
In golf, a fade is a type of controlled golf shot where the golfer shapes the shot toward their given target, like the fairway or the flagstick on the putting green. Fades curve from left to right for right-handed golfers and right to left for lefties. A fade is one of two predominant golf shot types used by golfers on each swing.
How to hit a fade in golf?
Let's take a look... Go to the range and line up at a target, then put a shaft or alignment stick down on your heel line. If you lay it down on your toe line, it can be distorted by turning your feet out, as some people like to do. Then step behind and see where it is aiming.
How do you hit a power fade in golf?
Strategies for Improving Your Golf Fade
- Practice with Your Driver. First, you need a basic understanding of which golf clubs are best for a power face and which will complicate your effort.
- Perfect the Arnold Palmer Finish. You know that classic finish we all think of when we think of the great Arnold Palmer. ...
- Tee Down. Are you ready for the easiest tip in this entire article? ...
How do I hit a fade golf shot?
Method 1 Method 1 of 2: Hitting a Draw
- Use a strong grip. Hitting a draw means hitting the ball to that, for a right-handed player, the ball curves slightly from right to left.
- Aim to the right of your target. Point your feet and shoulders so that they are aimed slightly to the right of your intended target, but aim your shot ...
- Draw an imaginary line to shoot with a rounded swing. ...
How do you correct a fade with Golf driver?
If you’re ready to get rid of your slice once and for all, you need to know:
- What causes the slice
- How to diagnose a slice
- The difference between slicing with your irons and slicing with your driver
- A few practice tips to correct your golf swing

Is a fade good in golf?
There is an endless debate over which shot shape is better, the fade or the draw. Some will argue that the fade is better because it provides more control, and can offer a softer landing. Others will say the draw is superior because the ball with travel farther, and cut through the wind more effectively.
What is the difference between a fade and a slice in golf?
We've already discussed the basic difference between a fade and a slice. A fade is a controlled, intentional shot that curves from left to right. A slice takes the same general shape, but it is not intentional, and the ball flight is out of control.
How do you hit a fade in golf?
2:316:57THE EASY WAY TO HIT A FADE | GOLF EXPLAINED - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow in order to fade the golf ball. We need a club path that moves from out to in or simply again weMoreNow in order to fade the golf ball. We need a club path that moves from out to in or simply again we're swinging to the left at. Impact. This t here is going to represent our club face alignment.
Whats better a draw or fade?
Traditionally speaking, a draw tends to be a better shot than a fade. Although there are golfers that will believe otherwise, to hit a draw, you will have had to release the club properly with a square clubface. Fades, on the other hand, can happen when the direction and path are slightly open.
Why do most pros play a fade?
Spin loft is exemplified as golfers find themselves much more accurate with their wedges than their driver. More spin equals more stability, and this leads us to why professional players opt for their fade.
Is a hook a fade or draw?
Simply put, a slice and a hook are draws or fades that did not come off. A slice follows the same shape as a fade, although it travels more across than forward, diminishing your distance.
Is a fade a slice?
A “fade,” which is also known as a slice that still finds the fairway, can produce a long drive that has just enough backspin to prevent the ball from rolling away from you and into the rough. Let's take a look at how to control a slice —to turn it into a fade with a few simple steps.
Do you lose distance with a fade?
“Provided the ball speed, launch angle and spin rate are the same, a draw and fade will carry and roll the same distance. However, from a practical perspective, most club golfers will hit a draw further than a fade, because when they hit a draw they reduce the loft, leading to lower spin rates.
Is it OK to have a natural fade?
There is nothing wrong with being a natural fade player, as some of the best golfers of all-time have preferred to move the ball from left to right. Depending on how well you remember shots from previous rounds, you may be able to go back farther than one round when working on this exercise.
Why do you play a fade in golf?
Playing a fade can prompt a slice if the face makes contact with the ball at the wrong angle. Furthermore, on dogleg holes that are draw-friendly, a fade may prevent you from reaching a green in regulation.
What is a draw and fade?
A draw and fade refer to the shape that your ball travels from the time you hit it to the time it lands. Both these shapes are controlled versus a hook or a slice. Players induce a draw or fade to gain more control over their shots. Or to navigate around obstacles like trees.
How to hit a fade right handed?
Right-handed golfers that are looking to hit a fade should focus on three elements. The first is to aim to the left of the target. The second is to ensure that the clubface is slightly open but angled a few degrees left of the target. The final element is your angle of attack.
Why is it important to fade a shot?
Benefits. A fade is an excellent shot to have in your arsenal to work around trees and put yourself into a favorable position on dogleg holes. Furthermore, it gives players consistency and control over their game, enabling them to set up, aim and swing the same on every hole.
What is a fade shot?
A fade is a shot shape that moves in the opposite direction to a draw. Therefore, if you are a right-hander the ball moves from left to right. Conversely, left-handers will move the ball right to left.
What happens when you hit a draw?
When players are learning to hit a draw, they tend to roll their hands across their body excessively, prompting a hook. A fade offers new golfers more forgiveness in terms of the ball going airborne. A draw gone wrong can result in a low hook that struggles to get off the ground.
How to pull off a fade?
To pull off a fade you need to attack the ball from a steep angle. This helps you get your hands passing through the ball to start it left and move it right. Left-handed golfers simply need to aim to the right of their target and follow the remaining steps as is.
What does it mean when a golf ball is faded?
In golf a fade is the name of the trajectory that sees the ball starting inside of the target line after impact but curling out and finishing at the target. For right-handed players it means that the ball shoots left initially only to curl right while in the air and lands on target.
What does a fade do?
A Fade will Fly Higher and Will Roll Less. Generally speaking, a fade will tend to travel on a higher trajectory and will roll less upon landing. These can be explained by the fact your setup position added effective loft to your club and shot.
How to set up a fade?
The first step while setting up for a fade is to position the club behind the ball correctly. You’ll want your clubface to be closed relative to the target, or in other words that it is aiming to the left of the target slightly. Indeed, in contrast to a straight shot a fade will see the ball starting left of the target and positioning your clubface ...
Why curl a golf ball around a tree?
Other times, you may need to curl the ball around a tree or a hazard in order to improve your odds of hitting the target. Otherwise, better players may choose to hit a fade in windy conditions, hoping to cancel out some of the wind’s effect on the ball flight. Finally, some hole locations are better attacked with a ball ...
Is a fade a golf shot?
In contrast to a slice a fade is not considered a golf shot error because the ball lands on the target even though the ball flight was not straight. There are several situations where you would want to fade the ball instead of going for a straight shot. Some golfers have a natural fade swing ...
What Is The Definition Of Fade In Golf?
1. A fade is a shot that curves as it flies through the air. For a right-handed golfer, the ball will curve right. For a left-handed golfer, the ball will curve left. The curve of the ball is less pronounced compared to that of a slice, and it travels in the opposite direction of a draw.
Examples Of How Fade Is Used In Commentary
1. Spieth’s expert fade shot on the tenth hole helped to catapult him past his competitors on a particularly difficult part of the course.
What is the easiest club to fade?
The general rule is the longer the club, the easier it is to shape the ball. If you look at some of your past rounds, I’m sure it’ll be pretty easy to spot.
Can you hit a fade with a closed clubface?
No, to hit a fade the face must be open at impact position. If the face is square at impact, it will lead to a straight shot and if it’s closed, it will result in a draw or hook shot. Your path will then dictate if it starts left, right, or straight toward your target.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you understand what a fade is in golf so you can talk like a savvy golfer, even if you’re just getting started. Plus, have the steps to learn how to start playing a fade today.
What is a fade in golf?
A fade offers exceptional control and maximum stopping power on iron and wedge shots. The biggest challenge for amateur golfers is consistency and even though a fade might be their ideal ball flight, fading the ball consistently will be difficult if your natural shape is a draw.
What is the most important factor when hitting a fade?
Alignment is arguably the most important factor when it comes to hitting a fade. Your swing path and clubface can be perfect, but if your alignment is off hitting a fade that starts to the left of your target with a ball flight that moves towards your target will be impossible.
What is the face angle of a golf club?
Face angle is measured relative to your target line and it indicates if your face angle is either open (right) or closed (left).
What is the club path?
Club path is defined as the direction that the clubhead is moving through impact. If the clubhead is moving to the left your swing path is out to in, and if your clubhead is moving to the right your club path is in to out.
How many golf ball flight laws are there?
There are 9 golf ball flight laws that every golfer should know regardless of their skill level. Having an understanding of these ball flight laws will go a long way in helping you to get a grasp of what is happening out on the golf course based on the flight of your golf ball.
Final Thoughts: Study Your Swing and Then Own Your Swing
When you hit a bad shot, make sure you watch the entire flight and know what the ball actually does. Too many golfers turn in frustration instead of connecting the feel or the swing with the result. If you hit a pull hook, did you feel your hands and your body come through too much?
Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better
What does this mean for you? I believe in the following recipe to get better:
What is a fade in golf?
Basically, a fade occurs when the clubface is open to the swing path through impact. In other words, for right-handers, the face is looking to the right of the swing-path when contact with the golf ball is made. Another way of looking at the relationship is the Swing-Path moves to the left of where the clubface is pointing.
Why does the fade start left?
But remember, Face and Path make curvature and the fade starts left because the face looks to the left of the target-line. Johnson uses the following downswing mechanisms to swing to the left of the face: The arm structure is retained to allow the clubface to approach the “outside quadrant of the golf ball”.
What does Mark Dobson do as a golf instructor?
As a golf instructor, Mark believes in cultivating ability and talent by providing comprehensive, holistic golf instruction that is easily understandable and of the highest quality to golfers of all abilities and skill levels.
Where does the swing path move in golf?
Another way of looking at the relationship is the Swing-Path moves to the left of where the clubface is pointing. This is a universal truth and cannot be disputed. Respect this principle and you will make immediate adjustments to the pattern of your golf shot.
Who won the PGA Tour in Cromwell?
Dustin Johnson sauntered his way to his 21st PGA TOUR win with a virtuoso weekend performance at The Travelers Championship in Cromwell, CT. With the win, he joined an elite fraternity of players to have 13 wins in their first 13 seasons on TOUR, one that includes legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and now, Dustin Johnson.
How to fade a golf ball?
How do you fade a golf ball? Fading a golf ball requires just three easy steps: first, align your clubface to your target (or marginally to the left of it); second, open your stance slightly; and third, swing along your feet line while holding the clubface square to your target.
How to hit a fade?
When hitting a fade, remember: you only need to open your stance slightly, while keeping your club pointed square at, or slightly left of, your target and then swing along your feet line. The more you open your stance and clubface, the more the ball will curve.
How to hit a fade with a strong grip?
To hit a fade with a strong grip, you need: a stance that is slightly open to target; a club path that is moving to the left of target (for a right-handed player); and a clubface that is a fraction open to your club path. Regardless of whether you have a strong grip or not, if you can deliver the club to the ball doing all those things, ...
How to hit a fade with irons?
To hit a fade with irons, first position the ball in the middle of your stance. Second, open your stance slightly to your target line. Third, when taking your shot, try swinging the club down your feet line – while doing so, you should also feel like you prevent your wrists from rolling over and closing the clubface at impact.
How to make a golf ball fly left to right?
Opening your stance to your target line, and then swinging along your feet line, naturally creates an out-to-in club path. Holding your clubface square at, or slightly left of, your target at impact (meaning it is actually open to the path you’ve created by swinging along your feet line ) should result in a ball flight that curves left-to-right. ...
What is the difference between a fade and a draw?
Hitting a fade has distinct advantages over hitting a draw. A fade is usually easier to control and has a more predictable flight; they land softer meaning you’ll hold more greens; and they have less overspin, meaning the ball is less likely to run and roll from the fairway and into the rough.
Which player has always drawn the ball?
Every player has a preferred shot shape based on their natural swing mechanics, making it easier for them to hit a fade or a draw. Rory McIlroy, for example, has always drawn the ball as he finds it more comfortable swinging the club from the inside. Someone like Jack Nicklaus, however, found it easier to hit a fade.
