aim your body slightly right of the target, but point the clubface directly at it.
• Mastering the draw takes practice and understanding the feel of an inside-out swing.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who want to add variety and strategic shot-making to their game, moving beyond just hitting it straight.
• Players who struggle with a slice and are looking for a way to neutralize it or even turn it into a controlled draw.

What to Check First

• Your Grip: Start with a neutral grip or even a slightly stronger one. Rotate your hands clockwise on the club handle. This helps encourage the clubface to close through impact naturally.
• Your Stance Alignment: Aim your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the right of your intended target. This subtle shift is crucial for setting up an in-to-out swing path.
• Clubface Alignment: With your body aimed right, point the clubface directly at your actual target. It will look slightly closed relative to your body line, and that’s exactly what you want.
• Ball Position: Place the ball a little further forward in your stance, typically off the inside of your lead heel. This encourages a sweeping motion through the ball.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Hit a Draw Golf Shot

1. Set Up for Success: Address the ball with your feet, hips, and shoulders aligned slightly right of your target. Crucially, ensure the clubface is aimed directly at your intended target. Mistake: Aiming the clubface at your body line instead of the target. This often leads to a pull or a push, not the desired draw.

2. Refine Your Grip: Take a grip that feels a touch stronger than your normal one. For a right-handed golfer, this means rotating your hands clockwise on the club handle, so you see more knuckles on your lead hand. Mistake: Gripping the club too tightly. This restricts your wrists and prevents the natural release needed for a draw.

3. Adjust Ball Position: Move the ball slightly forward in your stance, typically off the inside of your lead heel. This encourages you to swing the club on an arc that moves from the inside of the target line to the outside. Mistake: Placing the ball too far back in your stance. This tends to promote an out-to-in swing, which is the opposite of what’s needed for a draw.

4. Smooth Backswing: Take the club back smoothly, feeling like you’re taking it slightly more to the inside than your usual backswing. Don’t force it; let the natural motion of your body guide the club. Mistake: Getting too steep or taking the club too far inside on the backswing. This can lead to a compensational over-the-top move on the downswing.

5. Inside-Out Downswing: As you transition to the downswing, focus on dropping the club to the inside of your body. Imagine swinging the clubhead out towards your target line, and then continuing to swing out towards the right of your target. Mistake: The dreaded “over the top” move. This is the most common cause of slices and pulls, and it’s the enemy of the draw.

6. Impact and Release: Allow your wrists to unhinge and rotate naturally through the impact zone. The clubface should be closing relative to your swing path, imparting that right-to-left spin. Mistake: Trying to “steer” the ball or consciously holding the clubface open. Trust the setup and your swing path to do the work.

7. Full Follow-Through: Complete your swing with a full, balanced finish. Your body should rotate freely towards the target, and your weight should transfer to your lead foot. Mistake: Cutting across the ball or stopping your swing short. A full finish is a sign of a complete, committed swing.

Mastering the Draw Golf Shot: Key Elements

To consistently hit a draw, you need to understand the interplay between your swing path and clubface angle. The goal is to have the clubface slightly closed relative to your swing path at impact. Your body alignment, combined with an in-to-out swing, sets this up. Think of it like throwing a ball – you swing across your body to get natural spin. The same principle applies here. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your grip and stance until you find what feels right. I remember spending a whole Saturday at the range just working on this; it felt awkward at first, but then it clicked. It’s a rewarding shot when you get it dialed in [1].

Common Mistakes When Trying to Hit a Draw

• Misaligned Clubface — You aim your body right, but then mistakenly aim the clubface at your body line instead of the actual target. This often results in a pull or a push, not a draw. — Aim the clubface directly at your target, and your body slightly right of it.
• Over-the-Top Swing — This is the classic slice-inducing move where your downswing starts outside the target line. It causes the club to cut across the ball. — Focus on dropping the club to the inside on your downswing and swinging out towards your target line.
• Holding the Clubface Open — Trying to “guide” the ball or prevent the clubface from closing leads to a slice. — Trust your setup and allow your wrists to rotate naturally through impact.
• Incorrect Ball Position — Playing the ball too far back in your stance can encourage an out-to-in swing path. — Move the ball slightly forward, off your lead heel, to promote an in-to-out path.
• Too Much Body Rotation — Trying to force the clubface closed with excessive body manipulation can lead to loss of control. — Let the grip and swing path do the work; focus on a fluid, natural release.

FAQ

• What is a draw in golf?

A draw is a shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed golfer, or left to right for a left-handed golfer. It’s a desirable shot shape for many players because it can add distance and control.

• How does a draw differ from a fade?

A draw curves from right to left (for righties), while a fade curves from left to right. They are essentially opposite ball flights, achieved by reversing the principles of clubface angle and swing path relative to the target.

• What is the ideal clubface angle for a draw?

For a draw, the clubface should be slightly closed relative to your swing path at impact. However, it should still be aimed at or slightly left of your target line (for righties) to avoid pulling the shot.

• Can a beginner hit a draw?

While a draw is often considered an intermediate shot, beginners can learn the fundamentals. It requires understanding the setup and swing path. Focusing on a neutral grip and a consistent in-to-out swing is a good starting point.

• How much should I aim right of the target?

This varies from player to player and depends on the desired curve. Start with a subtle shift, perhaps 5-10 yards right of your target line. You can adjust based on how much the ball draws.

• Will hitting a draw help my slice?

Yes, understanding how to hit a draw can help counteract a slice. By learning to close the clubface and swing from