Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, learning how to hit a draw can help you improve your game and lower your scores.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to hitting a draw and offer tips and tricks to help you perfect your technique. So, grab your clubs and get ready to take your game to the next level!

What is a draw shot?

A draw shot in golf is a type of shot where the ball starts off to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer) and then curves back towards the target, ending up close to or on the target.

The draw shot is created by imparting a clockwise spin on the ball, which makes it curve from right to left in the air.

A draw shot is considered to be a controlled shot, as it allows the golfer to shape the shot and avoid obstacles on the course.

What’s the importance of hitting a draw shot?

• Increased control and accuracy: The draw shot gives the golfer greater control and accuracy on the fairway. By shaping the shot, the golfer can avoid obstacles and aim for specific targets, such as a tucked pin or a narrow fairway.
• Improved ball flight: A draw shot can also improve the golfer’s ball flight by reducing the amount of slice or fade on their shots. A slice or fade can cause the ball to veer off course and land in undesirable areas, whereas a draw shot will stay on a more predictable path.
• More distance: A well-executed draw shot can also add distance to the golfer’s shots. The clockwise spin imparted on the ball creates lift, which can help the ball travel farther through the air.

What’s the between a Draw and a Fade?

A draw shot is a type of shot where the ball starts off to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer) and then curves back towards the target, ending up close to or on the target.

On the other hand, a fade shot is a type of shot where the ball starts off to the left of the target (for a right-handed golfer) and then curves back towards the target, ending up close to or on the target.

The key difference between a draw and a fade is the direction in which the ball curves, with a draw curving from right to left and a fade curving from left to right.

How’s the ball flight affected during a draw shot?

A draw shot is created by imparting a clockwise spin on the ball, which makes it curve from right to left in the air.

The ball flight is affected by the spin, with the ball staying on a more predictable path and avoiding obstacles on the course.

The ball will also have a higher trajectory, which can add distance to the shot.

What are the most common mistakes when hitting a draw?

Overactive hands during the swing:

One of the most common mistakes golfers make when hitting a draw shot is having overactive hands during the swing.

This occurs when the hands lead the clubhead too much, causing the club to get “stuck” behind the golfer’s body and resulting in a blocked or sliced shot.

To avoid this, golfers should focus on keeping their hands passive and letting the body do the work during the swing.

Improper grip or stance:

Another common mistake is having an improper grip or stance. An incorrect grip can cause golfers to lose control of the club, leading to inaccurate shots.

The proper grip for hitting a draw shot involves placing the hands in a weaker position on the club, with the right hand rotated clockwise and the left hand rotated counter-clockwise.

A proper stance should also be maintained, with the feet slightly open and the weight balanced evenly between both feet.

Poor swing mechanics:

Poor swing mechanics can also contribute to hitting a poor draw shot. Golfers should focus on making a smooth, controlled swing, with the clubhead moving in a high-to-low arc and the hands rotating properly.

A common mistake is to over-manipulate the club during the swing, leading to inconsistent ball flight and inaccurate shots.

By focusing on proper swing mechanics, golfers can improve the accuracy and consistency of their draw shots.

How grip and stance affect playing a draw shot

Proper grip for hitting a draw

A proper grip is crucial in creating a draw shot. The right-handed golfer should hold the club with the left hand in a neutral position and the right hand positioned slightly more on top of the handle.

This will help promote a clockwise spin on the ball, which is necessary for creating a draw shot.

To maintain the proper grip, make sure to keep the clubface square to the target and keep your hands relaxed.

Importance of hand placement in the grip

Hand placement is a crucial factor in creating a draw shot. Proper hand placement on the club can help ensure that the clubface is square to the target and promote a clockwise spin on the ball.

The right-handed golfer should place their right hand slightly more on top of the handle to create the necessary spin, while keeping the left hand in a neutral position.

Proper stance for hitting a draw shot

A proper stance is also important in hitting a draw shot.

The golfer should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, with the ball positioned just inside their left heel (for a right-handed golfer).

This will help create the proper body alignment, which is necessary for hitting a draw shot.

The golfer should also make sure to keep their weight evenly balanced throughout the shot and maintain a smooth, rhythmic swing.

Swing mechanics when hitting a draw

Body positioning during the swing:

Body positioning is an important aspect of hitting a draw shot in golf.

The golfer should aim to keep their upper body aligned with the target and maintain a balanced stance throughout the swing.

During the backswing, the golfer should keep their weight evenly balanced and avoid any sudden movements.

On the downswing, the golfer should pivot their hips and transfer their weight towards the target, keeping their arms and club in a relaxed position.

How to create a high to low swing path:

A high to low swing path is necessary for hitting a draw shot.

The golfer should aim to make a sweeping, circular motion with the club, keeping the clubhead low to the ground on the downswing.

This helps to create the necessary spin on the ball for a draw shot.

The golfer should also avoid any sudden changes in tempo or speed during the swing, as this can negatively impact the shot.

Proper timing and release of the club:

Proper timing and release of the club are also important for hitting a successful draw shot.

The golfer should aim to release the clubhead in the downswing, keeping their arms and club in a relaxed position.

The timing of the release should be in sync with the rest of the swing, creating a smooth, flowing motion.

The golfer should also avoid any sudden changes in tempo or speed during the release, as this can negatively impact the shot.

Practice drills to help

Simple drills to improve draw shot accuracy:

There are several simple drills that golfers can use to improve the accuracy of their draw shots.

One such drill is the “pole drill”. This drill involves placing a pole or club parallel to the target line and hitting shots while keeping the clubhead inside the pole.

Another effective drill is the “tee drill”.

This drill involves hitting shots with a tee placed inside the ball, forcing the golfer to make a sweeping, high-to-low swing.

These drills help golfers to focus on creating a high-to-low swing path, which is crucial for hitting a draw shot.

On-course practice tips:

In addition to practising on the range, golfers can also improve their draw shots by incorporating these techniques into their on-course play.

One effective tip is to focus on hitting draws on holes that are suited to this shot shape.

This helps golfers to build confidence and develop consistent technique.

Golfers can also focus on their body positioning, grip, and swing path while playing, making small adjustments as needed.

Importance of repetition and consistent practice:

As with any new technique, hitting a draw shot accurately takes time and repetition.

It is important for golfers to be patient and persistent in their practice.

Consistent, repetitive practice will help to build muscle memory, allowing golfers to execute the shot more instinctively on the course.

Regular practice also helps golfers to refine their technique and identify areas for improvement.

By incorporating these tips and techniques into their practice routine, golfers can improve their draw shots and hit more precise, accurate shots on the course.