Date Published: 19/09/2025
A pull shot occurs when the ball starts left of your target and flies straight without side spin. This guide explains the main reasons you may be pulling the golf ball, especially with the driver, and how to fix it.
Why do I pull the golf ball left?
A pull happens when the clubface is square to the target but the swing path moves from outside to inside. This outside-in path sends the ball left without curve.
For the club face to be squared, it means that the club swing must have been outside-to-in.
Other reasons for pulling the golf ball could include:
- Alignment issues: Aim directly at the target with feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the line.
- Outside-in swing or strong grip: An outside-in path or overly strong grip can close the clubface and pull shots left, work toward an in-to-square-to-in path and a neutral grip.
- Coming over the top: Starting the downswing with the upper body forces the club outside the line. Initiate the downswing from the ground up to stay on plane.
- Locking the left knee: Straightening your lead knee at impact tilts the hips and changes your swing path. Keep a slight flex in the left knee through contact.
How To Stop Pulling The Golf Ball
There are a number of things you can do to stop pulling your golf ball, such as:
- Check your aim and stance – Adopting a square stance, rather than an open one, will prevent pull shots and help you better aim at your target.
- Weaken your grip – If your grip shows three knuckles on your lead hand, try reducing it to two or even one. A neutral grip helps prevent the clubface from closing at impact.
- Adjust your swing path – Work toward an in-to-square-to-in club path by practicing drills that encourage an inside takeaway and prevent coming over the top. This keeps the club on plane and promotes straighter shots.
- Aim slightly right of the target – If changing your swing is challenging, aim a bit right of your intended target to compensate. This doesn’t fix the swing itself but helps shots land closer to the target.
- Use drills to stop pulling the golf ball – Examples include the alignment stick drill, where you place a stick along the target line to guide your swing path, or half-swings focusing on inside takeaway and proper hip rotation.
If you’re looking to improve your golfing abilities, iGolf could be right for you. For just £46 a year, we give members access to the Handicap Index, enabling you to track your progress and play against others of varying abilities. Join iGolf today.