A lot of golfers chase the draw. It’s a shot that can add distance and a bit more control.
A draw curves just a little from right to left for right-handed players. To pull it off, we’ve got to tweak our stance, swing path, and clubface so the ball starts out right and then gently arcs back.
Understanding the basics and knowing what to avoid can really help. When we stick to a few simple tips, hitting a draw feels less mysterious and a lot more doable.
Key Takeaways
- A draw is a controlled shot that curves gently left for right-handers.
- Adjusting stance, swing path, and clubface is the secret sauce.
- Simple techniques and practice help us get comfortable with this shot.
Understanding the Draw Shot
A draw is a shot that curves softly right to left for right-handed players. Learning this move can open up more control and distance.
What Is a Draw in Golf
A draw starts to the right (for righties) and curves back left. For lefties, just flip it—left to right.
It’s the opposite of a fade, which bends the other way. The draw comes from a clubface that’s a smidge closed to the swing path, with the swing heading inside to out.
Key points:
- Ball starts right, then curves left (right-hander).
- Clubface is closed compared to the swing path.
- Swing path moves from inside the target line to out.
Benefits of Hitting a Draw
A draw can squeeze out extra distance, thanks to a lower flight and less spin. The ball rolls farther once it hits the fairway.
It’s handy for shaping shots around corners or obstacles. Draws also tend to cut through wind a bit better.
This shot can help fix a slice, which plagues lots of golfers. Being able to draw the ball makes our game more adaptable.
Draw vs. Fade: Key Differences
Draws and fades curve in opposite directions. Here’s a quick look:
| Shot Type | Starting Direction (RH) | End Direction | Swing Path | Clubface Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw | Right | Curves Left | Inside-to-Out | Closed |
| Fade | Left | Curves Right | Outside-to-In | Open |
A draw starts right, comes back left. A fade starts left and moves right.
Knowing when to use each shot lets us handle different holes and situations. Draws usually run out more, while fades tend to stop quicker.
Key Elements of the Draw Swing
A draw comes down to the right swing path, clubface, ball position, and how we visualize the shot. All these need to line up for that gentle curve.
Swing Path Fundamentals
The swing path is huge. For a draw, we want an inside-to-outside path.
That means the club moves from inside the target line out to the right after contact. This creates the sidespin that bends the ball left.
A simple drill: lay an alignment stick on the ground and practice swinging so the club moves inside the stick and then out. Shifting the hips a little toward the target at the start of the downswing helps, too.
Clubface Alignment for a Draw
The clubface should be just a touch right of the target at impact—but still left of our swing path. Usually, that means about 2–4 degrees difference.
Too open, and you’ll push it. Too closed, and you might hook it.
Check your setup: lay a club on the ground for where you want the ball to start, then make sure the clubface is just a bit open to that line. Don’t let it get left of the target, or you’ll pull it.
Ball Position and Stance
Ball position matters. For irons, move the ball about a ball-width back from your usual spot.
Aim your stance a little right of the target. This helps guide your swing inside-out.
Shoulders, hips, and feet should all line up with where you want the club to go. A slightly narrower stance can help you rotate and finish the shot.
Target Line Visualization
Before you swing, picture a line from the ball to the target. Then imagine another line just right of that for your swing path.
Use alignment sticks, clubs, or even the edge of the mat to “see” these lines. Take a practice swing along them.
A clear mental image helps us commit to the shot. It’s weird, but it works.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hitting a Draw
Pulling off a draw means tweaking our setup, swing path, and clubface. Here’s how I’d break it down:
Address and Setup
Aim your feet, hips, and shoulders a little right of the target. This sets the stage.
Put the ball just a bit farther back than usual. That helps you catch the inside of the ball.
Make sure your clubface is pointing just left of where your body is aimed, but still right of the target. It’s a subtle thing, but it matters.
Keep your grip relaxed but not floppy.
Checklist:
- Feet, hips, shoulders aimed right
- Ball slightly back
- Clubface just left of body alignment
- Relaxed grip
Takeaway and Backswing
Start the club back just inside the target line. That inside path is key.
Turn your shoulders fully and let your upper body rotate. A wide, smooth takeaway gives you more room to swing from the inside.
Try not to lift the club too steeply or let your arms wander outside. Keeping it low and slow at the start helps.
Key points:
- Club back on an inside path
- Full shoulder turn
- Wide, controlled backswing
Downswing and Impact
On the downswing, swing the club from inside to outside—think “in-to-out.” That’s what puts the right spin on the ball.
Keep the clubface closed to the swing path, but just a touch open to the target. This gets the ball starting right and curving left.
At impact, stay balanced and finish the swing. Let your arms release smoothly after contact.
Tips:
- Swing inside to outside
- Clubface closed to path, slightly open to target
- Smooth, balanced finish
Tips, Common Mistakes, and Advanced Strategies
Getting the draw down isn’t just about swinging harder. It’s about smart practice, dodging the usual mistakes, picking up tricks from the pros, and maybe even picking the right gear.
Effective Practice Drills
Use drills that build muscle memory. One way is to set two alignment sticks—one at the target, one slightly right.
Try gripping the club with your hands turned a bit to the right. This helps close the clubface.
The “gate drill” is solid, too: put two tees a few inches apart just ahead of the ball and swing the clubhead between them. It trains that inside-to-out path.
Punch shots are another good one. Shorter swings are easier to repeat, and you get quick feedback.
Start with half swings, then work up to full swings. Regular practice pays off.
Common Errors to Avoid
A big mistake? Starting the downswing with your shoulders. That’s a recipe for a slice.
Leaving the clubface open at impact is another classic. If you don’t close it, the ball just won’t draw.
Gripping too weak or aiming way right can also throw things off.
Here’s a quick table:
| Mistake | Result | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Open clubface at impact | Ball fades or slices | Turn hands slightly right |
| Swinging over the top | Pulls or slices | Start downswing with hips |
| Strong grip but poor path | Hooks | Focus on inside-out path |
Check your grip, stance, and swing path on the range. Most issues come from those basics.
Advice from PGA Pros
PGA pros like Martin Hall and Bernhard Langer say: set up aimed a bit right (for righties). Swing along your feet line, not straight at the target.
Pay attention to feedback. If the ball starts right and stays right, your clubface is probably too open. If it hooks too much, you might be overdoing the path or closing the face too much.
Practice with intention. Record your swing or get a coach’s eye if you can. Watch where the ball starts and curves—that tells you what to tweak.
Using Equipment Like TaylorMade Clubs
Equipment can help, too. Some drivers, like certain TaylorMade models, have adjustable weights. Putting more weight toward the heel can help with a draw.
Shaft flex, loft, and grip size matter. A softer shaft can make it easier to draw, and a higher loft can give you more spin for control.
Draw-biased clubheads are out there if you’re always fighting a slice. Trying clubs at a fitting center is smart.
Matching your gear to your swing just makes things easier. Confidence goes up, and you can focus on the swing—not fighting your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hitting a draw means nailing the swing path, tweaking your grip, and lining up your body right. The little stuff—clubface angle, swing direction, club choice—makes a surprising difference.
What are the key steps to hitting a draw shot with irons?
Start by aiming yourself just a touch right of your intended target. Your feet and shoulders should line up with this new path.
The clubface? Point it slightly left of where you’re aimed, but still a bit right of the target itself. That’s the subtle trick.
You want your swing to come from inside the target line and move outward, so after impact, the club is heading toward the target. Sometimes, putting the ball a little farther back in your stance makes this easier.
Can you explain the proper grip technique for a draw shot in golf?
A stronger grip can really help close the clubface as you swing through. Try rotating both hands a bit more to the right if you’re a right-handed golfer.
This usually keeps the clubface closed relative to your swing path, which is exactly what you want for a draw.
What is the difference between hitting a draw and fade, and how do you execute them with a driver?
A draw curves the ball from right to left for a righty. A fade is the opposite—it moves left to right.
To hit a draw, swing from inside to out, keeping the clubface closed compared to your swing path but still open to the target. For a fade, swing outside-to-in and let the clubface stay slightly open.
What adjustments should be made to one’s stance and alignment when attempting to hit a draw?
Align your feet, hips, and shoulders to the right of where you actually want the ball to end up. The clubface, though, should point closer to your real target, not as far right as your body.
Shifting the ball a bit farther back in your stance helps promote that inside-out swing path you need.
Why might a golfer struggle to hit a draw, and how can they correct this?
A lot of folks struggle with a draw because their clubface is too open or their swing path cuts across the ball. Double-check your grip, and focus on swinging from the inside out.
Practicing with alignment sticks is a great way to see and feel the right path and clubface position. Honestly, it takes some tinkering, but it’s doable.
How does club selection impact the ability to hit a draw in golf?
Irons and fairway woods are usually easier to draw than drivers. Their shorter length and higher loft make shaping the ball a bit more manageable.
Lower lofted clubs, like drivers, can make things tricky—especially if you’re just starting out. It’s not impossible, but it does take a lot more finesse.
Honestly, it’s smart to practice with a mid-iron first. That way, you can build some control and a bit of confidence before jumping to the tougher clubs.