The draw shot off the tee, is perhaps the one golf shot every amateur golfer would love to play. For a right-handed golfer, the draw shot sees the ball start to the right of the target and swing back towards the target. It is a great shot to have in your locker because it will add consistency to your game and you can eliminate one side of the golf course by playing this shot. You do not have to worry about trying to hit the ball straight off the tee and seeing it end up in the rough on the left or right side of the fairway. Instead, you can play the draw shot and know your ball is going to curve from right to left every time and this will add some distance to your drive, which is a great bonus.
The draw shot is also good when playing a dogleg hole and you can work your ball around the dogleg and leave yourself in a good position for the next shot. So, how do you go about playing a successful draw shot?
When taking grip of the driver, look down and you will notice how your index finger and thumb create a ‘v’ shape on the grip. Turn the ‘v’ slightly to the right and this will give you a strong grip. This grip makes it easier to curve the ball from right to left and that’s exactly what we want to do with this shot.
To play a good draw shot, you must address the ball with your feet pointing to the right of the intended target and aim your club face directly at the target. You can also drop your right shoulder slightly when addressing the ball, if you find you are not drawing the ball.
You must ensure your swing is more rounded than usual when playing a draw shot. Do not pick up the club but take it back low and think of the shot as being less upright than when you use an iron. If you draw an imaginary line of where your feet and shoulders are pointing at address, your driver should be moving inside this line when taking it away and this is what encourages the right to left flight of the ball.
Next, imagine the toe of the driver moving through the ball, ahead of the heel and moving further ahead following impact with the ball. This will promote the slightly closed head position the club needs to be in, to play a good draw shot.
Finally, as the driver contacts the ball, the left forearm must rotate and roll under, which will also help the face of the club to close. To practice this on the driving range, you can wear a watch and have the face turned slightly to the inside of your left wrist and as you play the draw shot, you should see the face of the watch every time on follow through.
The draw shot can take a lot of practice hours to get right but given the consistency and accuracy it will add your driving, it is worth the effort.
