Hitting a Draw Explained

If you’ve always dreamed of hitting a draw shot, chances are you’re overcomplicating what it takes to make it happen. The easiest way to hit a draw is by making simple adjustments to your setup and stance to promote the correct swing path and clubface angle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of hitting a draw, address common mistakes and share a few training aids to make learning this shot even easier.

What is a draw shot?

A draw is a controlled shot that curves from right to left (for right-handed players). For a left-handed golfer, the draw is a controlled left-to-right shot. The difference between the draw and the hook is the control. The draw is intentional and it’s a minimal turn. A hook is a larger turn and less controlled. 

Step-by-step guide to hitting a draw

There are two key components to hitting a draw: clubface position and swing path. However, certain adjustments you can make in your setup will allow you to hit a draw with ease and consistency. 

Clubface position 

To hit a draw, set up with the clubface aimed where you want the ball to start. For a right-handed golfer, this will be slightly right of the target so it has room to draw back towards the hole. 

Body alignment 

Align your feet, knees, hips and shoulders slightly further right than the clubface. The clubface and body line are not the same. The clubface has to be more left than the body line. 

Swing path 

Your swing path is your body line. Swing the club along the body line so it feels as though it goes out to the right (for right-handed golfers). 

Keep swing mechanics natural 

With the clubface and body alignment set up this way, you can take your regular golf swing. Don’t try to shut the face or pull the club to the left to create a draw. Focus instead on the fact that the clubface is slightly closed to the path and that’s enough to create a draw ball flight. 

Adjust the curve 

The greater the difference between your face angle and swing path, the more curve you’ll see in your shots. Experiment with this to adjust the amount of turn in your draw shots. When practicing, use two alignment sticks. One is used to represent your swing path and the other for your clubface direction.

Face-to-Path Difference	Amount of Curve	Shot Example
Small	Subtle draw	Controlled approach shots
Medium	Moderate draw	Ideal for doglegs
Large	Big draw	Escape shots or shots around tree curves

Common mistakes

If you are trying to hit a draw but struggling to get the ball to turn over, there are a few common issues that could be causing it. 

Clubface too closed 

If you notice shots moving too far left, you may have the clubface closed at setup. The goal was to have the clubface just slightly right of the target which is then closed to the path but not to the target. 

Swing path is too far right 

If your swing path is too far right, you may push the shot. As with any adjustments you make in golf, you need to make subtle changes. Remember, when setting up, you’ll be slightly right with the clubface and slightly more right with the feet line—nothing extreme. 

Your equipment is already draw-biased

Draw-biased equipment is meant to give you a bit of a draw even when set up square to your target. If you make adjustments to hit a draw and swing your draw-biased equipment, you could end up hitting the ball further left than you expected. Golfers with draw-biased clubs should be careful about too much alignment of the body to the right. 

The grip is too weak 

Keeping the clubface slightly closed to your path is harder if your grip is weak. Try strengthening the grip slightly and see if it helps you get the right-to-left ball flight. 

Ball position is incorrect 

When you set up to hit a draw, remember to check your ball position. If the position moves too far forward, it can be hard to swing from this inside-out path. Keep the ball position where it normally would be for the club in hand but pay attention to this ball placement as you set up to hit your draw. 

Hitting a draw for left-handed golfers 

If you are a left-handed golfer tired of reading guides about hitting a draw and having to flip it around, here are the basic steps to hit a draw explained from a left-handed point of view. 

The draw is a shot that curves from left to right for left-handed golfers. 

When setting up, make sure the clubface points slightly left of your target. Align the body (hips, shoulders, feet) slightly further left than the clubface. Swing along the body line, out to the left. The clubface is closed to the swing path, creating the draw spin on the ball you need. 

Practice tips for mastering the draw 

Always use alignment sticks on the practice range when working on hitting a draw. The alignment sticks will give you a general idea of the difference between your face and path to help you hit the draw. 

Start with small adjustments and see how they impact your ball flight. You can make things more extreme as you get comfortable with this shot. Practice hitting the draw with something like a 7- or 8-iron. When you master it, start with the fairway woods and drivers. 

With so much of hitting a draw revolving around the lines you choose, make sure you really know how to aim. Practice aiming a straight shot first before you start trying to hit a draw. 

If you want to use a training aid when learning to hit a draw, the Draw Board would be good to try. 

When you feel comfortable, integrate draws into your on-course play. Pick a hole with very little trouble so if you don’t quite pull off the draw you don’t leave yourself in a poor position. 

When to use a draw 

A draw is a great shot when approaching a pin on the left side of the green. You can also use it to navigate a dogleg. Since the draw is hit with a face that is slightly closed to the target line, you’ll maximize top spin and add a little extra roll once it lands. For golfers trying to maximize distance, that can be a great thing. 

Now it’s time to head to the driving range and start working on hitting a draw.