Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

[lafrenz75]

I want to try to create a go to shot for my driver. I am convinced that a straight drive is unatural and I am tryin to shape the shot more naturally. I am also left-handed. Therefore, since I live in a right handed world, my right hand tends to be stronger. I notice this when I bench press to failure in a set. anyway.... I also believe that a draw or a fade can also be a consistent shot line for the driver. Tiger Woods has the power high fade that looks straight, while Zach Johnson goes for the draw. I tend to miss hit with a hook, so I would like to learn how to draw the ball. I never slice or fade. Dont ask me why, I just dont. Again, my misses are either a hook or a push.
So this brings me to my question.....Could you share with me your tips on how to hit the high draw shot. And also share your ways to course management with your shots. If you have a certain "GO TO" shot, I would like to hear from you too!
I do need help since I do believe in this approach as far as relying on a particular shot shape. I hope you can answer this and have fun typing it!
Thanks fo'sho'!!

[oldwease]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

Certainly, if you have a natural swing shape, always stick with it - and a draw is probably the best one to have. Obviously, if you can control the shape of the shot, you make your target much bigger, i.e. the whole width of the fairway as opposed to the right or left half.

Sounds to me as if you naturally hit from inside. The reason you hook is likely to be closing the club face at impact. Obviously, the club face should ideally be square to the target at that point; overactive hands (or a too early release, hanging back) can close the face at impact. This will result in a hook. I guess it's also possible to come in really tight from the inside - basically with a swing path that ends up way outside the ball. This could impart so much sidespin that a hook will result.

As for a high draw with a driver, I've never tried that (I love the low, penetrating shots!), but I guess you simply change ball position, slightly and tee-up higher.

Just one more thing on hitting a draw. When Nick Faldo was in his prime, he would sometimes hit draws from an open stance (seen him do it many times with his irons). I tried that, and it really works. So, basically set up as you would normally for a draw with the shoulders slightly closed. However, open the stance to the target (feet alignment). You will feel that you're swinging around the right hip on the backswing (and should also feel that your right leg remains well braced, but flexed, and your hip shouldn't move much). Then, just concentrate on swinging through the ball from the inside. With a bit of practice, the ball will soar with a draw. I actually felt that the set up gave greater control over the draw. The only problem with this is that it does put much greater strain on the lower back as you still want the full shoulder turn, so it may not be for everybody.

Good luck!

[BrianW]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

When I play a draw I setup with my feet and shoulders a little closed to target, I pull my back foot in a little from my lead foot, maybe an inch or just less. I make sure that I am hitting on a gentle in to out path and get the feel that the toe of the club is turning around the ball at impact. This results in the ball taking off right of target (left for left hander) then pulling back gradually into the centre.

Another way is to setup the same way with a closed stance but set the clubface pointing directly to target, hit the ball down the line of your feet, this will create some sidespin that bends the ball gradually back to centre. Don't overdo the closed stance and hit straight through the ball with a normal swing.

Do not mix the two methods, if you do then you will produce a great hook and become on closer terms with the wooded places of the course.

[LowPost42]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

It's the old Vijay Singh/Rocco Mediate clinic. When the crowd started calling for them to hit fades and draws, Vijay said "I'll hit a fade, and Rocco will hit a draw."

In other words, we all know that Vijay has a left to right ballflight. Rocco draws the ball. Yes, they can both work the ball in the opposite direction, but I've seen doggers left that Vijay still hits his fade into.

Since your ballflight is right to left, play for it. You say your miss is a snap hook or a push. This indicates to me that you're coming from the inside - probably a lot. If you don't flip your hands fast enough, you push it. If you flip them too early, you hook it. Let me guess - when your timing is off, your ballstriking is like 'spray and pray'.

Follow the instructions of the lads above for the 'how to' in hitting a draw. From an equipment standpoint, you could use a driver that's more open to reduce the amount of draw you get (to the point where you may end up fading).

However, like I'm fond of saying, no equipment change in the world can overcome a dead open face at impact (slice) or dead shut (hook).

[bdbl]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

I tend to think that 99% of golfers shouldn't even consider shaping their shots - draw or fade - until they can hit THEIR shot well and consistently.

Once they have worked out what their shot is 99% of those golfers should just play the shot they have. For goodness sake (iirc) Jack won 7 majors before he ever hit a draw; Monty's "power fade" if produced on a Sunday morning around me would have people offering a multitude of slice "cures".

IF I could hit either shape (or even straight) consistently then I'd just play with that shot (how many order of merit has Monty got?) - and thank god I was consistent.

Mini rant about people's (i.e, the vast vast majority who don't play to single figures) unrealistic expectations over; donning tin helmet for the replies from every one who thinks you have to draw to play long or well.

[BrianW]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

I tend to think that 99% of golfers shouldn't even consider shaping their shots - draw or fade - until they can hit THEIR shot well and consistently.

Once they have worked out what their shot is 99% of those golfers should just play the shot they have. For goodness sake (iirc) Jack won 7 majors before he ever hit a draw; Monty's "power fade" if produced on a Sunday morning around me would have people offering a multitude of slice "cures".

IF I could hit either shape (or even straight) consistently then I'd just play with that shot (how many order of merit has Monty got?) - and thank god I was consistent.

Mini rant about people's (i.e, the vast vast majority who don't play to single figures) unrealistic expectations over; donning tin helmet for the replies from every one who thinks you have to draw to play long or well.

GULP! I only thought I would try and help him! (scuttles away under the table)

[bdbl]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

Perhaps I think you are in the 1% Brian -

[Martin Levac]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

I want to try to create a go to shot for my driver. I am convinced that a straight drive is unatural and I am tryin to shape the shot more naturally. I am also left-handed. Therefore, since I live in a right handed world, my right hand tends to be stronger. I notice this when I bench press to failure in a set. anyway.... I also believe that a draw or a fade can also be a consistent shot line for the driver. Tiger Woods has the power high fade that looks straight, while Zach Johnson goes for the draw. I tend to miss hit with a hook, so I would like to learn how to draw the ball. I never slice or fade. Dont ask me why, I just dont. Again, my misses are either a hook or a push.
So this brings me to my question.....Could you share with me your tips on how to hit the high draw shot. And also share your ways to course management with your shots. If you have a certain "GO TO" shot, I would like to hear from you too!
I do need help since I do believe in this approach as far as relying on a particular shot shape. I hope you can answer this and have fun typing it!
Thanks fo'sho'!!

What's wrong with straight? I'll tell you what's wrong, few can hit it straight at will. I can so that's my go-to shot. I don't know how to hit a draw because I never learned nor have I tried it in practice. When I do hit a draw, it's a mistake, just like when I hit a fade. I know what will help in producing a draw, a closed clubface. I have one club on which the grip was installed strong. The grip is ribbed so my grip with that club is stronger than with other clubs. When I use it, I almost always hit a draw with it.

It just occurred to me that you may not control the club properly. At least not enough to be certain of the result you will produce. When you use a strong grip combined with very dead hands, the club will flop around a lot. In fact it will flop around so much that you can't really know what the club is doing at any one time. My suggestion to you is to grip the club firmly, at least more firmly than you do now. See how that goes.

Try straight first. When you're done, see if you like it. If you don't, you can always try a draw or a fade later on.

Straight: Dead center hit, square clubface.
Fade: Dead center hit, open clubface.
Draw: Dead center hit, closed clubface.

Other shots depend on the direction the face is pointing relative to its direction of motion. For example, a pull is a dead center hit with a square clubface with an out-to-in path. Any hit not dead center is a weaker hit. Any hit not dead center will also affect its trajectory. For example, a toe hit will tend to push the ball. Also, depending on the shape of the face, hits not dead center will affect curvature of the trajectory. For example, on a convex driver face, a toe hit will tend to draw the ball. Another example, on a convex driver face, a low hit will tend to spin the ball more. Also, off center hit high or low will tend to affect launch angle. For example, a low hit will tend to launch the ball lower.

As you can see, there are many varied shots available to you. You want the high draw. Strike the ball high on the face with a closed clubface. Align your swing path to your target accordingly. Practice.

By the way, without practice, there is no go-to shot.

[bill reed]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

hi all
brian! i use your second type to hit a draw, i only hit a drw when i have too as i find it puts a strain on my bad back, i can hit fades all day and my back feels fine.
i find with your second type i can ajust the amout of draw by how much i close the face of the club and i do try and finish with my hands low about the hight of my shoulders, with a a high fade i allways finish with my hands trying to reach the sky. i do find a fade easer to control than a draw. i also think its better to learn early to hit a fade or a draw and to use that than try and hit a drive straight down the middle, even the pro's cant hit a ball straight with a driver that why they use a fade or a draw. i cant understand teaching kids to hit the ball straight with a driver when it is easer to teach them to fade or draw it and have them work on shaping there shots at an early age, sorry i disagree with you bdbl.
bill

[GoNavy]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

OK this may sound counter productive, but when I what to hit a high draw, I use a weak grip, play the ball forward, swing with the left hand knuckles rotating down. The weak grip slows the rotation to prevent the hook, basically the face closes with the body. When I say the left hand knuckles rotate down, think of turning a key with the left hand counter-clockwise ,, that is the action your looking for...you'll see you can only turn the hand so far and it locks, won't turn any further, you want to hit that lock point , you have to make sure you work that left hand hard, letting it breakdown, is bad news right..lol

When ever you play the draw, tee up on the far left of the tee box, the ball is the only thing required to be in there, your feet can be outside, this gives you the entire fairway to play with...I usually shoot for just right of center, in case it doesn't draw, I am still in the FW, just right.

As far as go-to shots, I always or 90% of the time, unless there is real good reason not to, fade irons into the green, reason, because they fly higher, get more spin, which makes them STOP on the green.

Near the green, the high pitch or flop, or trying to spin a ball and make it check may look pretty, but it is hard to get very consistant doing it, I ALWAYS, chip to get the ball on the green as fast as possible then roll out like a putt, to do that you will need to use more then just your pitching wedge, I have chipped with a 4 iron if I need it to run a long way. Here is my formula, how ever far it need to travel in the air to get one to two yds on the green, that becomes my working distance, if the pin is the same distance, I use a PW, if it twice that distances a 9 Iron, three time an 8 Iron, etc.. etc.. on up...pretty good system, and it is pretty bullet proof, I never worry about the pin, just hit my spot and trust the rollout.

[BrianW]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

OK, OK, I am coming out of the closet now. Takes a deep breath, fumbles nervously with the mouse, shall I say it, Oh! go on, I know I will feel better afterwards:

I am a Cross Hitter!! Phew! I actually said it, that feels better, what a relief

I like to bend the ball, I actually have fun doing it. "lets see if I can bend this one round that tree" "Lets see if I can get a bit of a pull slice on this dog leg or some fade on that one" When at the range I try to bend some and have been known to put a bit of straight on them sometimes to ease the monotony.

Now I hope those that know me will not become bendophobic and politely shuffle to the far end of the range when I turn up, I could be quite offended if categorised as that "bender Brian" or "That's the guy that likes putting it round the corner"

Scuttles back under the table

[bulldog2k]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

LoL! All good!

BDBL, I have to say I used to agree. I thought the received wisdom was, "Put your effort into good ball striking until you're single figures".

A while ago I played with a 16HC who was playing for a draw around the corner on the 7th - it's not huge, just needs to go a bit right to left. When I expressed my surprise and admiration at his effort, he launched into a massive and long winded explanation that essentially distilled down to the classic (Nicklaus?) thing of 'point your feet where you want it to start, and the club face where you want it to finish".

So - it seemed to my simple little lump of grey jello - once you get rid of all the 'try to release it more' (I thought I should be releasing it anyway - doesn't always mean I should) and make the necessary aim adjustments with you feet (seems common sense, really) - all you're left with is...

*drum roll and fanfare please*

CLOSE THE FACE A LITTLE AND SWING EASY

NB - memo to self - close the face a little... This means a slightly stronger grip (gentle fade left), NOT point the face OB left, which results in OB left...

I now always play this on the 7th tee (where a fade isn't disastrous, but does mean you have to launch it over the OB left and wait for it to come back, and my nerves aren't that strong. I can - hand on heart - achieve the draw 7 times out of ten, 2 out of 10 goes straight, and 1 out of 10 is - what shall we say? - unpredictable.

I'm not speaking for anyone other than myself here - I just think if you're playing a friendly or a practice round or whatever - why not? What's the worst that can happen?

It's not my go to shot - my go to shot is always aimed straight, but I'll have a punt at it if I need to.

[gatorguy146]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

Jack Nicklaus said "if you hit it straight, you hit it wrong!" There should always be some movement in your shot, even a 2 yd fade or draw at the very minimum. Sounds like your natural shot is a draw and sometimes you hook it when you snappy and flip your wrists. To be honest the best thing you can do is go see a GOOD instructor and spend the money and you will have your problem fixed with a few minor adjustments that will make all the difference.

Remember never try to hit it straight because it's the hardest shot in golf, you should always have some idea of how the ball will move.

[bdbl]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

LOL oops I think I'm in a very small minority here so I'll stop digging in a minute but just one reply first if I may - using Bulldog's post to illustrate a point.

LoL! All good!

BDBL, I have to say I used to agree. I thought the received wisdom was, "Put your effort into good ball striking until you're single figures".

[But] I can - hand on heart - achieve the draw 7 times out of ten, 2 out of 10 goes straight, and 1 out of 10 is - what shall we say? - unpredictable.

Well actually the 2 that go straight are unpredictable really also aren't they - since you wanted a draw; now out of the 7 draws I'd have a small bet that the amount of draw varies a reasonable bit so if we take the two biggest draws we could say that 5/10 attempts are unpredictable, in fact for 30% to 50% of the time you are not sure where the draw will go.

Ok fair enough on your figures only one of those 10 shots will cause you real grief but all I was really saying was that for the 90% (OK 99% was pushing it ) who never break 90 or come close to it that achieving a predictable and consistent shape is more important than trying to shape at will.

Say you have ahem a big fade 8 times out of 10 then aiming up the left will leave you near the middle of the fairway 8 times out of 10. The one that goes straight by accident should be no worse than in the light rough left and the big slice light rough right.

To my mind that would be preferable for me and most golfers - well 90% anyhow - but its only an opinion so right or wrong I'll stand by my table

[oldwease]

Re: Share YOUR Draw Shot Knowledge TODAY!!

I think I agree with you bdbl which is why I say, if you have a natural bias in your shots, stick with that and develop it so that it's controllable and dependable. Only the REALLY good players can hit the variety of shots that are talked about with any consistency (i.e. at will). These are the guys who are likely to be playing on some tour or other. For the rest of us, some realism is a key part of the game, knowing our limitations. I suppose that shouldn't stop us trying different things though. But, some basic things must surely come first. Consistency comes from a basically sound method and a high degree of control over the club. Once you've got that, sure, try fades, draws and so on, you're well placed to do so.

Something else occurs to me; if you tell somebody to hit the ball dead straight all the time, I'm not sure that helps very much. What is the key ingredient that makes the ball go dead straight when we're swinging a club in an arc relative to the ball and basically rotating away from and back to the ball? I suppose, part of the answer to that is no side spin, actually very hard to do given those swing ingredients.

But, if you tell someone to only hit draws or fades, don't you have much clearer clues as to what exactly should be happening to the swing path, club face etc? Seems to me that's a much better defined general process which should eliminate other problems. For example, if you stick to trying to draw the ball with the correct basics (inside path, etc), you should either end up getting it right (drawing), pushing (by not squaring the club face) or hooking (snapping the wrists closed). A 1 in 3 chance ain't bad! We should at least have eliminated slices and fades. Isn't cutting down on the potential negative outcomes progress for most of us?