How to Hook a Golf Ball and Draw It with Confidence

Every golfer eventually faces a tough lie on the golf course—a tree on the target line, a tricky angle, or the need to curve a golf shot around trouble. In those moments, knowing how to hook the golf ball or produce a controlled draw golf ball is a skill that separates experienced ball strikers from struggling amateur golfers.

With insights from Adam Bazalgette, founder of Scratch Golf Academy, let’s break down the fundamentals of the hook shot, the role of body movement, and practical drills you can use to improve your golf swing mechanics.

Hooking the Ball: The Core Dynamics

At its simplest, a hook requires two key elements:

1. Swing Path – Your swing path needs to move out to the right for right-handed players (or left for left-handed golfers). This ensures the ball starts in the right direction before curving back.
   
2. Club Face – The club face should be closed relative to your path. This combination produces the desired ball flight, creating a smooth curve.

But balance matters. Too much closure, and you risk a thin shot that dives left. Too neutral a path, and the ball won’t bend enough to clear an obstacle.

The Role of Body Rotation and Upper Body

Players like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson show how body rotation and upper body control affect the hook. When the hips and hands drive forward, the golf club approaches from the inside, producing a strong inside-out path.

This movement also helps in generating lag in the golf swing, giving you power while still shaping the shot. If your hips stall, the path cuts across, making it difficult to hook.

Lead Arm, Trail Foot, and Downswing Sequence

To execute a controlled hook with a full swing, focus on three key areas:

• Lead Arm and Left Arm – Keeping the lead arm connected and the left arm firm promotes square contact.
• Trail Foot – A stable trail foot anchors balance, helping you swing the club smoothly without sliding.
• Start the Downswing – Begin with your lower body, allowing your arms and club to follow naturally. This sequence aligns your path and keeps you from forcing the motion.

By coordinating these checkpoints, you’ll improve your golf swing positions and develop consistency in hitting the ball.

Avoiding the Fatal Flaw

Many amateur golfers try to force the hook by slashing the club face. This mistake leads to two issues:

• A cupped wrist prevents a proper golf swing wrist hinge and keeps the face open.
• The club head races past the hands, destroying your proper swing plane and cutting across impact.

Instead, use smooth golf swing mechanics, letting your body guide the release. This approach produces clean contact, even when under pressure.

Drills for Hooking the Ball

• Preset Hips and Hands – Position them forward to reinforce an inside path.
• Ball Position Adjustments – Play the ball slightly back to find the correct golf swing impact position.
• Condition Awareness – Wet grass or rough reduces friction and can limit curvature. Adjust expectations accordingly.
• Repetition with Awareness – Mix exaggerated hooks with neutral swings to train both skill and adaptability.

For a live demonstration, check out this YouTube lesson on how to hook and draw the golf ball.

The Bigger Picture

Learning how to hook the golf ball builds more than a specialty shot. It sharpens your awareness of golf swing mechanics, develops control of your club face, and strengthens your confidence in different golf swing positions. By mastering this skill, you expand your creativity, make the game more enjoyable, and start to play like advanced ball strikers rather than tentative amateur golfers.

As Adam Bazalgette teaches at Scratch Golf Academy, shaping shots isn’t just about escaping trouble—it’s about becoming a versatile, complete player. Next time you face a blocked target line, trust your fundamentals, commit to your swing, and enjoy watching the ball bend exactly where you planned.