For many amateur golfers, the ability to hit a consistent draw shot can feel like a secret only professionals know. A draw the right-to-left shot shape for right-handed golfers adds distance, improves control, and often leads to better scoring opportunities. If you’ve been struggling with slicing the ball or simply want to add a new dimension to your golf game, this guide is for you.
In this article, we’ll break down how to hit a draw in golf with a simple, repeatable process. We’ll also cover essential draw shot techniques, provide golf draw swing tips, and explain how to master hitting a right-to-left shot every time.
What Is a Draw in Golf?
A draw is a golf shot that starts to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer) and gently curves back to the left. For left-handed players, it starts left and curves right. A properly executed draw not only adds distance due to reduced spin but also provides better control in windy conditions and helps navigate tight fairways.
Many top players favor the draw because it typically rolls out farther than a fade and can be more consistent when executed correctly.
Benefits of Hitting a Draw
Before diving into the technique, it’s important to understand why learning how to hit a draw in golf is worth the effort.
1. More Distance
Draws generally have less backspin, meaning the ball travels farther through the air and rolls out more upon landing.
2. Improved Accuracy
A draw gives you better control over your ball flight, allowing you to work the ball around hazards and doglegs.
3. Wind Resistance
Draws tend to perform better in windy conditions because of their penetrating trajectory.
Step-by-Step: How to Hit a Draw in Golf
To master the golf draw swing, follow these six steps:
Step 1: Proper Setup and Alignment
Alignment is critical when hitting a draw. Your body should aim slightly right of the target while the clubface points at or slightly left of the body line but still right of the target.
- Feet, hips, and shoulders: Aligned slightly to the right of your target line.
- Clubface: Aimed slightly right of the target, but not as far right as your body line.
- This creates an inside-out swing path with a slightly closed clubface at impact, which is essential for the draw shape.
Golf draw swing tip: Use alignment sticks or place clubs on the ground during practice to ensure proper body and clubface alignment.
Step 2: Grip Adjustments (if needed)
A stronger grip can promote the clubface closing through impact, helping to create the draw spin.
- Rotate your hands slightly to the right on the grip (for right-handed players).
- You should see 2.5 to 3 knuckles on your lead (left) hand when looking down.
Draw shot technique tip: Don’t overdo the grip strength. Small adjustments are more effective and consistent.
Step 3: Ball Position
Position the ball slightly back in your stance compared to your regular straight shot. This helps you hit the ball while the club is still moving from inside to out, promoting the desired right-to-left curve.
- For irons, move the ball about one ball width back.
- For drivers, just inside the front heel is ideal, but experiment slightly to find your sweet spot.
Step 4: Swing Path: Inside to Outside
This is the heart of the draw shot. You want your club to travel on an inside-to-outside path relative to your target line.
- Start the club on the inside during the backswing.
- Focus on swinging out to the right through impact.
This promotes right-to-left spin when paired with the right clubface position.
Hitting a right-to-left shot is all about path and face. A clubface slightly closed to the path but open to the target line will create a proper draw.
Step 5: Clubface Position at Impact
The clubface should be slightly closed relative to the swing path but still open (or square) to the target line. This combination creates the side spin that draws the ball.
- If the face is too closed: you’ll hook it.
- If the face is too open: you’ll push or slice it.
Use a launch monitor during practice to dial in your clubface angles if possible.
Step 6: Commit to the Shot
Many golfers mess up a draw because they decelerate or manipulate the club through impact. A draw requires full commitment to the swing path and release.
- Release the hands naturally.
- Trust the setup and let it go.
Golf draw swing tip: Visualize the shot before swinging. Picture the ball starting right and gently curving back.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Hit a Draw
Even with proper guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid:
❌ Overdoing the Grip
A grip that’s too strong can lead to hooks instead of draws. Adjust gradually and monitor your results.
❌ Improper Alignment
If your shoulders or clubface are misaligned, the ball may start off-line or curve the wrong way.
❌ Not Swinging Inside-Out
If your swing path is outside-in (the path of a slice), you won’t produce a draw no matter how your clubface is set up.
❌ Trying to “Flip” the Hands
The draw comes from proper path and face—not forcing a hand action. Let the swing flow naturally.
Practice Drills to Master the Draw Shot
Here are some draw shot technique drills you can use on the range:
1. Gate Drill
- Set two tees a few inches apart just outside the target line.
- Practice swinging the club through this “gate” on an inside-out path.
- Helps ingrain the correct draw swing motion.
2. Alignment Stick Drill
- Lay one stick down pointing slightly right of your target.
- Lay a second stick along your foot line, parallel to the first.
- Aim your body and swing path along the sticks.
- Keep the clubface slightly left of the sticks at address.
3. One-Handed Swings
- Take slow, one-handed (right hand for righties) swings focusing on swinging from the inside.
- Helps improve clubface awareness and control.
When to Use a Draw on the Course
Understanding how to hit a draw in golf is valuable, but knowing when to use it is just as important.
Use a draw when:
- You’re playing into a right-to-left dogleg.
- The pin is tucked on the left side of the green.
- You need extra distance off the tee.
- Wind is coming from left to right and you want to counteract it.
Being strategic with shot shape selection makes you a smarter, more effective golfer.
Watch this Tutorial to understand better
Popular FAQs:
1. What is the easiest way to hit a draw in golf?
The easiest way is to align your body slightly to the right of the target while keeping the clubface aimed just right of the target (but left of your body line). Then swing along your body line (inside-out). A slightly stronger grip and proper ball position can help promote the desired right-to-left shot shape.
2. Why can’t I hit a draw even with a strong grip?
A strong grip alone isn’t enough to hit a draw. If your swing path is still outside-in, you’ll produce a fade or slice. To hit a draw, you need a proper inside-to-out swing path along with a clubface that is slightly closed to the path at impact.
3. What’s the difference between a draw and a hook in golf?
A draw is a controlled right-to-left shot that finishes near the target, while a hook is an exaggerated version that curves too much and often misses the target badly to the left (for right-handed players). Hooks are usually caused by a swing path that’s too far inside-out or a clubface that is too closed.
4. How do I fix my slice and hit a draw instead?
To fix a slice and hit a draw, you need to:
- Correct your swing path from outside-in to inside-out.
- Strengthen your grip slightly.
- Align your body to the right of the target.
- Ensure the clubface is closed to your path but not too closed to the target.
5. Is a draw better than a fade in golf?
Not necessarily — both are useful. A draw generally goes farther and has a lower, more penetrating trajectory. A fade offers more control and stops quicker on the greens. The best shot depends on your game style and the course conditions.
6. Should beginners learn how to hit a draw first?
Beginners should focus on hitting straight and consistent shots first, but learning to hit a draw can be very beneficial early on. It teaches body control, swing path awareness, and provides a solid foundation for shot shaping later.
Final Thoughts:
Learning how to hit a draw in golf can elevate your entire game. With the right setup, swing path, and mindset, you’ll start seeing that beautiful right-to-left ball flight consistently.
To recap:
- Set up slightly right with a square (but slightly closed to path) clubface.
- Swing inside-out and let the natural release happen.
- Practice purposefully and use the right drills.
Whether you’re seeking to add more control, distance, or versatility to your game, mastering the golf draw swing will get you there.
