How To Hit a Draw and Avoid Obstacles

A draw shot is when the ball flies from right to left and is used to avoid obstacles between you and your target like trees etc. It will also increase your distance. Before you hit a draw, visualize the ball flight you need. When you have decided on the path of flight, it will become your target and you will adjust your stance and body alignment accordingly.

Club Selection and Set Up

You will need anticlockwise (right to left) spin on the ball. You will need to make contact with a closed club face to accomplish this. This will decrease the loft so try using a 6 or 7 iron for hitting a draw.

A strong grip is crucial so both your hands should be clockwise on the club (thumbs right of the center line). When your hands are in the correct position for a draw you will see less of the back of your right hand than usual when you look down and more of the back of your left hand.

Place the ball towards the middle of your stance and ensure that the club face is closed. Your feet and body should be aiming to the right. The ball will land with overspin causing more run, so allow for this.

The Swing

Your backswing, when hitting a draw, should be more rounded so that it travels on an inside curve. Through impact your hands and forearms should rotate and the follow through should be towards your initial target point. A smooth, rhythmic and unhurried swing is needed and on an in-to-out path. The club face should be slightly closed at impact to get a draw.

The draw is a feel shot so it is not straight forward. Be realistic and only take a crack at shots which you feel positive about and know you are capable of hitting well. The proper place to learn these more tricky shots is the practice ground or driving range. Persist with it and it will give great flexibility to your game.

Important Points

* Your body and feet should aim to the right.

* The club face should be closed (toed in slightly).

* Your hands should be further right on the grip.

* The ball should be towards the middle of the stance.

* The backswing should be more rounded.

* Rotate forearms and hands through impact.

* Follow through towards the initial aim point.

A well played draw is a penetrating shot. When playing in the wind it is a very handy shot. You can fight or use a strong wind to your advantage.

When you effectively master how to hit a draw it will be a very handy shot that will help you tremendously particularly in difficult situations and it will without doubt take your golf to the next level.