Have you often seen the golf ball flying far, but with a banana-like trajectory that curves in the air? That’s what a draw is, and it is one of the most impressive techniques in golf. A well-hit draw can help you shape shots around trees, carry bunkers, and even land the ball on the green from the rough. However, it is not easy to master. So, in this article, we will discuss how to hit a draw the golf shot and provide some tips to help you hit it more consistently. First, you need to understand the basics of how a draw works. A draw is created when you swing the club from the outside in and hit the ball with a slightly open face. This creates a spin on the ball that causes it to curve to the right (for right-handed golfers).
Now that you know the basics of how a draw works, let’s talk about how to hit one. The first step is to set up properly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. The ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance. Then, take a few practice swings to get the feel of the club. Once you have a good feel for the club, it’s time to make a swing. Start by taking the club back smoothly and slowly. As you reach the top of your backswing, pause for a moment to make sure that your clubface is open. Then, swing down through the ball with a fluid motion. Hit the ball with a slightly descending blow, and follow through with your swing. If you hit the ball correctly, it should start out going straight and then curve to the right (for right-handed golfers).
Now that you know how to hit a draw, let’s talk about some tips that can help you hit it more consistently. First, make sure that you are using the right club. A draw is typically hit with a longer club, such as a 7-iron or 8-iron. Second, focus on hitting the ball with a slightly open face. If you hit the ball with a closed face, it will start out going straight and then curve to the left (for right-handed golfers). Third, swing through the ball with a fluid motion. If you stop your swing short, the ball will not have enough spin to curve. Finally, practice regularly. The more you practice, the more consistent you will become at hitting a draw. With a little practice, you will be able to hit a draw that will impress your friends and help you lower your scores.
Understanding the Draw Shot
A draw shot, also known as a fade, is a golf shot that curves from right to left (for right-handed golfers) or left to right (for left-handed golfers) during its flight. This type of shot is typically played when the golfer needs to hit the ball around an obstacle, such as a tree or bunker, or when they need to land the ball on a specific part of the green.
To hit a draw shot, the golfer needs to strike the ball with an inside-out swing path. This means that the clubhead moves from the inside of the ball to the outside during the swing. The golfer also needs to rotate their hips and shoulders through the shot, and keep their head down.
The draw shot is a versatile shot that can be used in a variety of situations. It is a good choice for golfers who need to hit the ball around an obstacle, or who need to land the ball on a specific part of the green.
Key Points for Hitting a Draw Shot
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grip the club with your left hand below your right and your thumbs pointing down the shaft. |
| 2 | Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. |
| 3 | Take a backswing, keeping your head down and your shoulders relaxed. |
| 4 | As you swing down, rotate your hips and shoulders through the shot, and keep your head down. |
| 5 | Hit the ball with an inside-out swing path, and follow through with your swing. |
The Setup: Grip, Stance, and Alignment
### Grip
The grip is crucial for hitting a proper draw shot. For a right-handed golfer, position your left hand on the club at the top and your right hand slightly below. Interlock your fingers or overlap your right-hand pinky with your left-hand index finger. This “strong” grip promotes an outside-to-in swing path, helping you draw the ball.
### Stance
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. For a draw shot, align your feet slightly open, with your left foot pointed a few degrees further to the left than your right. This stance encourages a slight right-to-left swing path.
### Alignment
Proper alignment ensures that your body and clubhead are moving in the desired direction. Aim your body slightly right of your target, with your shoulders parallel to the target line. Position the clubface slightly open to promote an outside-to-in swing path. The ball should be placed slightly back in your stance to further facilitate a draw.
| Grip | Stance | Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Strong, left hand on top | Feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly open | Body and clubface slightly right of target, clubface open |
The Backswing for a Draw
1. **Start with a square clubface.** At address, the clubface should be perpendicular to the target line. To ensure this, align the clubface with the back of your left hand (for right-handed golfers).
2. **Take the club back on a slight outside-in path.** This will help you rotate your clubface closed at the top of the backswing.
3. **At the top of the backswing, your clubface should be closed slightly (about 2-4 degrees) relative to the target line.** This is important for generating the draw spin. To close the clubface, simply rotate your wrists to the right (for right-handed golfers). It’s crucial to note that excessive wrist rotation can lead to a hook, so be sure to close the clubface gradually and controlled. Additionally, your head should remain relatively still throughout the backswing, allowing your shoulders and arms to rotate naturally.
| Backswing Position | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Start of Backswing | Square clubface, slight outside-in path |
| Top of Backswing | Closed clubface (2-4 degrees), head relatively still |
The Downswing: Creating the Draw
As you initiate the downswing, it’s crucial to maintain the inside-out club path you established in the backswing. This will help you shallow the club and deliver it to the ball with a descending blow, creating a draw spin.
Focus on keeping your hands in front of the clubhead throughout the downswing. This will promote a downward strike and prevent the club from getting too steep or outside, which can lead to a slice or a fade.
Maintaining Shoulder Position
To ensure the proper club path, pay attention to your shoulder position during the downswing. Keep your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) slightly below your left shoulder. This will help you swing inside-out and shallow the club.
Swing Path Guide
Here’s a simple table to help you visualize the correct swing path for a draw:
| Backswing | Downswing |
|---|---|
| Inside-out | Inside-out |
| Clubhead behind hands | Hands in front of clubhead |
| Shallow angle of attack | Descending angle of attack |
By following these guidelines, you’ll create the ideal conditions for hitting a draw golf shot that curves gently from left to right (for right-handed golfers) with a controlled trajectory.
Finishing the Draw Shot
The final and crucial step in executing a draw shot is to finish the swing smoothly and with precision. This phase requires a coordinated effort between your lower body, core, and upper body to ensure a consistent and impactful outcome.
5. Follow Through
This is the most critical part of the draw shot. As you reach the end of your swing, your lower body should continue to rotate towards the target, while your upper body remains relatively stable. Keep your head down and your eyes focused on the ball until it makes contact with the clubface. This will help you maintain control and accuracy throughout the shot.
At the moment of impact, the clubface should be slightly open and angled slightly towards the target. The clubhead should brush the ground just after striking the ball, creating a shallow divot that curves away from the target line.
| Key Points | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – Smooth and controlled finish | – Lower body continues to rotate | – Upper body remains stable | – Head down, eyes on the ball | – Open clubface angled towards target | – Clubhead brushes ground creating a shallow divot |
Impact Position
For a draw golf shot, the impact position is slightly behind the ball and out to the right (for right-handed golfers). This is the opposite of a fade golf shot, where the impact position is slightly ahead of the ball and in to the left.
Ball Flight
A draw golf shot will curve from right to left (for right-handed golfers) as it flies through the air. This is due to the combination of backspin and sidespin on the ball. The amount of draw will vary depending on the amount of backspin and sidespin imparted on the ball.
Impact Position for a Draw Golf Shot
| Club | Impact Position |
|---|---|
| Driver | Slightly behind the ball and out to the right |
| Irons | Slightly behind the ball and out to the right |
| Wedges | Slightly behind the ball and out to the right |
Ball Flight for a Draw Golf Shot
| Club | Ball Flight |
|---|---|
| Driver | Curves from right to left |
| Irons | Curves from right to left |
| Wedges | Curves from right to left |
Grip
A proper grip is crucial for hitting a consistent draw. Grip the club with your left hand (for right-handed golfers) so that your thumb rests slightly to the right of the shaft. Your right hand should rest on top of your left, forming a “V” shape between your thumb and forefinger.
Stance
Your stance should be slightly open, with your feet angled slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers). This will allow your body to turn through the shot and generate the necessary power for a draw.
Swing Path
To hit a draw, you need to swing the club on a slightly inside-out path. This means that the clubhead should cross the hitting line from inside to out.
Face Angle
The clubface should be slightly open at impact to promote a draw. Aim the clubface a few degrees to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers).
Ball Position
The ball should be positioned slightly forward in your stance to help you create a descending blow.
Weight Distribution
At impact, your weight should be shifted slightly to your right foot (for right-handed golfers). This will help you generate power and control the direction of the shot.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
Mistake 1: Overcompensating with the Open Face
Opening the clubface too much will result in a slice rather than a draw. Aim to open the face slightly, just enough to promote a draw.
Mistake 2: Swinging Too Outside-In
An outside-in swing path will produce a fade or slice. Practice swinging the club on a slightly inside-out path to create a draw.
Mistake 3: Misjudging the Ball Position
Placing the ball too far forward will result in a topped shot. Position the ball slightly forward, but not too far forward, to help you create a descending blow.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Weight Distribution
Maintaining your weight on your left foot at impact will result in a block or fade. Shift your weight to your right foot (for right-handed golfers) to generate power and control the shot.
Mistake 5: Lack of Practice
Hitting a consistent draw requires practice. Dedicate time at the driving range to practice the proper grip, stance, and swing path.
Mistake 6: Incorrect Club Selection
Using a club that is too long or too short can make it difficult to hit a draw. Choose a club that you can swing comfortably and control the trajectory.
Mistake 7: Not Aiming Correctly
To hit a draw, you need to aim slightly to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers). This will allow for the ball to curve back towards the target after impact.
Practicing and Master the Draw
Mastering the draw shot can amplify your shot-making repertoire and improve your on-course performance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Grip the Club Properly: Position your left thumb on the top of the shaft and wrap your fingers firmly around the grip, leaving your right hand in a neutral position, hooking slightly if needed.
2. Ball Position: Move the ball slightly back in your stance, closer to the center, to promote a steeper angle of attack.
3. Swing Path: Focus on starting your downswing with an inside-out path, ensuring the clubhead brushes the ground from the inside.
4. Clubface Alignment: To create the desired left-to-right trajectory, align the clubface slightly open (to the left) at impact.
5. Weight Distribution: Shift your weight slightly toward your front foot as you initiate the downswing, keeping your hips square.
6. Release: As you approach impact, release your hands slightly to allow the clubface to rotate and close, imparting a bit of draw spin.
7. Stance: Experiment with a wider stance to provide more stability and leverage for the draw swing.
8. Body Position: To promote an inside-out path, tilt your shoulders slightly toward the target during the setup and maintain that tilt throughout the swing. Here’s a table summarizing key body positions during the draw shot:
| Phase | Body Position |
|---|---|
| Setup | Shoulders tilted slightly toward the target |
| Downswing | Hips square, shoulders maintaining tilt toward the target |
| Impact | Slight weight shift toward the front foot, hips still square |
| Follow-Through | Clubhead following an inside-out path, shoulders completing a full turn |
Advanced Techniques for Enhancing Your Draw
Grip and Stance
Adjust your grip and stance slightly to promote a draw. Position your left hand slightly under the club and rotate it so that your knuckles form a diagonal line. Address the ball with your feet slightly closer together and your weight slightly shifted towards your left foot.
Clubface Alignment
Aim the clubface slightly to the left of your target line at address. This will encourage the club to rotate and deliver a draw shot.
Shoulder Alignment
Align your shoulders slightly to the left of your target line. This will help keep the clubface open and promote a swinging arc that produces a draw.
Swing Path
Aim to swing the club on a path that swings from inside to outside. This will help create the necessary clubface rotation for a draw shot.
Attack Angle
Swing the club into the ball on a downward angle to create a positive angle of attack. This will help launch the ball high and with a draw bias.
Shaft Lean
Lean the shaft slightly forward at address. This will encourage the club to swing on a steeper plane, promoting a draw.
Release Point
Release the clubhead at the bottom of the swing by allowing your wrists to roll over slightly. This will help impart draw spin on the ball.
Club Selection
Choose a club with a closed face angle and a higher loft to enhance the draw shot.
Draw Adjustments for Different Lie Angles
| Lie Angle | Grip | Clubface |
|---|---|---|
| Upright | Stronger | More Left |
| Flat | Weaker | Less Left |
Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing Draw Errors
10. Grip Pressure
Having too tight of a grip can cause you to slice the ball. Try loosening your grip pressure slightly, especially in your left hand (for right-handed golfers). A more relaxed grip will allow you to swing the club more freely and with less tension, which can help reduce your draw.
Here are some additional tips for fixing draw errors:
- Make sure you are swinging the club on the correct plane. A draw is caused by an out-to-in swing path, so you need to make sure you are swinging the club from inside to out.
- Check your alignment. If you are aiming too far to the left, you will likely hit a draw. Make sure you are aiming straight at your target.
- Try using a different club. A shorter club will help you hit a more controlled draw, while a longer club will give you more distance.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you will become at hitting a draw. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too much grip pressure | Loosen your grip, especially in your left hand. |
| Incorrect swing plane | Swing the club from inside to out. |
| Misalignment | Aim straight at your target. |
| Wrong club | Use a shorter club for a more controlled draw. |
| Lack of practice | Practice regularly to improve your accuracy. |
How To Hit A Draw Golf Shot
A draw is a golf shot that curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer). It is a popular shot for many golfers because it can help them to hit the ball longer and straighter. To hit a draw, you need to hit the ball with an outside-in swing path and a slightly open clubface. You also need to make sure that your weight is shifted to your left side at impact.
Here are some tips for hitting a draw:
- Use an outside-in swing path. This means that your club should be moving from outside to inside the ball as you swing.
- Open the clubface slightly. This means that the face of the club should be pointing slightly to the right (for a right-handed golfer).
- Shift your weight to your left side at impact. This will help you to hit the ball with a draw spin.
It takes some practice to hit a draw consistently, but once you master it, it can be a very effective shot.
People Also Ask About How To Hit A Draw Golf Shot
How far does a draw travel?
The distance a draw travels will depend on a number of factors, including the club you are using, the speed of your swing, and the wind conditions. However, a well-hit draw can travel up to 10% further than a straight shot.
Is a draw easier to hit than a fade?
For most golfers, a draw is easier to hit than a fade. This is because it is more natural to swing the club from outside to inside. However, some golfers find it easier to hit a fade because they have a stronger grip on the club.
What is the best club to use for a draw?
The best club to use for a draw is a mid-iron, such as a 7-iron or 8-iron. These clubs have a relatively large clubface, which makes it easier to hit the ball with a draw spin.
