The draw golf shot is a popular shot among golfers of all skill levels. It is a shot that curves from right to left (for right-handed golfers) and can be used to shape shots around obstacles or to land the ball closer to the hole. Hitting a draw requires a specific combination of clubface angle, swing path, and ball position. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to hit a draw golf
To hit a draw, you will need to start by setting up with the ball positioned slightly back in your stance. This will help to promote a steeper angle of attack into the ball. Next, you will need to rotate your clubface open at address. This means that the clubface will be pointing slightly to the right of your target line. Finally, you will need to swing the club with an inside-out swing path. This means that the club will travel from inside the target line to outside the target line as you swing through the ball.
Once you have mastered the basics of hitting a draw, you can start to experiment with different ways to shape the shot. For example, you can try hitting a draw that curves more or less, or you can try hitting a draw that lands at a specific location on the green. With practice, you will be able to hit a draw golf shot that is both accurate and consistent.
Understanding the Draw Shot
A draw shot is a type of golf shot that curves from right to left (for right-handed golfers) as a result of a combination of club path and spin. Understanding the mechanics of a draw shot is crucial if you aspire to master this technique.
Club Path: The club path refers to the direction in which the clubhead is traveling at impact. For a draw shot, you want to swing the club from inside to out, meaning the clubhead should be moving from right to left (for right-handed golfers) as it strikes the ball. This will create an outside-in swing path that imparts a left-to-right spin on the ball.
Clubface Angle: The angle of the clubface at impact also plays a vital role in shaping the shot. To execute a draw, the clubface should be slightly open, meaning it should be pointing slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) at the moment of impact. This open clubface allows for the ball to spin from left to right, producing a draw trajectory.
Swing Tempo: While not directly influencing the physics of the draw shot, swing tempo can affect the consistency and accuracy of your execution. A smooth, controlled tempo will provide you with better timing and control over your swing, allowing you to repeat the desired club path and clubface angle more effectively.
| Key Elements | Draw Shot |
|---|---|
| Club Path | Inside to Out |
| Clubface Angle | Slightly Open |
| Spin | Left-to-Right |
| Trajectory | Curves Left to Right |
Proper Stance and Setup
Establishing a proper stance and setup is crucial for executing a successful draw golf shot. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key elements:
1. Ball Position
Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, just inside your left heel for right-handed golfers and vice versa for left-handed golfers. This placement promotes a downward angle of attack on the ball, which is essential for producing draw spin.
2. Body Alignment
Align your body slightly open relative to the target line. This means your feet, hips, and shoulders should be angled slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers). The degree of openness in your stance will vary depending on your swing speed and the desired draw shape. A more open stance generally produces a more exaggerated draw.
| Role | Alignment |
|---|---|
| Feet | Open slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) |
| Hips | Open slightly to the right |
| Shoulders | Open slightly to the right |
Keep your head centered behind the ball. Avoid excessive upper body tilt towards the target line, as this can restrict your swing path and hinder the desired draw motion.
3. Grip
Use a neutral grip with your hands on the club in a slightly relaxed position. Avoid gripping the club too tightly, which can limit your ability to release the clubhead through impact. Position your thumbs directly under the shaft, aligning them with your forearms.
The Downward Swing
The downward swing is where the club makes contact with the ball. There are three key things you need to remember in order to hit a draw.
1. The Club Swing
To hit a draw, you need to swing the club from inside-out. This means that your clubhead should move inside the target line on the downswing, and then cross the target line as it makes contact with the ball. This path creates a clockwise spin on the ball, which causes it to curve towards the target.
2. The Ball Position
The position of the ball in your stance can also affect the draw. For a draw, you want to position the ball slightly back in your stance, towards the heel of the club. This will help you to create a more inside-out swing path.
3. The Grip
Your grip can also play a role in hitting a draw. For a draw, you want to use a slightly weaker grip than you would for a straight shot. This means that your left hand will be more towards the top of the club, and your right hand will be more towards the bottom. This weaker grip will help you to create a more inside-out swing path and hit a draw.
| Strong Grip | Neutral Grip | Weak Grip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Hand | Palm Facing Target | Palm Slightly Left of Target | Palm Facing Sky |
| Right Hand | Thumb on Top of Shaft | Thumb to the Right of Top of Shaft | Thumb Left of Top of Shaft |
Controlling the Clubface
The clubface is the most important factor in determining the direction of your golf shot. To hit a draw, you need to rotate the clubface slightly to the right (for a right-handed golfer) at impact. This will cause the ball to curve to the left.
There are a few different ways to control the clubface. One way is to use your grip. A strong grip, with your hands turned to the right, will help to rotate the clubface closed at impact. A weak grip, with your hands turned to the left, will help to keep the clubface open at impact.
Another way to control the clubface is to use your swing path. An outside-in swing path will help to rotate the clubface closed at impact. An inside-out swing path will help to keep the clubface open at impact.
Face Angle at Impact
The face angle at impact is the angle between the clubface and the target line. To hit a draw, you need to have a slightly closed face angle at impact. This means that the clubface is pointing slightly to the right of the target line (for a right-handed golfer).
The following table shows the ideal face angle at impact for different types of shots:
| Shot Type | Face Angle at Impact |
|---|---|
| Draw | -2 to -4 degrees |
| Fade | 2 to 4 degrees |
| Straight | 0 degrees |
Body Rotation and Release
One of the most important aspects of hitting a draw shot is body rotation. The proper body rotation will allow you to generate the necessary clubhead speed and path to produce a draw. Start by rotating your hips towards the target, and your shoulders should follow your hips, keeping your head down with your eyes focused on the ball.
5. Swing Path
The swing path is critical to the success of a draw shot. To hit a draw, you need to swing the club on a path that is slightly from inside-to-out. This will cause the club to close the face at impact, which will in turn produce a draw. The proper swing path takes practice to develop, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep working at it and eventually you will be able to consistently hit a draw shot.
Here are some tips for developing a correct swing path:
| Start your downswing by rotating your hips towards the target. |
|---|
| As your hips rotate, your shoulders should follow your hips. |
| Keep your head down and your eyes focused on the ball throughout the swing. |
| Swing the club on a path that is slightly from inside-to-out. |
| Hit the ball with the clubface closed. |
Trajectory and Distance
The trajectory of a draw shot is lower and more penetrating than a fade shot. This is because the ball is spinning from right to left, which causes it to curve towards the target. The distance of a draw shot is typically shorter than a fade shot, due to the lower trajectory. However, a draw shot can be more accurate than a fade shot, as the ball is less likely to slice or hook.
Stance and Alignment
The stance and alignment for a draw shot are similar to those for a fade shot. The feet should be shoulder-width apart, with the left foot slightly ahead of the right. The shoulders and hips should be aligned parallel to the target line. The ball should be positioned slightly forward in the stance.
The Draw Swing
The draw swing is similar to the fade swing, but with a few key differences.
- At the top of the backswing, the clubface should be slightly open (pointed to the right).
- During the downswing, the clubhead should be swung from the inside out, with the clubface rotating from open to square at impact.
- At impact, the clubface should be slightly closed (pointed to the left).
The following table outlines the key differences between the fade swing and the draw swing:
| Fade Swing | Draw Swing |
|---|---|
| Clubface is closed at the top of the backswing | Clubface is slightly open at the top of the backswing |
| Clubhead is swung from the outside in | Clubhead is swung from the inside out |
| Clubface is open at impact | Clubface is slightly closed at impact |
The draw swing can be a challenging shot to master, but it can be a very effective shot when executed correctly. By following the tips outlined above, you can learn how to hit a draw shot that is both accurate and powerful.
Factors Affecting the Draw
Swing Path
A draw occurs when your clubhead swings from outside to inside (also known as an inside-out swing path). This path creates a counterclockwise spin on the ball, causing it to curve towards the target.
Clubface Angle
A slightly open clubface at impact is also crucial for hitting a draw. An open face allows the club to make contact with the ball on its leading edge, imparting a draw spin.
Ball Position
Placing the ball slightly forward in your stance (towards your left foot for right-handed golfers) promotes a more inside-out swing path, aiding in the draw.
Shaft Lean
A shaft lean towards the target at address (known as a forward shaft lean) encourages an inside-out swing path and helps facilitate a draw.
Loft
Clubs with lower lofts (such as drivers and irons) generally produce less spin than higher lofted clubs (such as wedges). Consequently, hitting a draw with a lower lofted club requires more precision in swing mechanics.
Lie Angle
A lie angle that is too upright (has less flatness on the bottom of the club) can promote a tendency to slice, making it harder to hit a draw.
Grip Position
A strong or neutral grip position (where your right hand is slightly below your left on the club) aids in promoting an inside-out swing path and a draw.
| Grip Position | Effect |
|---|---|
| Strong Grip | More inside-out swing path, increased draw bias |
| Neutral Grip | Balanced swing path, moderate draw bias |
| Weak Grip | More outside-in swing path, decreased draw bias |
Swing Plane Drill
Grab one or two tees and place them into the ground about 6 inches apart and parallel to your target line. The tees should be at least 10 feet in front of you and at about the height of your waist. Take your stance and address the ball as normal, but focus on hitting the ground inside the first tee and then brushing the other tee on the downswing. This drill helps you keep your swing path on the inside-out plane and promotes a draw shot. Perform the drill for 5-10 reps, gradually increasing the distance between the tees as you improve.
Toe-Heel Drill
Use two tees or alignment sticks and place them in the ground about shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to your target line. The sticks should be at least 10 feet in front of you and at about the height of your ankles. Take your stance and address the ball as normal, but focus on making contact with the ball on the outside of your clubface. This forces you to swing from the inside-out and produce a draw shot. Perform the drill for 5-10 reps on each side, alternating between hitting the toes and hitting the heels of your club.
Eye Drill
Take a tee and place it about 6 inches outside the ball, and in line with the target. Take your stance and address the ball as normal, but focus on making contact with the ball inside the tee. This will force you to swing your club from the inside-out and produce a draw shot. Perform the drill for 5-10 reps on each side, alternating between hitting the ball inside and outside the tee.
Toe Out at Address
This drill helps you develop a more inside-out swing path by promoting a toe-up position at address. Place a tee or alignment stick on the ground behind the ball, parallel to your target line and pointing slightly toward your left heel (for right-handed golfers). At address, position the toe of your club just outside the stick. This will help keep the clubface open and on an inside-out swing path, promoting a draw shot. Perform the drill for 5-10 reps, focusing on maintaining the toe-up position throughout your swing.
Hitting Draws from Different Lies
To master the draw shot in various course conditions, practice hitting draws from different lies, such as uphill, downhill, sidehill, and out of the rough. This will help you develop a well-rounded game and the ability toexecute draw shots in varying situations.
Visualize the Swing Path
Before you attempt to hit a draw shot on the course, take a moment to visualize the entire swing path, from the moment you take the club back to the moment you follow through. See yourself swinging on a slightly inside-out path and hitting the ball with a slightly open clubface. This visualization can help you develop a better feel for the shot and increase your chances of success.
Variations of the Draw Shot
Power Draw
The power draw is a more aggressive version of the draw shot, producing a lower and more penetrating trajectory. To hit a power draw, tee the ball higher, shift your weight slightly to your back foot, and make a steeper downswing. This combination will impart more backspin and launch the ball at a lower angle, resulting in a powerful, curving shot.
Baby Draw
A baby draw is a softer version of the draw shot, producing a more gradual curve and a higher trajectory. To hit a baby draw, tee the ball lower, shift your weight slightly to your front foot, and make a shallower downswing. This combination will impart less backspin and launch the ball at a higher angle, resulting in a more controlled, arcing draw.
High Draw
The high draw is a specialized shot typically played in strong winds or over obstacles. To hit a high draw, tee the ball high, shift your weight to your back foot, and make a very steep downswing. This combination will impart maximum backspin and launch the ball at a very high angle, resulting in a significantly curving shot that will drop quickly to the ground.
| Shot Type | Ball Height | Weight Distribution | Downswing Angle | Trajectory |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Power Draw | Higher | Slight back foot bias | Steeper | Lower, more penetrating |
| Baby Draw | Lower | Slight front foot bias | Shallower | Higher, more gradual curve |
| High Draw | Very high | Significant back foot bias | Very steep | Very high, significant curve |
Gripping the Club Incorrectly
Ensure your grip is neutral or slightly weak. A strong grip can promote a fade or slice. To achieve a neutral grip, place your left hand (for right-handed golfers) on the club so that two knuckles are visible at the top of your grip. Your right hand should be placed slightly to the left of your left hand, with the “V” formed by your thumb and forefinger pointing slightly to the right.
Using the Wrong Swing Path
Your swing path should be outside-in to create a draw. Practice hitting balls with a slightly open clubface and swing the club along an outside-in arc, aiming to hit the ball on the inside of the clubface.
Not Aligning Your Body Properly
Your body alignment plays a crucial role in shaping the shot. Make sure your feet are aligned slightly open to the target, with your shoulders parallel to your feet. This alignment will help you swing the club on an outside-in path and promote a draw.
Over-rotating Your Hips
Excessive hip rotation during the downswing can cause the clubface to close and result in a fade or slice. Focus on maintaining a stable lower body while rotating your hips in moderation. Keep your head down and your weight balanced throughout the swing.
Swinging Too Quickly
Maintaining a smooth tempo is essential for hitting a consistent draw. Rushing your swing can lead to poor contact and an inconsistent shot shape. Practice swinging at a moderate pace and focus on making a fluid motion.
Late Release of the Club
A late release of the club often causes the ball to start to the left and then slice or fade. To avoid this, focus on releasing the club early in the downswing, allowing the clubface to square up and impart draw spin on the ball.
Swinging Inside-Out
An inside-out swing path will naturally promote a fade or slice. Make sure you are swinging the club along an outside-in arc, hitting the ball on the inside of the clubface. Practice hitting balls at a target that is slightly to the right of your intended landing spot.
Not Hitting the Ball First
Topping the ball is a common mistake that can hinder your ability to hit a draw. Make sure you are striking the ball first on the downswing, slightly before the divot. Focus on making a descending blow that drives the ball into the ground.
Inconsistent Club Selection
Using the wrong club can affect your ability to shape the shot. Choose a club that provides you with adequate distance while allowing you to swing smoothly and control the trajectory.
Not Practicing Regularly
Consistent practice is crucial for developing a reliable draw shot. Dedicate time to practicing at the range, focusing on each aspect of the swing necessary to produce a draw. Patience and repetition will help you groove the correct technique and improve your overall ball-striking.
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 hit the ball longer and straighter. To hit a draw, you need to contact the ball on the inside of the clubface and swing from the inside out. This will cause the ball to spin clockwise (for a right-handed golfer), which will create a draw trajectory.
Here are some tips for hitting a draw:
Practice these tips to improve your ability to hit a draw. With a little practice, you will be able to hit this shot consistently and accurately.
People Also Ask About How to Hit a Draw Golf Shot
What is the difference between a draw and a fade?
A draw is a golf shot that curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer), while a fade is a golf shot that curves from left to right (for a right-handed golfer). Draws are typically hit with an inside-out swing, while fades are typically hit with an outside-in swing.
How can I practice hitting a draw?
There are several ways to practice hitting a draw. You can practice at the driving range by setting up a target to the right of your intended landing spot. You can also practice on the course by playing a hole that requires a draw to reach the green.
What are the benefits of hitting a draw?
There are several benefits to hitting a draw. Draws can help you hit the ball longer and straighter. They can also be used to shape shots around obstacles on the course.
