How to Hit a Draw: Céline Boutier's Simple Tip
In the Aramco Team Series studio, Céline Boutier talks with Rachel Drummond about her pre-shot routine, her draw, and her mental game. Her tip for curving the ball from right to left comes down to one key factor. She also explains how she transitions from the driving range to the course.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Before every shot, Céline Boutier wants to be clear about the shot and the distance. Her caddie gives her the distance, the landing zone, and the effects of the wind and the lie; being torn between two clubs or hesitating in the wind prevents her from committing. Then, after one or two practice swings, she chooses a target, and more technical thinking, at most one: leave the technical work for the driving range.
With irons, her natural shot is a draw. She closes her stance slightly, aims a little further to the right, and lets the swing go to the right with a closed clubface. Her tip for keeping it simple: aim the clubface toward where you want the ball to land and her feet pointing toward where she needs to go, then swing normally. Mentally, this psychology graduate reminds us that only the score matters: focus on the target and on how to get the ball in the hole rather than on a perfect swing.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Assess the distance, the landing zone, the wind, and the terrain.
- Choose your shot and club without wavering between two options.
- Take one or two practice swings to get a feel for it.
- Imagine the starting point and the ending point of the ball.
- Face toward the finish line and point your feet toward the starting line.
- Swing normally, focusing on the target.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Play while hesitating between two clubs or based on the wind's effect.
- Keep several technical considerations in mind on the course.
- Try to manipulate your swing to create the desired effect.
- Aim for perfect shots instead of worrying about your score.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Draws with the face toward the final target and the feet toward the starting point
- Complete pre-shot routine, one or two practice swings
- Series with a Single Technical Concept
Your Questions
What's Céline Boutier's tip for the draw?
Aim the clubface toward where you want the ball to land and your feet toward where you want it to go, then swing normally, without any unnecessary movements.
How should you position yourself for a draw shot with irons?
Céline Boutier closes her stance slightly and aims a little further to the right. The swing starts to drift to the right with a closed clubface, which pulls the ball back to the left.
What does she ask her shopping cart?
The distance, where to land the ball, and how the shot will play out depending on the lie and the wind. Once these factors are determined, she focuses on the distance and the target.
What mental advice does she give?
Moving from technique to performance: focus on the targets and on how to get the ball in, score with what you have that day, and work on your weaknesses later.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Céline Boutier). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.