Pulling Golf Shots: Major Reasons Why This Is Happening

 

Understanding Pulling Golf Shots: Causes, Corrections, and How to Stop

 

 

Pulling a golf shot is one of the most frustrating issues golfers face, whether they are beginners or seasoned players. A pulled shot happens when the ball flies directly left of the intended target for a right-handed golfer (and right for a left-handed golfer). Unlike a hook, where the ball starts straight and curves off course, a pulled shot flies in a straight line but in the wrong direction.

With this information, we’re certain you’ll be shooting straight in no time.

What Defines A Pulled Shot?

A pulled golf shot occurs when the ball starts left of the target for right-handed golfers (or right of the target for left-handed golfers) and continues on that line without curving back.

The difference between hooking and pulling a golf shot lies primarily in the ball's trajectory and the cause of the shot.

Hooking a Golf Shot:

A hook is a shot where the ball curves sharply from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) or from left to right (for a left-handed golfer).

A hook is usually caused by an overly closed clubface at impact or an inside-to-outside swing path, often combined with the ball making contact with the toe of the club.

The ball starts on a straight or slightly rightward line but then bends significantly to the left.

Pulling a Golf Shot:

A pull is a shot that travels in a straight line but directly left of the target (for a right-handed golfer), or to the right (for a left-handed golfer).

A pull is caused by a swing path that goes outside-to-in with a square or slightly closed clubface at impact. Unlike a hook, a pull does not have a curve; it simply flies straight in the wrong direction.

Some Reasons You’re Pulling Golf Shots

Several factors can contribute to a pulled shot, each related to how the body and club move through the swing. Below, we will examine the most common causes.

Swing Path Issues

The most common cause of a pulled shot is an outside-to-inside swing path. This means the club comes over the top, starting outside the target line and cutting across the ball on an inward path. When this happens, even if the clubface is square to the target, the ball will start left and fly straight but off-target.

Improper Alignment

Another cause of pulled shots can be improper alignment. Many golfers inadvertently aim left of their target without realizing it. When the body is aligned left but the mind is focused on a target straight ahead, a natural compensation occurs, leading to a pull. This is common when golfers are unaware that their shoulders, hips, or feet are open to the target line.

Overactive Upper Body

In many cases, pulling shots is a result of an overactive upper body. When the shoulders and arms dominate the swing, especially early in the downswing, it can cause an outside-to-inside swing path. Over-rotating the shoulders too quickly through the ball can also pull the club offline, leading to the ball flying left.

Ball Position

The position of the ball in your stance also affects whether you pull a shot. If the ball is too far forward, it encourages a swing that bottoms out too soon and results in the club coming across the ball from the outside, leading to a pull. A ball placed too far forward also makes it difficult for golfers to square the clubface at impact.

Improper Weight Shift

Weight distribution during the swing is critical to maintaining control of the club’s path. If a golfer fails to transfer their weight properly from the back foot to the front foot during the downswing, it can lead to an outside-to-in swing path, causing pulled shots. Staying back on the right foot (for a right-handed golfer) too long can also result in the shoulders opening too soon, pulling the ball left.

Tension and Grip Pressure

Tension in the arms, hands, and shoulders can lead to pulled shots. Golfers who grip the club too tightly or tense their upper body throughout the swing may find it difficult to control the clubface and path, which can result in an over-the-top move and a pull.

How to Correct or Stop Pulling Golf Shots

Check Your Alignment

It could well be the case that your pulled shots are not actually down to any swing issues but are just being caused by bad alignment. To correct this, you should try using alignment sticks for golf when practicing your swing at the driving range, as this will give you immediate feedback on how you’re aligning yourself before you swing.

Using alignment sticks will help you to make sure that your hips, feet, shoulders, and torso are in line with your target and parallel to the golf ball before you take your swing. Remember to leave enough room between the golf ball and the sticks so that you can stand at the right distance from the ball.

If you consistently work this into your practice sessions, then over time, you should be able to stop worrying about your alignment and start working solely on improving your swing. Many golfers believe they are aligned correctly but are often aiming left, causing a natural pull. Make a habit of setting up square to your target, and double-check alignment before every shot.

Proper alignment is crucial for avoiding pulled shots. Often, golfers unknowingly align their bodies left of the target, causing them to pull the ball

To correct this:

• Use alignment sticks on the practice range to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.
• Pick an intermediate target a few feet in front of your ball on the intended line.
• Align your clubface perpendicular to this intermediate target.

Work on Your Swing Path

Since the most common cause of pulled shots is an outside-to-in swing path, the key to fixing it is learning how to create a more neutral or inside-to-out swing path. To correct this:

• Focus on swinging from the inside: Imagine your swing path moving from inside the ball to the target line
• Practice with a headcover: Place a headcover just outside your ball. Practice swinging without hitting the headcover to promote an inside-to-out path

Here are some tips to help:

• Takeaway: Focus on taking the club back along the target line, ensuring that it stays inside your hands rather than outside. Avoid a steep backswing, as it can encourage an over-the-top move.
• Swing Plane Drills: One effective drill is to place an object like a head cover just outside the target line about a foot behind the ball. This encourages you to swing inside the line on the downswing to avoid hitting the object, helping correct the outside-to-in path.
• Use an Inside-to-Out Swing Thought: Visualize swinging the club from the inside, hitting the ball toward the right side of the target line (for a right-handed golfer). This mental cue can help you fix your path and avoid pulling shots.

Control Your Upper Body

To prevent an overactive upper body, focus on a smooth, controlled downswing. Many golfers tend to rush the swing with their arms and shoulders, causing the club to come over the top. Instead, work on sequencing your downswing by initiating it with your lower body, particularly your hips. This helps you stay on the correct swing plane and prevents pulling.

One helpful drill is the Step-Through Drill: Take your normal setup, but as you swing through the ball, step forward with your back foot. This helps engage the lower body properly and discourages an overactive upper body.

Adjust Ball Position

One of the most frequent causes of pulled golf shots is having the ball placed too far forward, as this results in the club face being closed at impact.

Placing the golf ball too far forward may also result in a fat shot where you hit the ground before the ball. Or, you may hit the ball first and have a shot where the ball flight is too high.

If you ask a golf instructor about this issue, the quick fix they would probably recommend would be to try placing the ball one or two inches further back than you usually would, even if this feels strange at first.

Incorrect ball position can lead to pulled shots:

• For irons: The ball should be positioned in the center of your stance
• For woods and drivers: The ball should be slightly forward of center, but not too far forward

Adjusting the ball’s position will help you square the clubface at impact and avoid pulling the shot.

Adjust your club angle

Consistent pulled shots can often be the result of the toe of your club face pointing upwards when addressing the ball. This means that you’re more likely to connect with the outer cover of the ball and pull the shot.

Make sure that your club’s heel is flat on the grass when you address the ball, as it should prevent you from holding the club in too much of an upright position and reduce the chances of hitting pulled iron shots.

If you’re lucky enough to have a set of irons fitted for your stance and swing, then adjusting your club angle shouldn’t ever be much of an issue for you.

If not, then you should focus on adjusting your club shaft to the proper angle each time that you address the ball.

Improve Your Rotation

Proper body rotation is essential for maintaining the correct swing path:

• Focus on turning your shoulders: Ensure your shoulders turn fully on the backswing and follow-through

Practice with a medicine ball: Hold a medicine ball and practice rotating your upper body while keeping your lower body stable

Improve Weight Transfer

To fix improper weight transfer, practice drills that emphasize shifting your weight to your front foot during the downswing. One drill is the Pump Drill, where you take your backswing, pause at the top, and then slowly “pump” the club down a few times before completing the downswing. This drill helps reinforce the feeling of transferring your weight properly and prevents staying back on your right side, which can cause a pull.

Focus on Grip Pressure and Relaxation

If you tend to pull shots due to tension, work on relaxing your grip and loosening your shoulders. A tight grip can lead to an overactive upper body and disrupt the swing path.

To address this:

• Check your grip strength: A grip that's too strong can lead to a closed clubface. Ensure you can see 2-3 knuckles on your left hand (for right-handed golfers) at address
• Experiment with a neutral grip: This can help promote a square clubface at impact

 Practice swinging with a lighter grip pressure and staying relaxed throughout the swing. This will help you maintain better control and avoid pulling the ball.

Use a Pre-Shot Routine

Incorporating a pre-shot routine that focuses on alignment, relaxation, and swing thoughts can help you prevent pulled shots. Take a moment before each swing to check your alignment, take a deep breath to relax your upper body, and visualize the correct swing path. A consistent pre-shot routine helps eliminate errors caused by tension and improper setup.

Drills to Stop Pulling Golf Shots 

Incorporating specific drills into your practice routine can help ingrain the correct movements and prevent pulled shots:

The Gate Drill

Set up two tees or alignment sticks creating a "gate" about 3-4 inches wide, just outside your ball. Practice hitting shots through this gate without touching either tee. This drill helps promote an inside-to-out swing path

The Towel Drill

Place a towel on the ground just outside your ball. Practice swinging without touching the towel. This drill helps you feel the correct inside-to-out path and prevents an over-the-top motion

The Alignment Stick Drill

Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing at your target. Set up with the stick between your feet and the ball. Practice hitting shots without the club touching the stick before impact. This drill promotes proper alignment and an inside approach.

The One-Armed Drill

Practice hitting shots using only your trailing arm (right arm for right-handed golfers). This drill helps you feel the correct path and release through impact.

Headcover Drill

Place a headcover just outside the target line behind the ball. This forces you to swing inside the line, encouraging an inside-to-out swing path and preventing pulls.

Pump Drill

As mentioned earlier, the pump drill helps with weight transfer and prevents staying back on your right foot during the downswing.

Step-Through Drill

This drill helps engage the lower body and discourages an overactive upper body, reducing the chances of pulling the ball.

Advanced Techniques

 For more experienced golfers looking to fine-tune their swing and eliminate pulls:

Use Video Analysis

Record your swing from different angles and analyze your swing path, clubface position, and body alignment. This can help identify subtle issues causing pulled shots

Work with a Launch Monitor

A launch monitor can provide detailed data on your club path, face angle, and ball flight. This information can be invaluable in diagnosing and correcting pulled shots.

Experiment with Equipment

Sometimes, equipment adjustments can help address pulled shots:

• Try different shaft flexes: A shaft that's too stiff can lead to a closed clubface at impact.
• Adjust your driver settings: Many modern drivers allow for face angle and loft adjustments, which can help counteract a tendency to pull shots.

Mental Strategies

The mental aspect of golf plays a crucial role in shot execution:

• Visualize the correct shot: Before each swing, picture the ball starting on your intended line and following the desired trajectory.
• Focus on process, not outcome: Instead of worrying about pulling the shot, concentrate on executing your pre-shot routine and making a smooth swing.
• Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques to stay present and avoid overthinking during your swing.

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Pulling golf shots can be a persistent issue, but with proper understanding and practice, it's a problem that can be overcome. By addressing the root causes – such as alignment, swing path, and grip – and incorporating targeted drills into your practice routine, you can significantly reduce the frequency of pulled shots. Consistency is key, and it may take time to see lasting improvements.

Stay patient, focus on the process, and enjoy the journey of improving your golf game.