Work the Ball

If you want to be a shot maker, you need to learn to work the ball to the left or the right. It gets you around trouble, work the ball with wind, and attack hard to reach pins. Master these shots and you can master your game.

A draw, or hook, shot starts right and then curves left. Use it when a direct shot at your target is blocked, for example on a dogleg hole or if you need to curve the shot around some trees that are in the way. The draw is more of a subtle curve than the hook, which is very strong and often end up in the rough unless you did it deliberately and calculated it into your aim. The draw starts off pretty straight and then starts to fall off to the left. A draw shot makes the ball roll further when it lands because it puts a forward spin on the ball.

To hit a draw:

• Set up your golf shot with your usual alignment and grip.
• Adjust your feet to aim to the right of your target. The angle of your feet depends on your individual swing and desired results, and can range from 5 to 45 degrees. Try 10 to 15 degrees to the right to start.
• Aim the club face directly at your target and use your normal grip. So now your feet are right of the target and the club is facing the target.
• Swing normally. Make sure to swing the club down the line that your body is on.
• Resist the temptation to turn too soon and watch the ball's flight. Since the clubface will be closed to your body because it was aimed at the flag, the ball will draw to the left toward the target.

The fade shot obviously starts to the left and curves right toward the intended target. It is a great shot for holes that are doglegs to the right, have to go around a tree, or want to hit your approach shot to a hard pin. The swing with a fade will tend to cause the ball to rise up a little higher than normal so can be a smart shot to play when you are in between clubs.

To hit a fade:

• Set up your golf shot with your usual alignment and grip.
• Adjust your feet to aim to the left of your target. Once again the amount to aim left depends on your swing and how much you want the ball to fade. Aim more left if you want to get the ball to curve more and less to get the ball to only have a little fade.
• Same as with the fade, keep the clubface pointed at your intended target. This will cause the club to be open compared to your body which will produce the fade.
• Swing normally and down your body line. Remember to keep your clubface aimed at the target.