Fade vs Draw in Golf

Fade and draw shots are two sides of the same coin. In golf, you have a straight shot, and if you execute this shot, your ball will travel straight from you to the hole/destination you are trying to reach. On either side of this straight line, fade shots sit to the left and draw shots to the right. These shots don’t bend to the extremes of others and, in comparison, are relatively straight shots. However, they turn slightly.

Where the fade shot bends from left to right, the draw bends from right to left. Knowing the other differences between these shots and how to execute them will level up your overall game, so read on for more tips!

What Is a Fade in Golf?

For right-handers, a fade is a shot that curves from left to right. This curve occurs in a controlled and deliberate manner. For some people, their fade shot might be more consistent than their straight shot, so they often play it for consistency. Most will play a fade shot when the hole bends to the right.

Ultimately, the fade occurs when the clubface places spin on the ball because it’s slightly open to the swing path. To achieve this shot, the clubface must be open to the swing path but not the target line. Opening the clubface to the target line will increase the likelihood of slicing the ball, not fading it. 

Make sure you know whether to use soft or hard balls to generate the right amount of spin, too!

What Is a Draw in Golf?

A draw shot is the mirror image on the other side of the straight line; it’s a controlled and deliberate shot that curves from right to left. Mirroring the fade, which is suitable for holes that dogleg to the right, a draw is an excellent shot for those pesky holes that bend to the left. 

Opposite to the fade, a draw shot will occur because of the spin on the ball after the clubface is slightly closed to the swing path. While fade and draw might feel as confusing as port and starboard, you get used to the terminology with practice. 

The Key Differences Between a Fade and Draw In Golf

Direction 

The primary difference between the two shots is the line of direction. While a fade shot should move from left to right, a draw shot will move from right to left. These shots aren’t as extreme as hooks and slices, as both bends are more subtle. 

Strategy 

Because they differ in direction, a fade and a draw differ regarding when you would choose to play them. Both shots are helpful if an obstruction, such as a tree, exists in your line. However, it’s best to play a fade when you have a right-shaping dogleg (or bend) because you can use the slight curve to cut the corner. 

Likewise, you can do the same with the draw but in the opposite direction when the bend is to the left. 

Technique 

Much like direction and strategy, the fade and draw reflect each other regarding how to play the shot. For example, while the fade requires an open stance, the draw requires a closed stance. It would be best if you thought about your stance and posture to execute the nuisance between these two shots. 

Is It Better To Hit a Draw or Fade in Golf?

Hitting a Fade Shot

 Pros

• Fade shots are perfect if your holes dogleg to the right.
• They’re advantageous if you have an obstruction in your direct line.
• If there are left-to-right winds, fade shots can optimize distance and control.
• If you’re left-handed and need to hit a left-shaping dogleg, the fade is ideal.

Cons

• If you hit a fade shot where the hole doglegs to the left, you’ll find the ball isn’t likely to land in the most advantageous position. 
• Be wary of using an open club face shot, like the fade, in windy conditions, as it can cost you distance.

 Hitting a Draw Shot

 Pros

• Draw shots are ideal if your holes are dogleg to the left.
• Draw shots are great if you also want a lower, controlled ball flight due to the back center ball position often generating a delofted clubface; this is an advantage if you live in windier climates.

Cons

• Draws are unsuitable for holes that dogleg to the right or if water/trees run down the right-hand side of the hole. 
• Draws can be challenging to execute, requiring more practice for some people than the fade shot. 

How To Hit a Fade in Golf

Pro golfing isn’t without its stresses, and while these stresses won’t affect you playing a relaxed game with some friends, your game will be less frustrating should you know how to execute your shots before stepping onto the green. Follow the steps below to hit a fade shot.

1. Keep Your Stance Open - Your body should be open to your target; if right-handed, your feet should point to the left of your target landing zone. Doing so allows for the curve on the ball and helps an inwards club path, which will promote the desired bend combined. 
2. Cup Your Wrists - On the downswing, ensure you cup your wrists to allow for a steep swing and keep the clubface open as you come into contact with the ball. 
3. Swing On The Inside Path - Ensure you retain an inside swing path when taking your shot. If you swing on the outside path, your ball will finish to the right of your intended line. 

How To Hit a Draw in Golf

1. Close Your Stance - You need to close your stance about your target, meaning your feet and shoulders point to the right of your target if you’re right-handed or to the left if you’re left-handed. 
2. Position the ball back of center - Adjusting the position of your ball can help strike an outwards path.
3. Bow Your Wrists - bowing your wrists is essential to getting the right angle of attack and outside the club path.
4. Swing On An Outside Line - Swing on an outside line, where your club face is outwards, to get the ball to the right of the target landing zone so it can curve back to the left. 
5. Position Your Clubface Square To The Target Line - Aiming for the flagstick, it’s essential to keep your club face square to it. You want to keep your club face neutral but change your path and alignment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Remember Draw vs Fade?

Although ‘draw’ and ‘fade’ are easy words to remember, it can be challenging to remember which one is which. Loads of memorization techniques can help you, but it’s best to practice the shots and label them correctly as you do. The more you repeat it, the better.

Final Thoughts

The principles of fade and draw are relatively simple, although remembering them can be confusing - and even more complicated to execute the shots properly. However, once you learn and practice these shots, you’ll be glad to have them at your disposal the next time you’re on the green. 

So why not get yourself properly equipped to practice and discover Stitch Golf’s gear and apparel today?