Tag: Architect

Longer Driver Distance – Five Tips on How to Hit a Draw For Duffers

The draw shot is popular shot shape for those golfers who want more distance. All other things being equal a tee shot hit with a draw will travel about twenty yards farther than a fade. Distance is king in golf and that extra twenty yards might be the difference between a 5-iron approach and a 7-iron approach.

A draw is different from a hook. The hook moves hard to the left in a totally uncontrollable fashion. The two may be related but like your rude Uncle Harry, the hook is not a member of the family we’re proud of. The draw moves about ten yards right to left while the hook can move more than the width of the fairway.

Strategically the draw shot allows the right hander to eliminate the right side of each hole as the draw moves from right to left. So all the trouble the architect built into the course to challenge those with a slice is not in play for those with a draw.

At my home course here in Charlotte, NC nine of the fourteen driving holes (excludes par 3s) a draw is the best shot shape. I have learned over the past year or so how to hit a draw with the driver and that has meant a lot to my improved scoring.

Let’s discuss five important elements to hitting the draw shot so you can improve your scoring too.

How to hit a draw

• Adjust your alignment – Align your stance along the line where you want the ball to begin. This will be closed compared to where you want the ball to finish. All of your body should be aligned together on this same line: feet, knees, hips and shoulders.

• Aim the clubface – Aim the clubface to where you want the shot to finish. The clubface will be closed to the initial line of flight.

• Swing path – Swing along your body as you would normally.

• Grip – Don’t bother with strengthening your grip as some suggest. The only adjustments required are those mentioned above.

• Ball position – Ball position will help determine the ball flight along with angle of attack. Move it a bit forward for a higher shot or toward the back for a lower shot. A word of caution though: it is much easier to hit a low draw than a high one.

Remember that the draw adds distance. You’ll need to consider that fact when making your club selection on iron shots. It will fly a bit farther but roll a lot more than a normal shot.

I would suggest that you groove this shot on the range prior to taking it to the golf course. These tips on how to hit a draw will help you play better golf and improve your golf handicap.