You must have heard the term ‘draw shot’ thrown around the course in golf. It was a head-scratcher for me too. But now, that I know a thing or two about golf, I have to tell you that this is the shot every golfer must learn.
So, What is a draw shot in golf, and how you can?
In simple terms, a draw shot is a golf shot that curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers, and vice versa for lefties). It’s the opposite of a fade shot, which curves from left to right.
Although not an easy technique to master, the draw shot is highly sought after by golfers. In fact, it’s often regarded as one of the more challenging shots in golf. Why? Well, it requires a balance of mechanics and control. Achieving the perfect draw shot involves a combination of factors such as clubface alignment, grip pressure, and body rotation.
In this guide, I will get into every aspect of the draw shot, step by step, to help you master it. We will discuss its meaning in depth, why it is so desirable among golfers, what common mistakes they make in learning it, and how you can make it like a pro. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of the draw shot and be well on your way to executing it.
What is a Draw Shot in Golf?
To be clearer, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of draw shot in golf. A draw shot is a golf shot that starts out heading straight but then curves from right to left (or left to right if you’re a leftie).
Once you master the draw shot, you gain the power to control the trajectory of your ball. Instead of a straightforward shot that might wander off-course, the draw shot allows you to intentionally curve the ball, navigating obstacles. It’s like having a secret weapon in your golfing arsenal.
Why do Golfers want to hit a Draw?
Well, the good news is, despite its complexity, the draw shot is absolutely attainable with the right knowledge, practice, and a bit of patience. Many golfers strive for the draw shot because it not only looks impressive but also offers numerous benefits on the course.
When you’re facing a dogleg hole, the one where the fairway bends sharply to the left or right. If you know how to make a draw shot, you can strategically shape your shot to hug that corner, avoiding trouble and getting a better approach to the green. It’s like taking the best possible route on the course, avoiding the hazards, and saving strokes along the way.
We’ve all faced those moments where obstacles stand between us and the target. This is where the draw shot is truly helpful. Let’s say there’s a tree or a bunker blocking your direct line to the target. With a draw shot, you have the ability to curve the ball around the obstacle, skillfully landing it close to your target.
Even if you’re dealing with a strong wind blowing against you. By executing a well-controlled draw shot, your ball will have a lower flight trajectory so you can counteract that wind and make your ball fly farther.
The Common mistakes Golfers do
As crucial as it is, making a draw shot can be tricky. Even the best golfers make mistakes when attempting to hit this coveted shot. But fear not, for I’m here to shed some light on the common mistakes that golfers often make and how we can set you on the right path.
- One of the most common mistakes golfers make when trying to hit a draw is overcompensating. They often swing too hard or try to manipulate the clubface excessively, resulting in a loss of control. Remember, a draw shot is all about precision. So, instead of trying to force the shot, focus on smooth, controlled swings and proper technique.
- Many golfers tend to align their body and clubface too far to the left, thinking it will promote a draw. However, this often leads to pulls or hooks rather than a controlled draw.
- Golfers often make the mistake of swinging too much from the outside-in, resulting in a slice or a straight shot. To hit a draw, you need to swing from the inside out, allowing the club to approach the ball on a slightly shallower angle.
- Golfers sometimes grip the club too tightly, leading to tension in the hands and wrists, which restricts the club’s movement during the swing. This tension can hinder your ability to release the club properly and generate the draw.
Fundamentals of hitting the Draw like a Pro
After understanding what is a draw shot in golf and how important it is, the next question that arises is, how to hit a draw in golf?
Hitting a draw requires a few fundamental elements to come together. So, let’s dive into the key elements that will help you hit a draw like a pro but before reading that, I would recommend watching this video guide by Eric Chong about hitting the Fade and Draw so that you’ll have the clear picture and imagination when reading this guide further.
– Path and Clubface Relationship
To achieve a draw shot, your clubface should be slightly closed to your path. Ideally, aim for a 1-2 degree open face to the target line and a path that is 3-4 degrees open to the target line. This setup will result in a shot that starts slightly right and curves back toward the target.
– Inside-Out Swing Path
To hit a draw, you want your swing path to be inside-out. This means that the club should approach the ball from behind you and swing towards the target, rather than outside-in. An inside-out swing path helps promote the desired draw shape.
– Strong Grip
A strong grip can greatly assist in hitting a draw. This means that your hands are rotated more to the right on the grip (for right-handed golfers) than with a neutral grip. The strong grip helps you close the clubface naturally, setting the stage for a draw shot.
– Slightly Closed Stance
When setting up for a draw shot, consider adopting a slightly closed stance. This means your feet, hips, and shoulders are aimed slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers). The closed stance helps encourage an inside-out swing path, further enhancing your chances of hitting a draw.
– Arms Dropping and Upper Body Position
In the downswing, allow your arms to drop naturally, keeping your upper body back. This helps promote an inside-out swing path and a proper release of the club through impact. Maintaining a balanced upper body position will ensure a more controlled and consistent draw shot.
Why is a draw better than a straight shot?
Now, you may wonder, why is it better to hit a draw rather than a straight shot? Well, the answer is simple. Firstly, a well-executed draw shot can provide additional distance and roll, enabling you to cover longer distances on the course. Secondly, the draw shot allows for shot shaping, giving you the ability to intentionally curve the ball and overcome obstacles.
Additionally, the draw shot offers better resistance against crosswinds, helping you maintain control in challenging wind conditions. Lastly, the draw shot enables course management, allowing you to take advantage of dogleg holes and narrow fairways by shaping your shots around corners. Overall, the draw shot provides golfers with added versatility and scoring opportunities on the golf course.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the draw shot in golf is a skill that can take your game to new heights.
By understanding the fundamentals, you can begin your journey toward mastering the draw shot. It’s important to practice these techniques, focusing on control and consistency. You may also use simulators for unhindered training and faster learning.
Remember, hitting a draw shot takes time and patience. It’s a skill that requires practice and discipline. However, the rewards are worth it. With a draw shot in your bag, you’ll have greater control over your shots, overcome obstacles with ease, and enjoy the added accuracy that come with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What does it mean to draw a shot in golf?
A) To “draw” a shot in golf means to intentionally hit the ball in a way that causes it to curve gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers) or from left to right (for left-handed golfers). It requires a combination of factors, including the clubface being slightly closed to the swing path at impact, an inside-out swing path, and proper body alignment.
Q) How do you hit a draw shot in golf?
A) To hit a draw shot in golf:
- Use a slightly strong grip.
- Align your body slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers).
- Position the clubface slightly closed at the address.
- Swing with an inside-out swing path.
- Allow your body to rotate naturally through the shot.
- Focus on a slightly later release of the clubhead.
Q) Why is a draw so hard to hit?
A) Hitting a draw shot in golf is challenging due to the need for precise clubface control, an inside-out swing path, proper body alignment, timing and coordination, the risk of overcompensation, and the requirement for practice and experience to develop the necessary skills. Mastering the draw shot takes time and dedication, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
Q) Do you close the clubface to hit a draw?
A) To hit a draw shot, you don’t necessarily close the clubface at the address. Instead, the clubface should be square or slightly open to the target line. The draw is created by having an inside-out swing path and a clubface that is slightly closed relative to the swing path at impact.
Q) Is a slice a draw or fade?
A) A fade shot moves from left to right for right-handed golfers (and right to left for left-handed golfers), while a draw shot moves from right to left for right-handed golfers (and left to right for left-handed golfers). When a fade shot spins excessively and results in a significant curve, it is often referred to as a slice. Similarly, when a draw shot turns excessively and produces a significant curve, it is commonly called a hook.
