Golf is a game of precision, and mastering various shots is crucial to being successful on the course.
When it comes to golf, one of the most intriguing debates revolves around the choice between “golf draw vs fade.” These two shots represent distinct paths for your golf ball. While a draw curves right to left (for right-handed golfers), a fade does the opposite.
Today, we will try to understand the main differences between these 2 shots. This is how you can unlock a world of strategic possibilities on the golf course, whether you are an amateur or professional golfer.
Golf Draw Vs Fade: Difference At a Glance
Table of Contents
Check out the following comparison table on golf draw vs fade if you are short on time. Along with that, you can always enhance your knowledge by learning 4 inch lift vs 6 inch lift or a 36v vs 48v golf cart .
| Aspect | Draw | Fade |
| Shot Direction | ● Right-handed golfers: Curves from right to left.
● Left-handed golfers: Curves from left to right. |
● Right-handed golfers: Curves from left to right.
● Left-handed golfers: Curves from right to left. |
| Distance | On average, offers more distance compared to a fade. | Tends to have slightly less distance. |
| Rollout | Often, rolls out more upon landing due to topspin. | Lands softer with less rollout. |
| Control | Can be more challenging to control. | Easier to control. |
| Hook Risk | Can result in hooks. | Generally less prone to turning into hooks. |
| Usage Scenarios | Useful on open courses or links-style courses. | Valuable for precision shots, particularly when aiming at tucked flags or firm greens. |
What is a Fade in Golf?
A fade in golf is a shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed golfers. It can be the opposite, from right to left for left-handed golfers. It is a controlled and intentional type of shot that many golfers use to add consistency to their game.
The key to a successful fade is its predictability. That is because golfers can better plan their shots with this approach. For example, a golfer with a reliable fade can take advantage of holes that bend to the right. This shot can cut corners and effectively reduce the length of the hole.
How to Hit a Fade in Golf
It is not critical to hit a fade in golf. All you need to do is follow the steps below:
● Step 1: Aim the Clubface
Start by aiming the clubface at your target. Otherwise, you can also aim just slightly closer to your target. This sets the direction for your shot.
● Step 2: Open Your Stance
Open up your body relative to the target. Plus, position yourself to the left of your target. To do this, keep your front foot slightly open. It should be a little more forward and to the left, not directly in front of you.
For precision, imagine a line from your right toe to your left toe pointing to the left of your target.
● Step 3: Swing with Your Body
When you swing, make sure to follow the path of your body. In the meantime, you should point the clubface at your target when the club makes contact with the ball. This is how you can produce a fade shot.
Pros and Cons of Hitting Fade in Golf
There are some benefits and drawbacks to making fade shots. If you already know how to make a fade shot or are going to learn soon, you should be aware of its pros and cons.
Pros of Hitting a Fade
- In general, the fade shot is easier to control than a draw. Therefore, it is a preferred choice for many golfers, especially professionals.
- A fade shot tends to have a higher trajectory. This can be advantageous when trying to stop the ball quickly on the green. This is particularly useful when you are playing on a golf course with fast and firm conditions. Moreover, fade shots are great for aiming at a tucked flag.
- Usually, the fade shot lands softer. It reduces the likelihood of the ball rolling too far after it hits the ground. This can be helpful for precision shots.
Cons of Hitting a Fade
- While professional players may be willing to sacrifice some distance for greater accuracy, the average golfer might find it challenging to make this trade-off.
- Another downside of the fade is that it tends to have slightly less distance compared to other shots.
What is a Draw in Golf?
A draw in golf is a shot that is intentionally shaped to curve from right to left. This type of shot is the opposite of a fade. It’s a controlled and valuable shot shape. It is especially good for amateur golfers.
A draw may come in handy on holes that bend to the left. Golfers can cut the corners and make the holes shorter. Additionally, a draw shot is perfect when there is a tree or obstacle directly in front of the golfer. In such situations, the draw can provide control of the shot.
How to Hit a Draw in Golf
Just like a fade shot, hitting a draw is also easy. If you follow the below steps carefully, you will make a draw in no time.
● Step 1: Aim the Clubface
First and foremost, aim the clubface at your target, or slightly open relative to your target. This sets the direction for your shot.
● Step 2: Close Your Stance
Close your body relative to the target. Position yourself to the right of your target simultaneously. For a draw, imagine a line from your back foot to your front foot pointing left of your target.
● Step 3: Swing with Your Body
Swing according to the path of your body. Keep the clubface aimed at your target when the club makes contact with the ball. If you have done everything accordingly, you should have hit a draw shot by now.
Pros and Cons of Hitting Draw in Golf
Since a fade shot has some advantages and disadvantages, it goes without saying that a draw shot must have some. Without further ado, let’s explore the pros and cons of a draw shot.
Pros of Hitting a Draw
- Normally, a draw shot results in a lower, penetrating ball flight that travels further. As a result, it travels more distance compared to a fade.
- Often, draws have more topspin. It causes them to roll out more upon landing. This can be highly advantageous on open courses or links-style courses.
Cons of Hitting a Draw
- While making an excessive draw, the ball curves too much. So, there is a risk of hooking the ball. This can lead to problems with accuracy and course management.
- The dispersion of draw shots is often wider due to the added distance. Therefore, hitting a draw can be challenging to control.
Golf Draw Vs Fade
A draw differs from a fade shot in terms of certain factors. We will go through these facts to have a comprehensive knowledge of golf draw vs fade. So, let’s get started.
● Direction
Usually, a stronger grip is not required to hit a fade. A gentle grip can make it easier to control the clubface. For this grip, it will promote a left-to-right ball movement.
In contrast, summoning a draw often calls for a stronger grip. The clubface turns over due to this added grip strength. As a result, it creates a right-to-left ball trajectory.
● Pathway
When sculpting a fade, the path is important. You have to be aware of the clubface angle at impact. Also, you should keep in mind that straying too far from the path can result in an unwanted slice.
Draw, on the other hand, tends to bend a little more in your lead wrist at impact. This is the secret to achieving a right-to-left draw without spiraling into a hook.
● Stance
To craft a fade, you must have an open stance. To land a fade shot, you need to position your feet and shoulders with a touch of leftward aim.
For a draw’s enchantment, a closed stance is essential. Set your stage by aligning your feet and shoulders to the right of your target. Only then can you watch the ball obediently move from right to left.
● Wrist
To land a fade, your wrist angle plays a crucial role. You need to extend your lead wrist too much when impact opens the clubface. Doing so will successfully fade the golf ball.
To manifest a draw, you will need to channel wrist flexion. You should wield the club like a magic wand. This will generate a slight draw without the risk of transforming into a hook.
Bottom Line
So far, the debate of golf draw vs fade must be fascinating. It is not about which is superior but about understanding when to deploy each shot.
Some might champion the draw as the ultimate shape. However, it may not always come to your rescue when a pesky tree guards your right flank. The true magic lies in versatility. As a result, try your best to master both the fade and the draw.
