Push-Draw
Also known as: push draw, stock draw (tour usage)
The push-draw is the shape most right-handers are chasing. This means it sets off right of the flag and turns gently back toward it, finishing near the middle of the fairway.
A push-draw is a ball flight that starts to the right of the target line and curves back left through the air. It is produced by an in-to-out club path combined with a clubface that is closed relative to that path (creating right-to-left spin) but still open relative to the target line (which is why the ball starts right rather than at the target). Unlike many entries in this list, a push-draw is not on its own a fault. This means many tour players intentionally play a controlled push-draw as their stock shot. This uses the starting line as a target-line buffer against an over-draw.
What separates a "stock" push-draw from a problematic one is degree and repeatability. A controlled push-draw starts a modest amount right (often just a few yards) and curves back to the target with a predictable amount of movement. An excessive or uneven push-draw. This means where the ball starts well right and the amount of draw varies shot to shot. This means indicates either too much path (in-to-out beyond what the face can reliably control) or uneven face-to-path relationship at impact.
Golfers working on eliminating a slice often pass through a push-draw phase as an intermediate step. It is a healthy sign. This means it means the path has changed from out-to-in to in-to-out. The remaining refinement is dialing in how much the face closes relative to the new path. As a result, the amount of curve becomes predictable rather than a wide range of outcomes.
Example
A player's draws reliably start about 8 yards right of the flag and curve back to finish just left of it. This means a repeatable, intentional push-draw used as a stock shot shape.
Why it matters
Recognizing a push-draw as a legitimate, controllable shot shape. Instead of something to "fix". This means prevents golfers from overcorrecting a working pattern into a neutral, harder-to-repeat swing. SwingVantage reports both the starting direction and the amount of curve. As a result, a player can see whether their push-draw is consistent (a stock shape) or variable (a miss pattern still being sorted out).
How it shows up on video
From down-the-line, the path shows the club approaching from inside the target line through impact. From face-on, the clubface at impact is closed relative to the path but can still appear slightly open relative to the target line itself. This means the combination that starts the ball right of target before it curves back.
Common mistakes
- Trying to eliminate all rightward starting direction. This means a modest push start is often the mechanism that makes a draw repeatable. Removing it can flip the shot into a pull or an uneven straight-ball chase.
- Confusing an excessive push-draw (30+ yards of curve, hard to predict start line) with a controlled stock draw. This means the fix for the former is tightening face-to-path relationship, not abandoning the shot shape.
- Aiming at the target instead of the intended start line. This means a player who knows they hit a push-draw but keeps aiming directly at the pin will reliably miss right of where they intend.
Related terms
- DrawA draw is a controlled shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed golfer (the opposite for a lefty). It is produced by a clubface slightly closed to the swing path but still open to the target line.
- In-to-OutIn-to-out describes a clubhead travelling rightward across the target line as it meets the ball, for a right-hander. It is the delivery direction underneath draws, hooks and pushes.
- Draw BiasA draw bias is a golfer's repeatable tendency to curve shots right-to-left (for a right-hander), whether by natural swing pattern. A related detail is a deliberate stock shot, or equipment setup, as opposed to a golfer who tends to fade or hit it straight.
- Face-to-PathFace-to-path is the difference between face angle and club path at impact. It is the single number that determines how much, and which way, the ball curves.
- Club PathClub path is the horizontal direction the clubhead is moving through impact, relative to the target line, in degrees. Positive is in-to-out (a draw bias); negative is out-to-in (a fade or slice bias).
Related guides & benchmarks
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