Pull (starts and stays left)
The shot flies straight with no curve, but it starts left of target and stays on that line.
Why it happens
A pull happens when your swing path and clubface are matched to each other (so the ball flies straight, with no side spin) but both are aimed to the left of your intended target.
Possible causes in your swing, and how to fix each one
Tap any cause to see its fix. Work through them one at a time, usually one or two are the real culprit.
01
Swinging across the ball from outside the target line
An over-the-top move sends the swing path left of target; if the face matches that path instead of staying open to it, the shot flies straight but left.
Practice starting the downswing with your lower body rather than your arms and shoulders, which helps the club approach from further inside instead of over the top.
02
Alignment aimed left of target at setup
Shoulders or body lined up left of target is the single most common cause of a pull.
Lay two alignment sticks on the ground at the range, one along your toe line, one pointing at the target, and check that your feet, hips, and shoulders all match the toe-line stick.
03
Ball position too far forward for the club
Playing the ball too far forward means the swing path is already moving left of target by the time it arrives at the ball.
Move the ball position back slightly in your stance, especially with shorter irons, which should be played closer to the center of your stance than a driver.
Recommended video
Stop Pulling Iron Shots! | Tuck & Turn Shoulder Drill
Eric Cogorno Golf
How do you compare to the pros?
Greens in regulation
A Pull (starts and stays left) is one of the main reasons an approach shot misses the green instead of hitting it in regulation.
Sources: PGA Tour greens in regulation stats (season average, about 65 to 68%); Break X Golf amateur data aggregate, 15-handicap band (about 26%).
When to stop self-diagnosing
If you've genuinely worked through two or three of these causes over several range sessions and the miss keeps showing up, that's not a failure since it usually means the real cause is something you can't feel or see in your own swing. A single 30-minute lesson with a certified instructor, who can watch you hit balls, will find it faster than any website. Bring this page along and tell them what you've already ruled out; it'll save you both time.