Trevor Ng
A fade is a golf shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed players. It is a controlled shot that is achieved through intentional swing mechanics. Fades are useful when precision is required, such as when avoiding obstacles on the left side of the course or placing the ball on a tight fairway. Fades are generally considered easier to control than draws, which curve from right to left. The swing mechanics of a fade reduce the chances of mishits and make it a reliable shot even under pressure. However, fades typically don't travel as far as draws and can be challenging in right-to-left wind conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Controlled shot | Achieved through intentional swing mechanics |
| Curve | Gently from left to right for right-handed players |
| Accuracy | Better accuracy due to controlled left-to-right movement |
| Distance | Less distance than draws |
| Backspin | More backspin than draws |
| Consistency | Easier to control and repeat than draws |
| Mishits | Reduced chances of mishits like hooks |
| Slice | If not executed properly, it can turn into a slice |
| Wind | Harder to control in right-to-left wind conditions |
| Grip | Weaker grip than draws |
| Clubface | Open clubface at impact |
| Swing | Inside swing path through impact |
| Setup | Position feet, hips, and shoulders slightly open to the target line |
| Alignment | Clubface aimed directly at the target or slightly left |
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What You'll Learn
A fade is a controlled shot
To execute a fade, the clubface should be open to the path at impact. This means that the clubface is aligned with the intended target, but it remains open relative to the swing path. The swing itself should be on an inside path, starting the ball left of the target and then curving back to the right. Padraig Harrington provides an excellent example of the ideal swing path for a fade, with a subtle 1-2 degree inside swing that creates a 7-8 yard fade.
Fades are generally considered easier to control and repeat than draws. The swing mechanics reduce the chances of mishits and make it a reliable shot, even under pressure. However, fades typically don't travel as far as draws due to the higher trajectory and added backspin, which can be a disadvantage when maximising distance is the goal.
While fades offer better accuracy, they can be challenging in right-to-left wind conditions as the wind can exaggerate the curve, pushing the ball off course. Additionally, if a fade is not executed properly, it can turn into a slice, which is a common mishit in golf, resulting in a loss of both distance and accuracy.
Learning to hit a fade can significantly improve your golf game and make you a more adaptable golfer. It is a shot favoured by many professionals, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Dustin Johnson.
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Fades are useful for precision
Fades are incredibly useful when precision is required. The controlled left-to-right movement of a fade helps golfers position the ball exactly where they want it, which is a huge advantage when aiming for narrow fairways or tricky greens. For example, if there is a bunker, water hazard, or out-of-bounds area on the left, golfers can start the ball left and let it curve back to avoid these obstacles. Fades are also useful for approach shots when the pin is on the right side of the green, as they allow golfers to aim a straight shot right at the flag with less risk of missing left.
Fades are generally considered easier to control and repeat than draws, which require an inside club path and the ability to close the clubface—two of the hardest things to get right in golf. The swing mechanics of a fade reduce the chances of mishits like hooks, making it a reliable shot even under pressure. However, no shot is perfect, and fades have their limitations. For example, fades typically don't travel as far as draws, as the higher trajectory and added backspin of a fade can reduce both carry and roll-out.
In right-to-left wind conditions, a fade can also be harder to control, as the wind can exaggerate the curve and push the ball off course. Additionally, if a fade isn't executed properly, it can turn into a slice—an extreme left-to-right shot that loses both distance and accuracy. Nevertheless, learning to hit a fade can add a lot to a golfer's game and make them more adaptable and versatile. It can be as simple as tweaking your setup and swing mechanics, such as positioning your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly open to the target line and keeping your grip neutral with consistent pressure.
Famous golfers who favour fades include Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, and Lee Trevino. As Trevino famously said, "You can talk to a fade, but a hook won't listen." This quote sums up the sentiment that fades are more controllable and forgiving than draws, which can be unpredictable and hard to master. While some golfers prefer the distance of a draw, it often comes down to individual preference and course conditions. Both fades and draws have their place in a golfer's arsenal, and it's important to practice and perfect both shots to become a well-rounded player.
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Fades are easier to control than draws
Golfers often find that hitting a fade is more manageable and consistent than drawing the ball. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, a fade is a more natural shot for most players. The swing path for a fade is from outside-in, which means the clubhead travels on an outside path relative to the target line and then cuts across the body, resulting in an in-to-out path relative to the target. This swing path feels more natural and comfortable for many golfers. It also tends to be a smoother motion, which leads to more consistent contact and better control over distance and direction.
Additionally, when a golfer hits a draw, the clubface needs to be slightly closed at impact, with a slightly stronger grip, which can be challenging to time consistently. Even a minor mistake in timing or clubface position can lead to a severe pull or a hook. Fades are more forgiving in this regard. The clubface can be slightly open or closed at impact, and the shot will still fade as long as the club path is from outside-in. This increased margin for error makes it easier to control the direction and shape of the shot.
The outside-in swing path of a fade also tends to produce a lower ball flight, which is often advantageous. Lower shots are less affected by wind and typically result in more roll after landing, leading to greater distance. Furthermore, a lower ball flight often provides a more significant "window" to hit through trees or other obstacles, giving golfers more options and confidence when facing challenging situations. The fade is also a preferred shot shape on many golf courses, as it sets up a better angle for approach shots into greens and can help golfers avoid hazards strategically placed for players who tend to draw the ball.
While drawing the ball certainly has its advantages in certain situations, it requires precise timing and clubface control. Golfers need to ensure the clubface is slightly closed at impact while maintaining an inside-out swing path. This coordination takes a lot of practice and is why many golfers, especially higher handicappers, find it challenging and inconsistent. In contrast, a fade is often the go-to shot for its reliability and relative ease of execution. With a fade, golfers can still achieve impressive distances and control their shots effectively without requiring the same level of precision and timing.
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Fades don't travel as far as draws
A fade is a golf shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed players. It is a controlled shot that is achieved through intentional swing mechanics. Fades are useful when you need precision, such as when aiming for a narrow fairway or avoiding obstacles on the left side of the course.
Now, why do fades not travel as far as draws? This is because of the higher trajectory and added backspin of fades, which reduce both carry and roll-out. When the clubface is open to the inside path at impact, it helps generate the curve required to shape the ball from left to right. This curve, in turn, reduces the distance travelled by the ball.
Draws, on the other hand, are controlled shots that curve from right to left for right-handed golfers. They are highly prized by amateur golfers as they provide extra yardage and more distance. The ball rolls out more after landing, making a huge difference on longer holes.
While fades don't travel as far as draws, they are still incredibly useful for course management and tackling challenges confidently. They can help you position the ball exactly where you want it, which is advantageous when aiming for tricky spots.
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Fades are harder to control in right-to-left wind conditions
A fade is a golf shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed players. It is a controlled shot achieved through intentional swing mechanics. Fades are beneficial when precision and control are more important than distance, such as when you need to avoid obstacles on the left side of the course or place the ball exactly where you want it on a tight fairway.
Fades are generally considered easier to control than draws, as the backspin helps to minimize the effect of wind on the ball flight. However, in right-to-left wind conditions, a fade can be harder to control. The wind can exaggerate the curve of the fade, pushing the ball off course. This is because, in a right-to-left wind, a draw will fight the wind and hold its line, whereas a fade will be blown to the right. This is why a draw is ideal for holes that dogleg left, as it can help shorten the hole by cutting the corner.
To play a fade, you need to get your clubface open to your path at impact. This means that your clubface should be pointed slightly to the right of the club's path. This will help you generate the curve required to shape the ball from left to right. The key is to keep the clubface open relative to your swing path, but it can still be square to the target line. Additionally, you should position your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly open to the target line, which is aligned left of the target for right-handed players. This open stance promotes the out-to-in swing path needed for a fade.
While fades can be harder to control in right-to-left wind conditions, they are still an important shot to have in your arsenal as a golfer. Learning to hit a fade can add a lot to your game and make you a more adaptable and versatile golfer.
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Frequently asked questions
A fade is a golf shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed players. It is a controlled shot that is achieved through intentional swing mechanics.
To hit a fade, position your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly open to the target line. This open stance promotes the out-to-in swing path needed for a fade. Keep your grip neutral with consistent pressure and avoid gripping too tightly.
A draw is a shot that curves from right to left, opposite to a fade. A draw is achieved by closing the clubface, while a fade is achieved by keeping the clubface open relative to the swing path.
The choice between a fade and a draw depends on the golfer's preference and the course conditions. Fades are generally considered easier to control and repeat than draws, but they may not travel as far. Draws provide more distance but can be more difficult to master.
To fix a fade, you need to focus on closing the clubface at impact. Try drills that exaggerate closing the clubface to counter the tendency to keep it open. Work on releasing the club sooner in your downswing to correct the issue.
