How To Hit a Draw in Golf

Golfers love the look of a draw shot: a controlled right-to-left ball flight that lands hot and runs. For many mid to high handicappers, it’s also the most practical cure for a slice.

This guide breaks down what a draw in golf is, the impact conditions that create it, and a clean, repeatable way to build an in-to-out path with reliable clubface control.

Use it to shape tee shots with a driver, flight irons into tucked pins, and practise with simple drills that hold up on Canadian courses all season long.

What Is a Draw in Golf? The Right-to-Left Shot

A draw in golf is a shot that starts slightly right of the target and curves back left. That right-to-left ball flight is controlled, not accidental, and it’s different from a pull.

A draw shot is not a hook. A hook over-curves left and often starts left. A draw starts right, curves left, and finishes near the target line with better control.

A fade is the opposite shape: it starts left and curves right. A slice is a fade’s ugly cousin, with too much curve and too little distance.

Ball choice matters for curvature and spin consistency. For predictable right-to-left ball flight, use a consistent model from the Golf balls category during practice and play.

At impact, a draw comes from two things working together: swing path and clubface. When swing path and clubface match up, the draw shot becomes repeatable instead of a “sometimes” shot.

We cover the difference between draw and fade in another blog post, make sure to check it also!

The Science Behind The Draw: Swing Path And Clubface Control

A draw is created by specific impact conditions. The club must be travelling on an inside path (an in-to-out path) while the clubface is slightly closed to that path.

Key idea: the swing path mainly influences curve direction. The clubface mainly influences start direction. For a draw shot, the clubface starts it right, and the in-to-out path curves it left.

Use these checkpoints for a stock draw:

• Swing path: 2–5° in-to-out

• Clubface: 1–3° right of target, but still closed vs the path

• Low point: after the ball with irons, near the ball with driver

A common misconception is “just close the clubface.” A too-closed clubface with no in-to-out path creates pulls and hooks, not a controlled draw in golf.

To train clubface control and path awareness, tools help. The Golf training aids category includes alignment sticks and face/path trainers that make feedback instant.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Hit A Draw In Golf

Start by choosing a target line and a “start line.” The goal is simple: start the ball slightly right, then let it curve back left as a draw shot.

1) Grip for a functional release

Use a neutral-to-slightly-strong grip. The lead hand shows 2–3 knuckles. This supports a natural release without “flipping” the clubface closed.

2) Setup and body alignment

Aim feet, hips, and shoulders slightly right of the final target. Keep the clubface aimed closer to the final target, not where the body is aimed.

3) Ball position and posture

Driver: ball inside lead heel. Irons: closer to centre. Keep athletic posture so the hips can rotate and the hands can shallow the club into an inside path.

4) Backswing: keep width, avoid rolling it inside

Turn the shoulders, keep the trail elbow soft, and avoid early “turning over.” The clubface should not slam shut in the takeaway.

5) Downswing: build the in-to-out path

Start down with a small shift, then rotate hips. Feel the hands drop “behind” the body. That move supports an in-to-out swing path instead of steep, over-the-top.

6) Impact: face slightly closed to path

Let the forearms rotate naturally through the ball. The clubface should be controlled, not manipulated. A good draw in golf feels like a strong, free release.

For club options that suit your game, browse Drivers and Irons that match your speed and strike pattern.

Hitting a draw with a Driver vs irons: Key Differences

A draw with a driver is swept with an upward or level strike. A draw with irons is hit with a descending strike and turf interaction.

For driver:

• Tee it so half the ball sits above the crown

• Feel the swing path travel “out to right field” after impact

• Keep the clubface stable; don’t over-close it to fight a slice

For irons:

• Keep chest and hips rotating through impact

• Focus on face-to-path control, not hand flipping

• Divot should point slightly right of the target on a true draw shot

For hybrids and fairway woods, the pattern sits between the two. They like a shallow strike with a stable clubface. Explore options in Hybrids & woods when building a consistent right-to-left ball flight.

Common Mistakes And Troubleshooting Your Draw Shot

Most failed draw attempts come from mixing the right idea with the wrong fix. A draw shot needs both swing path and clubface aligned to the plan.

Mistake: aiming the clubface right with the whole body

If the clubface is too far right, the draw becomes a push or a push-slice. Keep body alignment right, but keep the clubface closer to the final target.

Mistake: “rolling the hands” to close the clubface

Overdoing turning over can shut the face early and create a hook. A draw in golf is a face-to-path relationship, not a hand flip.

Mistake: over-the-top path

If the swing path is left, the ball can’t curve right-to-left reliably. Train an inside path by feeling the trail elbow drop and the hips rotate through.

Mistake: grip tension and poor clubface feel

If the hands squeeze, the clubface gets unpredictable. A properly fitted glove improves feel and helps reduce tension. Check the Golf gloves category for grip comfort in wet or cool conditions.

Quick ball-flight fixes:

• Starts right, stays right: clubface too open

• Starts left, curves left: clubface too closed

• Starts right, curves right: swing path not in-to-out

Read also: How to hit a golf ball

Practice Drills To Master The Draw

A draw shot improves fastest with drills that give clear feedback on swing path and clubface. Keep sessions short, focused, and consistent with the same ball model.

Alignment stick “gate” drill

Place an alignment stick on the target line. Place a second stick just outside the ball, angled slightly right, creating a channel for an inside path.

Make slow swings that miss the outside stick. That trains an in-to-out path without forcing the clubface shut.

Headcover outside the ball drill

Set a headcover a few inches outside the ball. If the club hits it, the path is too out-to-in. This is a simple cure for a slice pattern.

Tee-to-tee start line drill

Put two tees a foot in front of the ball, forming a “gate” slightly right of the target. Start shots through the gate, then let the curve bring it back.

Training tools speed progress. The Golf training aids category is ideal for alignment sticks, impact trainers, and path guides that reinforce clubface control.

Practise in clothing that lets the hips rotate and the shoulders turn freely. Lightweight layers from Golf apparel can make a real difference during range work in cooler Canadian weather.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Draw In Golf

Is a draw better than a fade?

No. A draw in golf can add run and help on doglegs. A fade can be easier to control for some players. The best shape is the one that repeats under pressure.

Will a draw always go farther?

Often, yes, because spin is lower and the ball runs. But distance only counts if the draw shot stays in play and the clubface isn’t over-closed into a hook.

How do you hit a draw without hooking it?

Keep the swing path in-to-out, but manage the clubface. The face should be closed to the path, not dramatically closed to the target. That balance prevents pull-hooks.

Can a slicer learn a draw quickly?

Yes, but it must be built from setup, grip, and an inside path. If the only change is “close the clubface,” the slice often turns into a pull or a snap hook.

Does equipment help a draw?

Some drivers and irons are more draw-biased, and the right shaft can improve clubface control. If ball flight is a constant fight, consider an equipment check and fitting.

Final Thoughts

A reliable draw comes from clear setup, an in-to-out path, and a clubface that’s controlled through release. Pair that with smart practice drills and the right feedback tools, and the shape becomes predictable.

Ready to build your draw shot? Browse Just Golf Stuff for Golf clubs, refresh your Golf balls, and add a few Golf training aids to make every range session count.