What Is a Draw In Golf?

For those unfamiliar with the term, a draw is a type of shot in golf where the ball curves slightly from right to left for right-handed players (or left to right for left-handed players).

This is a highly sought-after skill in the game of golf and can greatly improve your performance on the course.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the details of what exactly a draw is and how to achieve it.

Key Takeaway

• A draw in golf is a shot that curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) during its flight, typically providing greater distance due to the topspin created on impact.
• To hit a draw in golf, you need to swing the club from inside to out with a slightly closed clubface at impact, causing the ball to spin from right to left during its flight (for a right-handed golfer).
• Learning how to hit a draw in golf is important as it can increase your shot distance, help navigate obstacles on the course, and offer an aggressive strategy for dogleg-left holes.
• Hitting a draw in golf can increase distance and navigate around obstacles effectively (pros), but it requires precise control and can lead to unintended hook shots if not executed correctly (cons).

What Is a Draw In Golf?

A draw in golf refers to a controlled shot that sees the ball gently curve from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) during its flight.

Executing a draw is a skill many golfers aim to master.

This shot begins with the ball moving slightly to the right of the target, then curving back towards the left in mid-air, ultimately landing on the target for right-handed players.

For left-handed golfers, the process would be the inverse, with the ball initially moving left before curving right.

The advantage of a draw is that it can add an extra roll to the ball once it lands, potentially increasing the overall distance travelled.

It’s also a valuable technique when the golfer needs to navigate around obstacles on the course.

Whether you’re a beginner golfer or a more advanced player, understanding how to execute a draw can enhance your strategic options during a game and improve your overall performance on the course.

How to Hit a Draw in Golf

Hitting a draw in golf involves a specific setup and swing technique that sends the ball on a right-to-left path (for right-handed golfers).

Correct Setup

A proper setup is the foundation of a successful draw. As a right-handed golfer, position your body so that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned slightly to the right of your target.

This is known as setting up for an ‘in-to-out’ swing path. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed between both feet.

The ball should be positioned forward in your stance, roughly in line with the inside of your left heel. Remember, your body alignment is key. If you’re aligned too far right, you may over-exaggerate the draw and hit a hook instead.

Key differences – Golf Slice vs Hook

Grip Adjustment

A strong grip promotes a closed clubface, which is essential for hitting a draw. Rotate both of your hands to the right on the club handle (for a right-handed golfer).

Your left hand should be turned enough that you can see at least two knuckles, and your right hand should cover your left thumb.

This strong grip will help you close the clubface during your swing, encouraging the right-to-left spin necessary for a draw.

Swing Path

The swing path for a draw moves from inside to outside.

Imagine your golf swing following the shape of a large circle or hula hoop. Your club should approach the ball from the inside part of this circle, strike the ball, and then continue its path to the outside of the circle.

This swing path, paired with a closed clubface at impact, will create the right-to-left spin that characterises a draw.

Clubface Control

Controlling the clubface is crucial to hitting a draw. As you swing, focus on keeping the clubface closed relative to your swing path. It should feel like the toe of the club is leading through the impact rather than the heel.

This means the clubface should be pointing slightly to the right of your target at impact, while your swing path is heading even further to the right.

This difference between the clubface direction and the swing path results in the right-to-left spin that creates a draw.

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Hit a Draw

Learning to hit a draw in golf is crucial as it not only adds distance to your shots due to the additional roll when the ball lands, but also offers better control over the ball’s flight trajectory.

Mastering the draw shot in golf has several significant benefits. One of the key advantages is the ability to increase the overall distance of your shots.

A draw typically produces more topspin compared to other shots, resulting in greater rollout once the ball hits the ground. This implies that after landing, the ball continues to travel further, adding valuable yards to your shots.

Additionally, a draw provides a penetrating ball flight, which can be a valuable asset in windy conditions. The ability to control the trajectory and shape of your shots is a critical aspect of strategic golf.

Having a draw in your repertoire allows you to manoeuvre the ball around obstacles and take aggressive lines on dogleg holes, enhancing your scoring opportunities.

Moreover, many golfers find that a draw swing leads to a more reliable and consistent strike on the ball. An inside-to-outside swing path often encourages solid contact at the point of impact, leading to more consistent results.

Pros and Cons Of Hitting a Draw

Pros of Hitting a Draw	Cons of Hitting a Draw
Increased Distance: A draw usually has less backspin and more topspin, causing the ball to run out more upon landing, thus covering more ground.	Less Control: Due to the reduced loft and spin, controlling the exact landing spot of the ball can be more challenging than with other shots.
Penetrating Ball Flight: A draw tends to have a lower, more piercing ball flight compared to other shots, which can be beneficial in windy conditions.	Not Suited to All Course Conditions: A draw might not be the best choice for certain situations on the course, such as right dogleg holes or when hazards are present on the right side of the hole (for right-handed golfers).
Versatility: Hitting a draw adds another tool to your golfing arsenal, allowing you to navigate around obstacles on the course.	Potential Swing Complications: Some golfers find that consistently hitting a draw can lead to swing complications, such as an overly active lower body or a tendency to close the clubface too much.

Hitting a draw in golf can offer increased distance and a more penetrating ball flight, however, it may also result in less control and is not always suited to all course conditions.

Pros of Hitting a Draw

Increased Distance

One of the main advantages of hitting a draw is the additional distance it can provide. A draw usually has less backspin and more topspin, causing the ball to run out more upon landing, thus covering more ground.

Penetrating Ball Flight

A draw tends to have a lower, more piercing ball flight compared to other shots. This can be particularly beneficial in windy conditions, as the ball is less likely to be affected by side winds, providing a more controlled and predictable flight path.

Versatility

Hitting a draw adds another tool to your golfing arsenal. It allows you to navigate around obstacles on the course, offering more options during your round.

Cons of Hitting a Draw

Less Control

While a draw can provide increased distance, it often comes at the expense of control. Due to the reduced loft and spin, controlling the exact landing spot of the ball can be more challenging than with a fade, for example.

Not Suited to All Course Conditions

A draw is not ideal for every situation on the golf course. For instance, it might not be the best choice for right dogleg holes or when hazards are present on the right side of the hole (for right-handed golfers).

Potential Swing Complications

Some golfers find that consistently hitting a draw can lead to swing complications, such as an overly active lower body or a tendency to close the clubface too much. These could negatively impact the overall consistency of your swing.

What Is The Difference Between A Draw, Fade and Straight?

A draw, fade and straight shot in golf differ in their ball flight paths; a draw curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer), a fade moves in the opposite direction (left to right for a right-handed golfer), and a straight shot travels directly towards the target without any noticeable curve.

Draw

A draw is a shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves from right to left during its flight.

This shot is typically used when the golfer wants the ball to roll out further after landing, due to the topspin created by the clubface’s inside-to-out impact with the ball.

It’s also beneficial in navigating around obstacles or taking an aggressive line on dogleg-left holes. However, hitting a consistent draw requires practice and skill, as it can lead to less control over the ball’s landing spot.

Fade

A fade, on the other hand, is a shot that subtly moves from left to right in the air for a right-handed golfer.

The fade is often the preferred shot of many golfers because it generally provides more control over where the ball will stop, thanks to the backspin created by an outside-to-inside club path at impact.

This shot is ideal for approaching the green or playing on dogleg-right holes. However, a fade usually results in less distance than a draw or straight shot, as the backspin reduces the roll after landing.

Straight

A straight shot, as the name suggests, is a golf shot that flies straight from the point of impact to the target, with a minimal curve in its flight.

This type of shot is highly valued for its predictability and simplicity, making it a favourite among beginners and professionals alike.

The straight shot offers a balance between distance and control, making it a versatile choice suitable for most situations on the golf course. However, hitting a straight shot consistently requires a well-timed swing with a square clubface at impact, which can be challenging to master.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to learn how to hit a draw in golf?

A: Learning how to hit a draw in golf can be beneficial as it adds versatility to your game. It allows you to shape your shots and navigate obstacles on the golf course more effectively.

Q: How can I hit a draw in my golf swing?

A: To hit a draw in your golf swing, you need to focus on having a slightly closed clubface at impact and a swing path that is slightly inside-out. Practicing these elements in your swing can help you consistently hit a draw shot.

Q: What are the ball flight laws for a draw in golf?

A: The ball flight laws for a draw in golf dictate that the path of the golf club should be slightly from the inside (in-to-out) and the clubface should be slightly closed to the swing path at impact. This combination produces a draw shot with a right-to-left ball flight.

Q: Can a beginner golfer hit a draw?

A: Yes, a beginner golfer can learn to hit a draw with practice and proper instruction. It may take time to develop the necessary skills and consistency, but it is achievable with dedication and practice.

Q: Are there any specific techniques to hit a draw in golf?

A: Yes, there are specific techniques to hit a draw in golf. Some of these techniques include adjusting your ball position slightly forward in your stance, maintaining a relaxed grip pressure, and focusing on a smooth and balanced swing.

Q: Can I hit a draw if I normally hit a fade?

A: Yes, it is possible to learn to hit a draw if you normally hit a fade. By making adjustments to your swing path and clubface position at impact, you can start to create a draw shot and improve your shot-shaping abilities.

Q: Does hitting a draw in golf require a certain level of skill?

A: Hitting a draw in golf does require a certain level of skill and understanding of swing mechanics. It is beneficial to work with a golf instructor or coach who can guide you through the process of learning to hit a draw and help you refine your technique.