TL;DR
A pull starts left and flies straight left (with no curve) for right-handed golfers.
Key Takeaways
- Pull = straight shot left (for right-handers) with no curve.
- Cause: Out-to-in swing path with a square or closed clubface.
- Alignment: Poor setup or shoulder position often leads to pulls.
- Not a hook: A pull goes straight left; a hook curves left.
- Fix: Adjust stance, ball position, swing path, and grip pressure.
What Is a Pull Shot in Golf?
A pull is a golf shot that starts left of the target (for right-handed players) and flies straight left, without curving. It’s a misalignment or swing path error, not a mishit.
Pulls occur when the club travels out-to-in and the clubface stays square to that path, not the target. The result is a clean, straight shot, but in the wrong direction.
For left-handed golfers, a pull shot starts and flies right of the target.
What Causes a Pull?
A pull shot is usually caused by a combination of out-to-in swing path, square or closed clubface, poor alignment, ball too far forward, over-the-top motion, or excessive grip tension.
1. Out-to-In Swing Path
Your club travels across the target line from outside to inside, sending the ball left of your intended line.
2. Square or Slightly Closed Clubface
Even if the clubface is square to your swing path, it’s still pointing left of the target—resulting in a straight pull.
3. Poor Alignment
If your shoulders, hips, or feet are aimed left, your entire swing may follow that misaligned path.
4. Ball Too Far Forward
Positioning the ball too far forward causes your swing to come across your body, especially with irons or shorter clubs.
5. Over-the-Top Motion
This fault occurs when your upper body starts the downswing, steepening the angle and producing a pull or pull slice.
6. Excessive Grip Tension
A tight grip or rushed tempo limits your ability to control the clubface, often leading to leftward mis-hits.
Pull vs Hook vs Pull Hook
While all three shots: pull, hook, and pull hook move left for right-handed golfers, they differ in start direction, ball curve, and cause.
| Shot Type | Start Direction | Ball Curve | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull | Left | None (straight) | Out-to-in swing path + square/closed clubface |
| Hook | Right or straight | Left curve | In-to-out swing path + closed clubface |
| Pull Hook | Left | Curves more left | Inside-to-out swing path + very closed clubface |
Key Differences:
- Pull: Starts left, flies straight.
- Hook: Starts straight or right, curves left.
- Pull hook: Starts left, curves further left.
For left-handed golfers, simply reverse directions (left ↔ right).
How to Fix a Pull Shot
To fix a pull shot, focus on improving alignment, adjusting swing path, correcting ball position, relaxing grip pressure, and using targeted drills.
1. Check Your Alignment
Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line, not aiming left.
2. Fix Your Swing Path
Work on swinging more from the inside, avoiding the out-to-in path that causes pulls.
3. Adjust Ball Position
Move the ball slightly back in your stance, especially with irons, to prevent swinging across your body.
4. Relax Grip Pressure
Avoid squeezing the club too tightly, light grip pressure promotes smoother, more controlled swings.
5. Use Practice Drills
Try alignment sticks or headcover drills to build muscle memory and reinforce an inside-out path.
Drills to Correct a Pull
To fix a pull, try the Alignment Stick Drill (for setup accuracy), Headcover Drill (to promote inside-out path), and Wall Drill (to eliminate over-the-top motion).
1. Alignment Stick Drill: Fix Alignment
Place one stick along your target line, another parallel to your feet.
Check that shoulders, hips, and feet match the alignment stick—not aimed left.
Use before every practice session to build proper setup habits.
2. Headcover Drill: Train Inside-Out Path
Place a headcover just outside the target line, behind the ball.
Make swings avoiding the headcover, encouraging an inside-to-outside swing path.
Instant feedback when your swing path is off.
3. Wall Drill: Stop Over-the-Top
Stand near a wall or net with your lead shoulder close to it.
Make slow-motion swings, if your club hits the wall, you’re swinging over the top.
Helps flatten your swing plane and promote a better path.
FAQs
Is a pull shot the same as a hook?
No. A pull goes straight left (no curve), while a hook starts straight or right and curves left.
What causes a consistent pull with irons?
Usually poor alignment, an out-to-in swing path, or the ball positioned too far forward in your stance.
Why am I only pulling my short irons or wedges?
Short clubs exaggerate alignment and path issues. You may be over-rotating or swinging too steeply on shorter shots.
Can a pull still be a good shot?
Technically yes, if it’s solidly struck—but it misses your intended line. It’s a directional error that should be corrected.
How do I know if I’m pulling or hooking?
Watch the ball flight:
- Pull: Starts left, flies straight
- Hook: Starts straight or right, curves left
- Pull Hook: Starts left, curves more left
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