Snap hook, banana slice, chilly dip, and shankapotamus! Golfers have a colorful way of describing their golf shots.
What is a draw in golf? We will give you a hint; it doesn’t have anything to do with your handwriting or your ability to sketch.
The funniest golf terms tend to describe bad shots. A “draw” is an exception. It describes a shot that golfers strive to hit.
In this article, we will cover:
- 10 Ways to Describe The Flight Of Your Golf Ball
- What Is a Draw In Golf & Why You Need This Shot
- 5 Tips to Add a Draw Shot To Your Game!
Let’s get going!
What Is A Draw In Golf? 10 Ways To describe The Flight Of Your Golf Ball
It may be hard to believe, but there are 10 golf terms that describe how your golf ball behaves once it leaves your club.
The answer to “What is a draw in golf?” does change depending on what side of the ball you swing on.
We will describe these terms as if you are a right-handed golfer, but they work for lefties as well; you just have to reverse the direction.
For example, a slice for a right-handed golfer curves to the right, but for a left-handed golfer, a slice curves to the left.
#1: Draw
The title of this article is “What is a draw in golf?” so we have to start with this term. A draw is a shot that curves slightly to the left once it is in the air.
A draw is a golf shot that players want to hit. This term has a positive connotation. A golfer might say, “I hit a nice, tight draw.”
#2: Fade
A “fade” is the opposite of a “draw.” This shot will curve slightly to the right once it leaves the club.
Just like a draw, a fade is typically a good golf shot. Many players on the PGA Tour would tell you that a power fade is the perfect shot shape.
#3: Cut
A “cut” is a synonym for a “fade.” It also means a golf shot that curves slightly to the right. You might here is described as a “small slice.”
This is the last term on our list that is considered positive. It’s funny, but golfers spend more time describing their bad shots than their good ones.
#4: Slice
A “slice” is a golf shot that curves significantly to the right. This will typically cause your ball to miss the fairway and potentially go out of bounds.
You may hear a golfer say, “I sliced it off the earth,” or “I hit a banana slice.” A slice is almost always a poor shot.
#5: Hook
A “hook” is a “slice,” but in the other direction. The ball will curve significantly to the left.
A “hook” is a dangerous shot for a golfer because it will have over-spin. Not only will it fly to the left, but once it lands, it will roll even farther offline.
A “hook” is the shot that scratch golfers hate and will do everything possible to avoid hitting it.
What is a draw in golf? You might say it is a “small hook.”
#6: Snap Hook
Golfers hate the “hook” so much that they have several terms to describe this type of shot.
A “snap hook” curves so violently to the left that it looks like it “snaps” in that direction as soon as the ball leaves your club.
A “snap hook” will almost always end up in the woods, out of bounds, or in a hazard.
#7: Duck Hook
We warned you that golfers are fixated on the “hook.” A “duck hook” curves so fast to the left that it starts to curve down back toward the ground.
A “duck hook” does not stay in the air very long but quickly curves to the left. They can become very frustrating and have caused some players to quit the game.
#8: Pull
A “pull” is not a shot that curves but instead immediately starts offline. A “pull” may fly straight, but it starts 15-20 yards to the left of your target.
Some golfers can combine a couple of these terms to create a good golf shot. For example, you play well if you have a “pull slice.”
In this case, you pull your ball to the left, but it curves to the right and ends up in the fairway.
#9: Push
A “push” is the same as a “pull” but in the opposite direction. The ball does not curve in the air, but it starts offline to the right.
#10: Block
A “block” is a synonym for a “push.” It doesn’t necessarily curve, but it starts to the right.
What Is A Draw In Golf – Why You Need This Shot
We have answered the question, “What is a draw in golf” but you might wonder, “Why do I want to hit a draw”?
From our perspective, there are two primary reasons why a draw can help you play better golf.
#1: More Distance
It is a way to get more distance off the tee. A draw puts over-spin on the ball, meaning it will roll farther once it lands.
You might hear golfers say, “That one was hot,” or “I put heat on that one.” What they mean is that the ball is going to run once it lands.
A simple thing to remember. A golf shot with a draw will go farther than once with a fade/cut.
#2: Much Better In The Wind
It is a shot that goes right through the wind. Playing on a windy day is much easier if you can hit a draw.
A fade, cut, or slice spins up into the air – the wind makes this spin even worse. It is difficult to control your golf ball in the wind if you put “slice spin” on it.
On the other hand, a draw penetrates through the wind. It will be much easier for you to control the ball.
What Is A Draw In Golf? 5 Tips To Add It To Your Game!
Why do you want to hit a draw? We cover that. Now it is time to focus on the “how.”
#1: Get A Grip
How you grip the golf club can cause you to curve the ball differently. You may have heard the terms strong & weak grips – a strong grip promotes a draw.
The best way to determine the “strength” of your grip is to count the knuckles you can see on your left hand when you hold the golf club.
If you have a strong grip, you will be able to see 2-3 knuckles.
If you can’t see 2-3 knuckles on your left hand when you hold the club, twist that hand slightly to the right. This will strengthen your grip.
#2: Be Open To Change & Close Your Stance
You might need to change your setup to start hitting a draw in golf. Closing your stance could be the key.
Here are some quick instructions to close your stance;
Set up to the ball as you usually do. Now move your right foot back (away from the ball) slightly.
This minor adjustment will close your stance and help you hit a draw.
#3: Check Your Equipment – Is It Helping Or Hurting You?
The way your golf clubs will impact your ball curves in two main ways: the shaft you use and the settings of your driver.
What is a draw in golf? It is a shot that can be created by understanding your golf clubs.
You must understand the shaft flex in your clubs. It needs to match your swing speed if you want to hit good golf shots.
You can test this out on your own with a launch monitor, or you can see a professional.
The other thing to check is your driver settings. Most new drivers allow you to add/subtract loft and open/close the face.
If you struggle to hit a draw, ensure these settings aren’t incorrect. You can find these details on the brand’s website, depending on the type of club you use.
You paid a lot for your golf equipment – it should make your life easier, not harder.
#4: Listen To Your Divot
Did you know that your divot can talk? It can tell you all you need to know about your swing path.
What is a draw in golf? It is the result of a golfer with a slight inside-out golf swing.
When you hit a draw, your divot will point slightly to the right. Always check your divot after each shot to see what it tells you.
If it points to the left, you make more of a cut/slice swing. This can be a great swing thought to hit a draw. Try to create a divot that points right!
#5: Learn “The Draw” On The Driving Range
What is a draw in golf? Not a shot you want to try for the first time on the golf course! Develop new shot shapes when you are practicing on the driving range.
There is no penalty on the driving range if you hit a wild shot. They aren’t even your golf balls!
This is where you should try to develop your draw. You might hit some “blocks” or “duck hooks,” but who cares. You can’t go out of bounds at the range.
Develop the shot when you practice; once you have it down, take it to the golf course!
