How to Hit a Draw in 3 Steps

Want to hit a draw in golf? Here’s the simple formula: adjust your grip, set your stance, and perfect your swing path. A draw – a controlled shot that curves gently right-to-left (or left-to-right for lefties) – can add distance, accuracy, and versatility to your game. Follow these three steps:

Grip Adjustment: Rotate your hands slightly to strengthen your grip, ensuring the clubface closes properly at impact.
Stance & Ball Position: Align your feet and shoulders slightly right of the target (for right-handers) with the ball placed slightly back in your stance.
Swing Inside-to-Out: Focus on a smooth swing path from inside the target line to outside, creating the spin needed for a draw.

Start small with shorter clubs, practice consistently, and refine your setup using alignment tools. With time, you’ll master this shot and gain confidence on the course.

The Easiest Way to Hit a Draw – My Personal Method #golfswing #golf #golftips

Ball Flight Basics and Shot Shaping

To hit consistent draws, it’s crucial to understand the basics of ball flight. These principles explain how your golf ball moves through the air, primarily based on two factors: the clubface angle at impact and the swing path. The initial direction of the ball is mostly determined by where the clubface is pointing at impact, while the curve is influenced by the relationship between the clubface angle and the swing path. By making slight adjustments to these elements, you can shape your shots more effectively.

For a proper draw, the clubface should be slightly closed relative to the swing path and aimed to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers). At the same time, the swing path needs to be even farther right of the clubface angle. For example, if your clubface is aimed 2° to the right of the target and your swing path is 4° to the right, the ball will start right and curve back toward the center.

An inside-to-out swing path is key to creating a draw. This means your club moves from inside the target line to outside during impact. Many golfers find this challenging because it feels unnatural at first, but it’s essential for producing the desired shot shape.

Your grip, stance, and ball position also play a big role in shaping your shots. A slightly stronger grip helps close the clubface relative to your swing path. A closed stance, with your feet and shoulders aimed right of the target, encourages the correct swing path. Additionally, positioning the ball slightly farther back in your stance helps the club approach the ball from the inside.

Wrist action is another important factor. Bowing or flexing your lead wrist de-lofts the shaft and helps close the clubface relative to the swing path, creating the spin needed for a draw. This subtle movement complements the grip and stance adjustments for better control.

Resources like How To Break 80 highlight how learning to control your shot shape, including the draw, can lead to lower scores. Golfers who can shape their shots are better prepared to navigate tricky course conditions and obstacles.

For left-handed golfers, the same principles apply but in reverse. A draw for left-handed players curves left-to-right, requiring a clubface that is slightly closed to an inside-to-out swing path. The swing path should move from inside the target line outward through impact, mirroring the approach for right-handed players.

Step 1: Adjust Your Grip

The first step to hitting a consistent draw is strengthening your grip. For right-handed players, this means rotating both hands slightly to the right to promote a closed clubface at impact.

Start by placing your left hand on the club so that three knuckles are visible when you look down at address. The "V" formed by your thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder. Your right hand should mirror this setup, with its "V" also aiming at your right shoulder. Be sure to position your right hand slightly over the club for better control.

Take a cue from Dustin Johnson’s grip – his visible knuckles and "V"s pointing right are a textbook example of a grip that supports a draw.

Grip pressure is just as important as grip position. Keep your hands firm but relaxed. If you grip too tightly, you’ll restrict the natural release of the club, which is essential for achieving a draw. Excessive tension can also interfere with the clubface rotation you’re aiming for.

To reinforce proper hand placement, consider using practice tools. Alignment rods or training discs placed near the ball during practice can provide visual feedback on your grip orientation and swing path. These tools help you build muscle memory for the correct grip while also improving your overall setup.

Adjusting your grip sets the stage for changes in your stance and swing path. A stronger grip influences how the clubface approaches the ball and how your wrists release through impact. This adjustment creates a solid foundation that makes the next steps in mastering a draw much easier.

If you’re looking for additional guidance, resources like How To Break 80 offer practical tips, grip drills, and video courses. These tools provide step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting advice to help you perfect your grip and develop consistency in your draw technique.

Keep in mind, grip changes can feel awkward at first, especially if you’ve been using a weaker grip for years. Be patient – it often takes several practice sessions before a stronger grip starts to feel natural.

Step 2: Set Your Stance and Ball Position

Once you’ve adjusted your grip, it’s time to focus on your stance and ball position. These elements work together to shape your swing path and determine the ball’s starting direction – key factors in hitting a draw. Your setup here directly complements the grip changes you’ve made.

For right-handed golfers, a "closed" stance is essential. This means aligning your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the right of your target, usually by about 3–5 yards when using mid-irons. This alignment promotes the inside-to-out swing path needed for that right-to-left ball flight.

The ball’s position also plays a big role. Place the ball about one ball’s width back from the center of your stance. This slight adjustment encourages the inside-to-out swing path and helps the clubface close relative to the swing path at impact. Keep in mind, the ball position will vary depending on the club: drivers should be positioned slightly forward, while irons are generally centered.

To ensure you’re setting up consistently, practice with alignment tools. For example, lay one club along your toes and another at the ball position. This visual guide helps confirm that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned correctly and aimed slightly right of your target. Incorporating these checks into your pre-shot routine can lead to more reliable results over time.

One mid-handicap golfer saw noticeable improvement in his draw by aligning his feet and shoulders 4 yards to the right and positioning the ball one ball’s width back. These small adjustments helped him reduce misses and hit more greens in regulation.

However, be mindful of common mistakes. Aligning too far to the right can cause pushes, while failing to move the ball back enough might result in a fade or straight shot. It’s better to make minor adjustments and test them out rather than trying to overhaul your setup all at once.

Many instructors suggest starting with shorter clubs when practicing these changes. Shorter clubs are easier to control, helping you build confidence and get a feel for the correct setup before moving on to longer clubs like the driver.

If you’re looking for extra guidance, How To Break 80 offers drills and video tutorials to help you refine these fundamentals. These resources provide clear instructions and troubleshooting tips to make hitting a draw feel more natural.

Step 3: Swing Inside-to-Out

Mastering the inside-to-out swing path is the final step to nailing a draw. This technique ensures your club moves from inside the target line and continues outward through impact, creating the right-to-left spin essential for a draw. To get there, focus on the key stages of your swing: the takeaway, downswing, and follow-through.

Start with a smooth, controlled takeaway that keeps the clubface square. The setup you perfected earlier lays the groundwork for this. Avoid manipulating the clubface too early – keeping it square ensures a solid impact and maintains your setup’s integrity.

As you transition into the downswing, aim to drop your hands and club on a flatter plane than your backswing. This adjustment helps create that inside approach angle you’re aiming for. Visualize swinging out toward your target rather than pulling the club across your body. The goal is for the club to travel from inside the target line to just outside it at impact.

Your follow-through seals the deal. Finish with your hands and club pointing squarely toward the target. A strong, balanced finish will help the ball start slightly to the right of your target and curve back toward the center. On the other hand, a weak or incomplete follow-through can lead to pushes or inconsistent ball flight.

To reinforce this motion, try using an alignment rod or disc. Place it about one club-length away from the ball, just outside your target line. Practice swinging under the rod to train yourself to follow the inside-to-out path. Adjust the rod’s position as needed to fine-tune your angle. This drill offers both visual and physical feedback, making it easier to feel and repeat the correct motion.

Keep an eye out for common mistakes as you refine your swing. Two frequent errors include coming over the top (an outside-to-in swing) or swinging too far inside, which can result in hooks. Stay focused on swinging out toward the target rather than across your body.

Begin practicing this swing path with shorter irons, like a 7 or 8-iron. These clubs are more forgiving and will help you build confidence with the new motion before moving on to mid-irons, drivers, or fairway woods.

When you combine a stronger grip, a closed stance, and an inside-to-out swing, you’ll achieve a controlled right-to-left ball flight that boosts both distance and accuracy. Up next, learn about common mistakes and how to fix them.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right grip, stance, and swing, certain mistakes can throw off your ability to hit a consistent draw. Recognizing and addressing these issues can save you hours of frustration on the range. Here’s a breakdown of common problems and how to correct them.

Over-rotating the clubface is a frequent culprit behind hooks or shots that start too far left. Ideally, the clubface should be just slightly closed relative to your swing path. If you’re noticing hooks instead of a controlled draw, check your grip – your hands might be rotated too far to the right. Adjust to a more neutral hand position while keeping that inside-to-out swing path intact. Also, ensure your alignment matches your intended shot shape.

Alignment mistakes can lead to unintended ball flights. Many golfers aim their body where they want the ball to finish rather than where it should start. For a proper right-to-left ball flight, align your shoulders, hips, and feet slightly to the right of your target. Using alignment sticks can help you visualize and maintain the closed stance needed for a proper swing path.

Incorrect ball position is another factor that can derail your draw. If the ball is too far forward in your stance, achieving an inside-to-out swing path becomes almost impossible. On the flip side, placing the ball too far back can lead to an overly inside approach, resulting in hooks. Aim to position the ball slightly farther back than you would for a standard shot.

Swing path inconsistencies are a common hurdle. Some golfers swing too far from the inside, leading to pushes or hooks, while others unintentionally revert to an outside-to-in swing, despite adjusting their grip and stance. Concentrate on swinging directly toward your target to maintain the desired inside-to-out path.

Slowing down through impact can rob your shots of both power and accuracy. A smooth, accelerating swing through the ball is key. If you slow down in the hitting area, you’ll lose clubhead speed and consistency. Try drills that focus on tempo and follow-through – like using a metronome or counting "one-two" during your swing – to develop a steady rhythm.

Overexerting during the swing disrupts your natural mechanics. Trying too hard to force a draw with exaggerated movements or excessive effort often creates tension, which throws off your swing’s flow. Instead, aim for smooth, relaxed transitions. Let your body move naturally while sticking to the proper mechanics.

To tackle these issues effectively, work through them step by step. Start with your grip, then address your stance and alignment, and finally fine-tune your swing path. Training aids like alignment rods or impact tape can provide valuable feedback on your progress. Pay attention to patterns in your ball flight: consistent pushes might indicate an open clubface paired with a good swing path, hooks could mean the clubface is too closed or your swing path is excessively inside, and pulls may suggest a return to an outside-to-in swing.

Practice Tips and Next Steps

To perfect your draw, focus on the key adjustments shared earlier: grip, stance, and swing path. These elements are the foundation, and consistent repetition is key to mastering them.

Start by practicing with shorter clubs, like a 7- or 8-iron, before moving on to longer clubs or your driver. This approach helps build confidence and simplifies your swing mechanics. Aim for practice sessions of 20-30 minutes, two to three times a week, focusing solely on refining your draw technique.

Using training aids can speed up your progress. Alignment rods are a great tool – place one along your target line and another parallel to your swing path for visual guidance. Another option is to set two balls side by side and hit the outer one, encouraging the correct swing path.

Track your progress by observing ball flight patterns. For right-handed golfers, a proper draw starts slightly to the right and gently curves back to the left. Recording your swing on video can help you spot subtle details and make necessary adjustments.

When transitioning from the range to the course, stick to your pre-shot routine. Start using the draw on less critical shots to build confidence before attempting it in high-pressure situations. If you need more guidance, there are plenty of resources available to help fine-tune your skills.

For example, How To Break 80 offers several tools to enhance your game. Their "Fix Your Slice & Hit a Draw Video Course" provides step-by-step instructions for $99.00. If you’re looking for something more affordable, their eBook collection starts at $19.00. They also offer a free video course, "The Ultimate Distance Master Class", which includes tips like "The Hidden Power Source" and techniques that have reportedly added 30-50 yards – or even 60 yards – to students’ drives.

Developing a reliable draw takes patience and commitment. Focus on smooth, controlled swings rather than forcing the ball to curve. With consistent, focused practice and the right resources, you’ll build the muscle memory required to confidently hit draws whenever you need them.

FAQs

What are the most common mistakes golfers make when trying to hit a draw, and how can they fix them?

One frequent misstep when attempting to hit a draw is using the wrong grip. Many golfers either hold the club too tightly or position their hands incorrectly, which can disrupt the clubface rotation needed for a draw. To correct this, aim for a grip that’s neutral to slightly strong. This adjustment allows your hands to naturally release during impact, promoting the desired rotation.

Another common problem lies in the swing path. Swinging too steeply or coming "over the top" often results in a fade or slice instead of a draw. To encourage an inside-to-outside swing path, try closing your stance slightly. Align your feet and shoulders to the right of your target if you’re a right-handed golfer. This setup helps guide your swing along the proper path.

Finally, neglecting to adjust the clubface can also hinder your ability to hit a draw. The clubface needs to be slightly closed relative to your swing path but still aimed at your target. With consistent practice and attention to these details, you can develop a reliable, controlled draw.

How should left-handed golfers adjust their grip to hit a draw?

For left-handed golfers looking to hit a draw, the grip adjustment mirrors that of right-handed players but works in reverse. To achieve this, rotate your hands slightly counterclockwise on the club, creating a stronger grip. This tweak helps promote a closed clubface at impact, which is key to achieving the right-to-left ball flight characteristic of a draw.

Pair this grip adjustment with the right stance and swing path changes for the best results. Aim for an inside-to-outside swing path, and position your body slightly to the right of the target. These combined adjustments will help you shape the ball’s flight effectively. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to hit a draw more reliably.

What are the best drills or tools to practice an inside-to-out swing path for hitting a draw?

To develop an inside-to-out swing path for hitting a draw, focus on drills that reinforce the right mechanics. A simple yet effective exercise involves placing an alignment stick or a club just outside your target line. Practice swinging without hitting the stick – this trains your body to naturally follow an inside path.

You can also use a swing path trainer, which provides a clear visual guide to help you move the club along the correct trajectory. Another useful tip? Place tees slightly inside and outside your ball during practice. This setup encourages the proper swing motion. Remember, repetition is your best friend here. The more you practice these drills, the more your muscle memory will adapt, making it easier to consistently hit a draw.