How To Hit A Draw In Golf: Tips, Techniques, and Common Mistakes
Golfers of all levels are constantly working to improve their game. One shot that many players strive to perfect is the draw shot. A draw shot is a ball flight that curves gently to the left for a right-handed golfer, or to the right for a left-handed golfer. A well-executed draw shot can add distance to your drives and put you in a better position to attack the green. However, hitting a draw can be a challenging technique to master. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide, tips, common mistakes, and different techniques to help you hit a draw in golf.
Step-by-Step Guide
The Grip
The first step in hitting a draw is to have the correct grip on the club. The proper grip for a draw shot is called a strong grip.
- Position your hands on the club so that your thumbs are slightly to the right of center (for a right-handed player).
- Rotate your hands so that you can see at least three knuckles on your left hand when you look down at the club.
- Your right hand should be wrapped around the club with your thumb pointing to the right of the shaft.
A strong grip will help promote a draw by allowing your wrists to release more easily during the swing. Be sure not to grip the club too tightly or your wrists won’t be able to rotate naturally, which can lead to tension and inconsistent shots.
The Stance
The proper stance is crucial for hitting a draw. You want to aim slightly to the right of your target to allow for the draw to curve back towards your target.
- Align your clubface to your target.
- Place your feet slightly closed to your target line. This means your back foot (right foot for right-handed golfers) should be closer to the target line than your front foot.
- Aim your body slightly to the right of your target.
Be sure to not overdo the closed stance, as this can lead to your ball starting too far to the right.
The Swing
Once you have your grip and stance set up, you’re ready to take your swing. The key to a draw shot is to swing the club on an inside-to-out path.
- Begin your swing by taking the club back on a slightly steeper plane than your normal swing.
- As you start your downswing, shift your weight to your left foot (right foot for left-handed golfers).
- Rotate your hips and shoulders through the ball, allowing your arms to naturally follow your body.
- As you come through the ball, the clubface should be slightly closed to the swing path, promoting the ball to curve from left to right.
It’s important not to overdo the inside-to-out swing path, or you’ll risk hitting a snap-hook. A good drill to help you practice this swing is to place a tee 6 inches outside of your ball on the tee box and try to hit the ball over the tee. This will force you to swing on an inside-to-out path.
The Follow-Through
The follow-through is essential for hitting a draw. Once you’ve made contact with the ball, continue your swing by rotating your body towards your target.
- Allow your weight to transfer to your left foot (right foot for left-handed golfers), with your right foot coming up on its toes.
- Keep your head down and focus on making a full and complete finish to your swing.
- When done properly, your right arm will be folded across your chest and you’ll be nicely balanced on your left foot.
Tips For Perfecting The Draw Shot
Here are some tips to help you improve your draw shot:
- Take your time to get your grip, stance, and swing just right.
- Begin with shorter swings and gradually work your way up to full swings.
- Practice your draw shot at the range as often as possible.
- Focus on hitting your draw on the course when the situation calls for it.
- Stay relaxed and avoid tension in your swing.
Using Visuals
Using visuals can be a great way to help you better understand the correct form and technique for hitting a draw. Below are some diagrams and pictures to supplement the step-by-step guide:
Insert visual aids here
Sharing Personal Experience and Tips
As someone who has spent countless hours on the course and at the range working on my draw shot, I’ve learned a few things along the way that I’d like to share with you. First, be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away. Developing a consistent draw shot takes time and practice. Second, try to avoid “manufacturing” a draw by manipulating your clubface or swing path. Instead, focus on making smooth, natural swings and let the draw happen naturally. Finally, experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you. Everyone has a slightly different swing, so what works for one person might not work for another.
Highlighting Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes that golfers make while trying to hit a draw:
- Overthinking the swing and getting too technical.
- Failing to transfer their weight properly during the swing.
- Swinging too hard and losing control.
- Trying to hit a draw in situations where it’s not necessary.
- Overdoing the closed stance or inside-to-out swing path.
Be sure to avoid these mistakes to improve your draw shot.
Comparing Different Techniques
There are different techniques used for hitting a draw, including:
- The square-to-square method, which involves keeping the clubface square throughout the swing.
- The moving ball position method, which involves adjusting your ball position based on the club you’re using.
- The stronger grip method, which we discussed earlier in this article.
All of these techniques can be effective for hitting a draw, depending on your swing and personal preferences. Experiment with each one to find the one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Hitting a draw in golf can be challenging, but with practice and perseverance, it’s a shot that can become a valuable tool in your arsenal. Remember to focus on your grip, stance, swing, and follow-through, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques.
