The draw is a shot that curves from right to left (right handed golfers). The technical term is: when the ball starts right of target and finishes on target.
As a PGA professional, and have helped many people turn their slices into draws. Now it may come easier to some than others, but the bottom line is it will take loads of practice.
With the right guidance you will get there in no time. To break it down simply, your club face needs to be closed to your swing path at impact. Your swing path needs to be in to out, and your clubface actually needs to be open to the target – but we will dive into that detail a little later on.
Here are the topics we are going to cover in this guide.
- The Fundamentals of the Draw Shot
- Mastering the Draw Technique (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Conclusion
Let’s jump into it.
The Fundamentals of the Draw Shot
Grip, Stance, and Alignment
- Grip: I recommend using a slightly strong grip when trying to hit a draw, this will help with presenting the clubface slightly closed to your path at impact. I dive into some more detail in this article.
- Stance: Your feet should be shoulder width apart, this will allow you to rotate correctly, and give you the best chance at being on the right plane and swinging with an in to out swing path.
- Alignment: Align yourself slightly right of your target. This will help you swing on an in to out swing path, promoting your club face to be slightly closed at impact.
Analyzing Swing Path and Clubface Angle
- Swing Path: Aim for an inside-out swing path, which means the clubhead should approach the ball from the inside of the target line. This path encourages the ball to start right and curve left (for right-handed golfers).
- Clubface Angle: Maintain a clubface that is slightly closed to the swing path. This clubface position generates the desired side spin on the ball, promoting the draw shot.
The Role of Body Rotation and Weight Transfer
- Body Rotation: Initiate your swing by rotating your body smoothly and actively through the hitting zone. This rotation helps promote an inside-out swing path and encourages the clubface to close slightly.
- Weight Transfer: Shift your weight onto your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers) during the downswing. This transfer of weight helps create a powerful and controlled release, essential for generating draw spin on the ball.
Mastering the Draw Technique (Step-by-Step Guide)
Adjusting Grip and Hand Position
Step 1: Start with a slightly strong grip. Place the club in your left hand (right hand for left-handed golfers) with the grip running diagonally across your palm.
Step 2: Wrap your fingers around the grip, ensuring a secure but relaxed hold.
Step 3: Align the “V” shape formed by your thumb and index finger with your right shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed golfers). This position promotes a square to slightly closed clubface at impact.
Step 4: Place your right hand (left hand for left-handed golfers) on the club, interlocking or overlapping the pinky finger with the index finger of your left hand. The grip should feel comfortable and natural.
Step 5: Check the position of your hands. The club’s grip should run across the base of your fingers, not too much in the palm or too close to the fingertips.
Step 6: Ensure both hands work together as a unit, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the swing.
Proper Setup and Alignment for a Draw Shot
Step 1: Position your feet slightly closed to the target line. For right-handed golfers, this means aligning your feet slightly to the right of the target (left for left-handed golfers). This closed stance encourages an inside-out swing path.
Step 2: Align your hips and shoulders parallel to the target line. This ensures that your body is aiming in the intended direction.
Step 3: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your left heel (right heel for left-handed golfers) with a driver, between the middle of your stance and your left heel for mid irons, and have your short irons just slightly forward of the middle of your stance. This ball position promotes an inside-out swing path and encourages a draw.
Step 4: Check your clubface alignment. The clubface should be slightly square or slightly closed to the target line.
Step 5: Visualize the intended shot shape and target line. Develop a clear mental picture of the ball starting right of the target and curving back towards it.
Step 6: Ensure your bodyweight is evenly distributed between both feet, promoting stability and control throughout the swing.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Addressing Slicing Tendencies
Check Your Grip: A weak grip, where your hands are rotated too much towards the target, can promote a slice.
I like to tell my clients to check the strap on their glove once they have gripped the club, if you cannot see the strap your hands have rotated too much, make sure you can see the logo on the strap when gripping the glove.
This will give you a strong grip, helping you draw the ball easier. I have provided advice on how to correctly grip your club in this article.
Assess Your Swing Path: A swing path that is too much outside-in (swinging across the target line) can result in a slice.
Focus on swinging from the inside to out, allowing the clubhead to approach the ball on a more inward path.
My favorite drill for this is the bottle drill, check out how to set it up in this article.
Aiming Too Far Left (right for left handers): The tendency for hitting the ball to the right is to aim more left. However this is compounding an issue with another issue.
When aiming further left (right for lefties) your body subconsciously tries to hit the ball further right (left for lefties), and therefore this creates a bigger slice.
While using the correct grip and swing path, force yourself to aim straighter, this will naturally reduce the slice shape on your ball.
Avoiding Overcompensation
Small Adjustments: Make small changes to your grip, swing path, and clubface angle. Avoid making drastic changes all at once, as it can lead to inconsistent results.
Practice and Repetition: Spend time on the driving range, practicing the adjustments you’ve made. It takes time to develop muscle memory and a consistent swing pattern, so be patient and persistent in your practice.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During the Swing
Loss of Balance: If you find yourself losing balance during the swing, check your weight distribution. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed and centered between both feet throughout the swing.
Inconsistent Contact: Inconsistent contact with the ball can lead to unpredictable shot shapes. Focus on maintaining a smooth and rhythmic swing tempo, allowing for clean contact with the ball.
I have a great drill in this article to help you with striking your irons consistently – check it out
Falling Back: Hitting the ball on your back foot will cause major issues in your swing. When falling back your swing path will be forced to go out to in. This is the main cause for a slice.
When striking the ball, feel like your weight is going onto your left foot (right for left handers). This will help your path come from in to out, promoting a draw shape.
A great drill for this is the stepping drill:
- Address the ball like you normally would
- Place your left foot (right for left handers) next to your right foot
- Take your backswing with your feet together
- As you start your downswing step with your left foot (right for left handers) towards the target
- And finish your follow through
Start doing this without the ball at first to get used to the movement. This drill will ensure your weight is moving forward on the downswing, and prevent you from falling back through impact.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, mastering the draw shot in golf requires attention to the fundamental aspects we discussed. By focusing on your grip, stance, and alignment, you can establish a solid foundation for executing the draw shot.
Analyzing swing path and clubface angle allows you to create the draw shape. Additionally, incorporating proper body rotation and weight transfer during your swing adds power and control to your draw shots.
By practicing and refining these techniques, you can harness the benefits of the draw shot in your game. You’ll gain greater control over your shots, enabling you to navigate obstacles strategically and find success on challenging courses.
The draw shot also offers the advantage of increased distance, providing you with the power to attack the course confidently.
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