The Complete Guide to Hitting a Draw
Golf is a game that requires a lot of skill and practice, and being able to hit different types of shots can make all the difference on the course. One shot that many golfers strive to master is the draw. A draw shot is a type of shot that starts out to the right of the target before curving left and landing in the desired spot. It can be a powerful weapon in your golf game, allowing you to hit the ball farther and with more accuracy. In this article, we'll go over the steps to hitting a draw in golf so that you can add this shot to your repertoire and take your game to the next level.
1. Align Your Body & Stance
The first step to hitting a draw shot in golf is to align your body correctly. For right-handed golfers, this means aiming your feet, hips, and shoulders to the right of the target. The reason for this alignment is to create a path for the club that is traveling from inside the target line to outside it at impact. By aligning your body to the right of the target, you are effectively setting up to swing along the inside path, which is necessary to generate the right-to-left spin that produces a draw.
It's important to note that your alignment will affect the shape of your shot, so be sure to set up correctly before you start your swing. Aiming too far to the right or left can cause the ball to go in the wrong direction. With consistent practice and proper alignment, you'll be on your way to hitting beautiful, controlled draw shots that can add more distance and accuracy to your game.
2. Close Your Club Face
The second step to hitting a draw shot in golf is to close the club face at address. Closing the club face means rotating the face of the club towards your target, so it's slightly pointing to the left of your target at address. This will help promote the right-to-left spin on the ball and make it easier to hit a draw.
To close the club face, simply rotate your hands to the right on the grip of the club, so the club face is pointing towards your target. It's important to note that closing the club face too much can cause the ball to hook or overdraw, so be sure to experiment with the amount of closure that works best for you.
3. Swing from the Inside
The third step to hitting a draw shot in golf is to swing from the inside. To do this, you need to focus on keeping your swing path inside the target line. This is important because swinging from the inside produces the right-to-left spin on the ball that creates a draw. A common mistake that many golfers make is swinging outside the target line, which produces a slice or a fade.
To swing from the inside, try visualizing a path that starts from inside the ball and goes out to the right. This will help you bring the club down on an inside path and strike the ball with a slightly closed club face. You should also aim to have a slightly out-to-in swing path at impact, which will promote the right-to-left spin.
4. Release the Club
The fourth step to hitting a draw shot in golf is to release the club at the right time during the downswing. Releasing the club means allowing the hands and wrists to rotate through the impact zone, which promotes the right-to-left spin necessary to produce a draw. This is important because if you hold onto the club too tightly, you'll create a straight or fade ball flight instead.
To release the club correctly, you need to let your right elbow fold and bring your hands and club head towards your left shoulder. As you make contact with the ball, allow your hands and wrists to rotate through the impact zone, so the club face closes slightly and the ball starts to curve to the left. Be sure to avoid flipping your wrists, as this can cause the ball to hook or overdraw. Instead, focus on a smooth and natural release of the club.
5. Follow Through
The final step to hitting a draw shot in golf is to follow through properly. A good follow-through is important for any golf shot, but it's especially critical for hitting a draw. Following through helps you maintain your swing path and release the club properly, which promotes the right-to-left spin necessary for a draw shot.
To follow through correctly, make sure you swing all the way through the ball and into your finish position. You should aim to finish with your hips and chest facing the target and your weight balanced on your front foot. You also want to maintain a smooth and relaxed motion throughout the swing and avoid any sudden stops or jerky movements. A good follow-through not only helps you hit a better draw shot, but it also helps prevent injury and maintain good swing mechanics.