Drawing the driver off the tee will maximize distance and lead to improved approach shots.
Getty Images
Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
You know those infuriating misfires off the tee that you just can’t seem to avoid? If you’re like most amateurs, that means there’s a good chance you’re battling a slice with driver — plus some general inconsistency. You’re not alone. But it’s absolutely killing your golf score.
While there’s some debate in golf about how important it is to hit every fairway versus other aspects of the game, there’s no denying that, for the amateur golfer, having a reliable driver shot typically leads to better results.
This is the ‘optimal’ tee height for your driver, according to a Top 100 Teacher
Instead of releasing the hounds to hunt down your ball from the rough or the woods — where you’re usually forced to hit punch shots and low-flighted shots that you don’t practice — you can confidently address your ball from the fairway, giving you a better chance at scoring low.
It might seem like a pipe dream to hit more fairways off the tee, but with the right fundamentals, it’s possible.
That’s why GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mark Durland wants to give you the tips to draw your driver consistently, giving you better contact, more confidence, and better opportunities at shaving strokes off your round. Check out some of his advice below!
How to draw your driver, per a top teacher
Durland begins the video above by reminding players about ball-flight laws, reenforcing the most important variable — the clubface! Wherever it starts is the direction that the golf ball will go. So if you address the ball with either an open or closed face, you’re already putting yourself at a disadvantage.
Durland refers to his favorite ping-pong analogy to help digest this.
If a ping-pong paddle moves from inside to outside across the back of the ball as a righty, the ball spins left — which is a draw in golf terms. So when trying to draw your driver as a right-handed player, you must get the club path traveling to the right of where your club face is pointing. (Think topspin forehand.)
Practicing on range mats? Here are the benefits and drawbacks
Next, Durland talks about how golfers slice the ball, how they hook the ball, and what we can learn from the latter to make two simple setup adjustments in order to draw the driver in just seconds.
“A reason players slice the golf ball is because they have the clubface open late in the downswing,” Durland tells me. “But, at the same time, they have an awareness of where the golf ball is supposed to go. With their athleticism and hand-eye coordination, they subconsciously swing left (as righties) to try and open the clubface, which is their attempt at producing a functional golf shot.”
In Durland’s experience, most amateurs confuse club path with clubface when trying to determine their starting direction. So many of these golfers swing in the opposite direction, hoping the ball eventually curves back.
He tells me this is a big mistake, however.
“Remember, we want the ball moving towards the target in golf, not away from it,” he says. “So by using a closed clubface and a strong grip (like golfers who hook the ball), we can learn how to swing more in to out — which produces a proper draw.”
Finally, Durland explains what setup adjustments a player must make in order to draw the driver properly.
Want to hit a draw? Start by understanding this simple concept
“Make sure to hold the clubface first and then grip the club,” he says. “If we get the grip first and then adjust the clubface, it’ll just go back to its original position at impact.”
Durland suggests picturing a window to the right of the target (for a right-handed player), and working on starting the golf ball through this window.
“If we take a bird’s eye view of what we’re doing, we’re taking the clubface variable out of the equation with the setup adjustments,” he adds. “So we can work intently on the club path. The draw ball-flight comes from the right club path (for a righty) with a cohesive clubface.”
By taking these tips to your next visit to the range, you can learn how to draw the driver, producing the results every amateur hopes to see more consistently.
Sure-Strike Training Aid by Sure Golf
$139.99
Sure-Strike
The golf swing trainer designed to help you master your swing mechanics to swing like a Tour Pro!
The Sure-Strike is not just another training aid; it’s a game-changer. This new golf swing trainer is meticulously crafted to instill perfect swing mechanics, creating a permanent shift in your performance. Say goodbye to inconsistent swings and hello to a new level of precision and power.
Key Benefits of the Sure-Strike Training Aid
Transform your timing for solid contact and an efficient swing.
Improve swing path and attack angle for optimal ball-then-turf contact and true compression at impact.
Enhance swing sequence, ensuring perfect coordination between body, arms, and club.
Train a shallow swing plane for true lag and increased clubhead speed.
Experience freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural athleticism.
Suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
Crafted with precision and durability in mind.
Elevate your golfing experience and unleash your true potential.
With the Sure-Strike, you’ll experience a transformation in your timing, resulting in solid contact with the ball and an overall more efficient swing. This training aid focuses on improving the path of your swing and attack angle, allowing you to find the ideal low point and achieve that coveted ball-then-turf contact. The result? True compression at impact and a newfound level of control over your shots.
One of the key benefits of the Sure-Strike training aid is its ability to enhance the sequence of your swing, ensuring that your body, arms, and club work together in perfect harmony throughout the entire motion. By training in efficient transition, impact, and follow-through, you’ll experience a level of consistency and fluidity you’ve only dreamed of.
The Sure-Strike empowers you to feel and train a shallow swing plane, leading to true lag and a powerful impact. This shallow plane not only promotes better contact with the ball but also generates greater clubhead speed, resulting in longer and more accurate shots. Feel the satisfaction of hitting crisp, penetrating shots that soar through the air with ease.
By incorporating the Sure-Strike golf training aid into your training routine, little and often, you’ll witness a remarkable improvement in your range of movement. This swing trainer helps you achieve a feeling of freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural golf swing and allowing you to unleash your full potential on the course.
Crafted with precision and built to last, the Sure-Strike is your trusted partner for transforming your golf game. It is easy to use and suitable for golfers of all skill levels, even for kids with the junior version. Practice with confidence and witness the evolution of your swing.
Invest in the Sure-Strike today and elevate your golfing experience to new heights. Experience the joy of a consistent, efficient, and powerful swing that brings your game to a whole new level. Order now and unleash your true golfing potential!
FAQs About the Sure-Strike
Do Swing Trainers Actually Work?
Yes! Golf swing trainers, like the Sure-Strike, teach you how to swing consistently while giving you instant feedback on your swing mechanics. Enough practice over time will build muscle memory that will translate to the course.
How Do I Train My Golf Swing?
In today’s age, there are an infinite number of ways to improve your golf swing. Golf training aids and repetition are some of the most popular and effective methods to improve your swing and your game overall.
View Product
