How to use draw and fade in golf

Knowing the difference between a draw and fade in golf, and being able to execute both shots, will help you become a more versatile golfer and a better all-round player.

In this quick guide, you’ll learn the difference between the two shots, understand when it’s best to use each of them on the course, and what to avoid when lining up to execute either type of shot.

Draw and fade: the basics

So, what is the difference between a draw and a fade? In the simplest terms, for a right-handed golfer, a draw is a shot curving from right to left. A fade is a shot which curves from left to right.

There are a handful of scenarios where a draw will work, while a fade might be better in the exact opposite of those circumstances.

For example, if there were an obstacle to your right, such as a penalty area or a bunker, a draw might be your best shot. This is because the ball will curve away from the direction of that obstacle. Similarly, in the opposite of that scenario, where an obstacle is located to your left, a fade would help your shot curve to the right of it and out of danger.

The same principle applies for doglegs. If your hole is located on a dogleg going left, you might use a draw. You’d use a fade if it were to go off to the right.

But there are many more factors to each shot which make them markedly different from one another.

Distance

Typically, draws go further than fades. This is because a draw generates less backspin. Not only does this result in a lower flight, but it also means that the ball will continue to roll forwards once it has landed.

Fades, on the other hand, tend to fly higher and with more backspin. This results in a more plumb landing, where the ball is much less likely to continue rolling. However, this comes at the expense of distance.

So, whether you choose a draw or fade can vary based on where you are in relation to the hole and the shot you’d like to hit.

From the tee, a draw might be a great option because the ball isn’t just more likely to fly further but continue rolling after it hits the ground. However, a fade is a fantastic option for an approach shot and to edge closer to the green.  

Accuracy

What a fade loses in distance, it tends to make up for in accuracy. Many golfers feel that the increased backspin and softer landing make a fade more reliable, accurate and consistent than a draw.

Yes, you’ll get more distance when hitting a draw, but the roll forward means it’s not always that accurate. It’s much harder to anticipate exactly where the ball will end up.

The wind

A draw flies lower and with less spin. This means it’s less likely to be dramatically deterred by the wind. If the wind is blowing from left to right, a draw might still be the best choice. Ultimately, it’s going to impact your shot making the desired leftward curl.

As the ball flies higher and with more spin with a fade, it’s more susceptible to the wind. If the wind is blowing noticeably to the left, a fade probably won’t curve quite as much to the right as you’d like.

Many professionals still consider the fade to be a more reliable shot and opt for it more often than not over the draw, including the likes of Tiger Woods.

How to hit a draw and fade in golf

Let’s look at how to execute both shots.  

How to hit a draw

Hitting a draw requires you to position your stance and clubface a shade to the right, while keeping the clubface relatively closed. A tighter grip than usual is also advisable.

When you swing, follow the direction of your body and its stance rather than the direction you’ve aimed your club. This will help promote the necessary motion of going in and then out.

How to hit a fade

For a fade, your stance and the direction of your clubface should be aimed somewhat to the left of your target with a much more open clubface. You also don’t need to grip quite as firmly when hitting a fade.

Understanding the curve

It’s important to remember that the curve from both shots is a gradual one, not an enormously significant one. This is what differentiates a draw from a hook (when the ball flies dramatically to the left) and a fade from a slice (when the ball flies dramatically to the right). Hooks and slices result in the sacrifice of both distance and accuracy.

Should I use a draw or a fade?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to which shot is better or worse than the other.

It’s absolutely worth practising and knowing how to execute both shots, but the vast majority of golfers favour one over the other and use it most of the time.

To summarise:

• Fades are considered generally more popular
• A draw will travel further, but a fade is more accurate and consistent
• Draws have less backspin than fades
• Wind will affect the flight path of a fade more than a draw
• Longer holes which bend left better suit a draw
• Shorter holes which bend right favour a fade
• The best shot for you is down to personal preference

So, experiment with both, and remember the situational advantages of each. Ultimately, you’ll likely find one which you prefer. And that’s the shot you should perfect and keep at your disposal. But still remember how to execute the other, because now and then, your preference might not be just right for a particular shot.

Keen to get more golf tips? Learn how to play bunker shots and how to hit a driver straight and long.

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