Transition & DownswingIntermediateFixes: Lack of shot shaping

Intentional Draw Setup and Path Drill

Curated PGA Drill by Rick Shiels Golf

Focus Area

Downswing

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Creates a path right of the target while keeping the face closed relative to the path, imparting right-to-left axis tilt (draw) on the ball flight.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Align stance slightly right of the target line while keeping the clubface aimed at the target.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Strengthen the lead hand grip slightly so two to three knuckles are visible at address.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Make a full backswing, then swing down along the body line (inside-to-out relative to target).

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Feel the trail wrist stay active through impact so the toe of the club rotates closed relative to the path.

What Good Feels Like

Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

Shot shapingDraw biasInside-out pathFace control

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Shape Golf Shots: Draws, Fades and Start Line

Where the ball starts is governed almost entirely by clubface angle at impact, and how it curves is governed by the difference between that face angle and your swing path. To shape shots on command, fix your start line first using a gate a few feet ahead of the ball, then introduce curve by changing where the face aims relative to where the body is aligned. Never work on start line and curve in the same session.

Not sure this is your real fault?

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