A draw is one of the most common shot shapes in golf. For many players, it’s a great way to gain extra distance and control. However, when your draw becomes too extreme, it turns into a hook — and that can quickly ruin your round.
If you’ve been asking, “How to fix a draw in a golf swing?” you’re not alone. Many golfers struggle with an unwanted draw, pull, or hook that sends the ball off target. In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What causes a draw in your golf swing
- How to tell the difference between a draw, hook, and pull
- Step-by-step drills to fix your swing
- Driver-specific corrections
- Tips to fix a pull-hook golf swing
By the end, you’ll have a clear practice plan to get your ball flight back under control.
Quick Fix Checklist (TL;DR)
If you just want the fast answer, here are the 5 key steps:
- Weaken your grip (rotate hands slightly left if right-handed).
- Square the clubface at address and impact.
- Adjust stance and ball position (move ball slightly back).
- Neutralize swing path (avoid excessive inside-out path).
- Control your release — avoid flipping hands too early.
Now let’s go deeper.
Is it a Draw, a Pull, or a Hook?
Before fixing your swing, you need to know what’s actually happening.
1. Ball Flight Laws (Simple Version)
- Clubface = controls where the ball starts.
- Swing path = controls how the ball curves.
- Face + path mismatch = curve (draw, fade, hook, slice).
2. How to Check Your Ball Flight
- Use your phone for slow-motion swing video.
- Place alignment sticks on the ground (target line + stance line).
- Watch: does the ball start straight, left, or right? Does it curve back?
3. Common Patterns
- Normal Draw – starts right, curves back slightly left. Good shot.
- Hook – starts right, curves too far left. Uncontrolled.
- Pull – starts left, goes straight left.
- Pull-Hook – starts left and curves further left. Worst case.
If your draw is becoming a hook or pull-hook, you need correction.
Read also more related topics: Top 20 Best Golf Courses in the World
What Causes a Draw in a Golf Swing?
A small draw is natural and often desirable. But if your ball keeps curving too much, here are the usual suspects:
- Strong grip – hands rotated too far right (for right-handers).
- Closed clubface – pointing left of target at impact.
- Too much inside-out swing path – club travels too far from the inside.
- Early release of wrists – flipping hands through impact.
- Ball position too far forward – especially with driver.
- Equipment issues – lie angle too upright, shaft too flexible, low-loft driver.
Each of these factors can turn a neat draw into a nasty hook.
Step-by-Step Fixes on How to fix a draw in a Golf Swing
Now we’ll go through the main adjustments, drills, and practice steps.
1) Fix Your Grip
- Check: How many knuckles do you see on your left hand?
- 2 knuckles = neutral.
- 3+ knuckles = strong (can cause hook).
- Fix: Rotate your left hand slightly left until only 2 knuckles show.
Drill: Hit 20 half-swings focusing only on grip. Check ball flight — it should straighten.
2) Square the Clubface
- At address, align the clubface square to the target, not your stance.
- Many golfers unknowingly set the face closed.
Drill: Use impact tape or foot spray on the clubface. Hit balls and check contact position. A centered strike makes squaring easier.
3) Adjust Ball Position & Stance
- Driver: Move the ball slightly back in stance (too far forward exaggerates hook).
- Irons: Keep ball just ahead of center, not too forward.
Drill: Hit 5 shots with the ball ½ inch back, compare flight.
4) Neutralize Your Swing Path
A draw needs a slightly inside-out path, but too much leads to hooks.
Drills:
- Alignment Rod Drill – Place rod just outside target line. Swing without hitting it.
- Toe-up Drill – Swing back to hip height, club toe points up. Same on follow-through. Helps balance release.
5) Control Your Release
Too much hand flip = closed face = hook.
Fix: Focus on body rotation instead of hand action.
Drill: Towel under armpit — hit shots without letting towel fall. Promotes body-driven swing.
6) Tempo & Weight Transfer
Fast hands with slow body = hook. Smooth rhythm = straighter flight.
Drill: Use a 3:1 rhythm — backswing 3 counts, downswing 1 count. Step-through drill to feel weight shift.
7) Driver-Specific Fixes
Many golfers only hook with the driver.
Tips:
- Weaken grip slightly.
- Tee ball a bit lower.
- Move ball back half an inch.
- Choke down on grip for control.
- Focus on swinging smoother, not harder.
Drill: Tee gate drill — place two tees slightly wider than clubhead. Swing through cleanly.
How to Fix a Pull-Hook Golf Swing
A pull-hook starts left and curves even more left. Causes:
- Closed face at setup.
- Out-to-in swing path + strong release.
Fixes:
- Square face at address.
- Neutralize grip.
- Work on inside-out path.
Drill: Place an alignment rod outside the ball pointing at target. Practice swinging inside that rod.
Drills, Practice Plan & Progress Tracking
Warm-Up Routine (5–8 min)
- Stretch shoulders & hips.
- Take 10 half-swings focusing on grip.
Key Drills
- Gate Drill – control path.
- Impact Bag Drill – train square face.
- Alignment Stick Drill – groove swing path.
4-Week Practice Plan
- Week 1: Focus on grip and ball position.
- Week 2: Add swing path drills.
- Week 3: Driver-specific practice.
- Week 4: On-course simulation.
How to Track Progress
- Use phone video weekly.
- Compare ball start direction + curve.
- Optional: launch monitor to check face angle/path.
Tools & When to See a Coach
- Helpful tools: Alignment rods, impact tape, launch monitor apps.
- See a coach if:
- Hooks remain after drills.
- Equipment mismatch (wrong shaft flex or loft).
- You can’t feel the correction yourself.
FAQs
What causes a draw in a golf swing?
A draw happens when the swing path is slightly inside-out and the clubface is closed relative to that path. Too much of this causes a hook.
How to fix a hook in golf with a driver?
Weaken grip, adjust ball position, tee lower, swing smoother, and practice path drills.
Is a draw good in golf?
Yes, a small draw adds distance and control. The problem comes when it turns into a hook.
What is the difference between a draw and a hook?
- Draw = small right-to-left curve (controlled).
- Hook = severe left curve (uncontrolled).
How long does it take to fix a draw/hook?
With regular practice (2–3 sessions a week), most golfers see improvement in 3–4 weeks.per week), most golfers experience improvement within
Conclusion
Fixing a draw in your golf swing is all about diagnosis and small adjustments. Check your grip, stance, and clubface first. Then work on path and release with simple drills.
With consistent practice and the right mindset, you can turn a destructive hook into a powerful, controlled draw that helps lower your scores.