Compared to the outside-in slice swing, a draw compresses the ball better and produces more roll.
But three out of four golfers struggle with a persistent slice. If that's you, I have a simple plan to help you hit it straighter. First, we'll fix your out-to-in swing path, then we'll fix your open clubface at impact.
Start with two alignment rods. Place one under your feet and parallel to your target line and one at a 45-degree angle behind the ball. Set up and swing to the top. Stop halfway down and imagine a line across your shoulders matching the angled rod on the ground. That's what it feels like to stay closed with your body, which creates an inside path--the first step toward hitting a draw.
WEAK GRIP
If your left hand grips too far beneath the club, so the knuckles are not visible from above, you will make what is called a weak grip.
To make it easier to keep your shoulders in that 45-degree angle on the downswing, try this drill (above, left). Stick an alignment rod vertically in the ground opposite the instep of your front foot. Fold your arms across your chest, and get into your address position, setting your right shoulder and hip lower than your left (Frame 1).
Make a full backswing rotation, then feel your shoulders stay turned behind the ball as your tailbone leads the downswing. Notice my left hip has moved ahead of the shaft (3). Finally, mimic the through-swing position, posting onto your left leg, your right shoulder turning to the shaft (5).
FINALLY, FIX THE FACE
Position an alignment rod on the ground next to your front foot, parallel to the target line. Place another rod at a 45-degree angle on the backswing side. Swing back, then on the through-swing allow your right hand to come off the club. With your shoulders staying parallel to the 45-degree rod, feel the back of your left hand turning down through the impact area.
When the shaft is parallel to the ground on the follow-through, the clubface should be perpendicular to the rod next to your foot. This counter-clockwise rotation of the left arm ensures that the face is turning slightly closed to the swing path, the final step to hitting a draw.
Practice making some swings without a ball and checking the clubface rotation. Then hit shots trying to incorporate these feelings. The combination of proper lower-body transition and matching clubface rotation will turn your weak slice into a powerful draw in no time.
Darren May is the director of instruction at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Fla. He teaches Camilo Villegas and Cameron Tringale, among other tour pros.