How to hit a draw shot in golf

Whether you’re new to golf or you’ve been playing for a little while, you’ve probably heard the term ‘draw’ thrown around when it comes to shot shaping.

A draw is a shot that many golfers hope to perfect, but for some, it can seem hard to master. So, let’s break it down and take a closer look at how to hit a draw shot in golf.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of what a draw shot is, why you might want to hit one, and how to practice so you can start pulling off that sweet, controlled curve. 

What is a draw shot in golf?

A draw golf shot is a type of shot that starts off straight or slightly to the right of your target and then curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers). It’s often the chosen shot shape for many golfers because it allows for more distance and better control, especially with a driver. If you’re a right-handed golfer, hitting a draw can add extra length to your shots, thanks to the ball’s spin.

For left-handed golfers, the ball would start to the left and curve back to the right. The draw shot is often confused with a hook, but there’s a key difference. While both shots curve from right to left (for right-handers), a hook is much more extreme and uncontrolled, whereas a draw is a smooth, intentional curve.

Why should golfers hit a draw?

There are several reasons why learning how to hit a draw shot in golf can be helpful to your game:

• Increased distance: A draw has more roll upon landing because of the right-to-left spin. This means you can get longer distances compared to a straight shot.
• Better control: For most golfers, a draw is a more controllable shot than others, particularly in windier conditions.
• Helps with accuracy: A draw can be a great weapon for shaping your shots around doglegs or avoiding obstacles such as trees on the course. If you know how to hit a draw, you can more easily navigate trickier fairways.
• Preferred by pros: Many professional golfers prefer hitting a draw because it helps them increase their distance and gives them more consistency. 

How do you hit a draw shot?

Hitting a draw uses a mix of technique, control, and an understanding of ball flight laws. Let’s look at the essential steps to help you hit a draw shot that will make your golfing buddies take notice.

1. Check your grip

Your grip is one of the most important factors in hitting a draw. A grip that’s too weak (where your hands are rotated too far to the left on the club) will make it difficult to get the right spin to create a draw. To hit a draw, you need a grip that’s a bit stronger.

How to adjust your grip

• Right-handed golfers: Turn your hands slightly to the right so you can see 2–3 knuckles of your left hand when holding the club. This will naturally encourage a closed clubface (the club face is angled slightly to the left of the target line at impact), which is key to generating that right-to-left spin.
• Left-handed golfers: You’ll need to do the opposite; rotate your hands slightly to the left to get that same closed clubface effect.

2. Set up with an open stance

Your stance plays a crucial role in hitting a draw. For right-handed golfers, you’ll want to position yourself so that your body is aligned slightly left of the target (but the clubface will still aim at the target).

How to set up your stance

• Position your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the left of your target.
• The clubface should remain aimed directly at the target (or slightly right of it). 

This is important because you want the clubface to be slightly closed relative to your swing path when you strike the ball, which helps to produce the draw.

3. Swing path - inside to outside

The swing path is the key to hitting a draw shot. To create the right spin, you need to follow a specific path. Essentially, your swing should travel on an inside-to-outside path through the ball.

How to achieve an inside-to-out swing path:

• As you start your downswing, focus on bringing the club down inside the target line, then swinging it out toward the right of your target (for right-handed golfers).
• This helps the clubface make contact with the ball at an angle that produces a draw-spin.
• Avoid coming over the top, which will lead to a slice.

4. Clubface - slightly closed at impact

A draw shot is all about how you manage your clubface and swing path when you hit the ball. To get the proper right-to-left curve, the clubface needs to be slightly closed at impact in relation to your swing path.

How to manage the clubface

• Keep the clubface angled slightly to the right of the target during the downswing.
• When you hit the ball, make sure that the clubface is square to the swing path, but slightly closed to the target line.
• Be careful not to overdo it, as too much closure can turn your draw into a hook.

5. Follow through

Your follow-through should be a natural extension of your swing path. After impact, continue your swing on the inside-to-outside path and finish with your body rotating towards the target.

How to finish your swing:

• Focus on finishing high and to the left (for right-handed golfers), which will support the right-to-left spin on the ball.
• A high follow-through can also help you maximise distance and control.

Practising the draw shot

Now that you know the key steps to hitting a draw, let’s talk about how you can practice and get better at it. Here are some tips and drills to help you develop consistency and confidence with your draw shots.

1. The Half-Swing Drill

One of the best ways to develop a proper inside-to-out swing path is to practice with a half-swing. This will help you focus on your path and clubface position without getting too caught up in power.

How to do it:

• Set up with a standard stance, but only make a half-swing.
• Focus on swinging inside-to-out and ensuring the clubface is slightly closed at impact.
• Gradually increase the swing length as you get more comfortable with the draw shape.

2. The Alignment Stick Drill

To make sure you’re properly aligning your body for a draw, use alignment sticks to set up visual guides. 

How to do it:

• Place an alignment stick on the ground along your target line.
• Set another stick a few feet to the left of the first stick (for right-handed golfers) to represent the inside-to-out swing path.
• Practice swinging along this path while keeping your clubface slightly closed at impact.

3. Track your ball flight

When out on the course, use markers or targets to track the flight of your ball. Watch the curve. If the ball isn’t curving to the left, it might mean your clubface is too open, or your swing path isn’t quite right. The more you practice, the more you’ll start to perfect that draw.

Ready to give it a go?

Learning how to hit a draw shot in golf takes practice, but once you master it, you’ll be able to shape your shots with greater precision and power. Whether you’re aiming to avoid obstacles or gain extra yards, the draw shot can be one of your most useful weapons on the course.

Remember, the key is to focus on grip, stance, swing path, and clubface control. Start with smaller, controlled shots and gradually build up to full swings. With time and dedication, you’ll be hitting those beautiful, controlled draws like a pro.

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