The Fade Effect in Golf

What is a fade in golf?

The fade is a deliberate, moderate curve of the ball. For a right-hander, the ball starts a little to the left of the target, then curves gently to the right before returning to the intended line. For a left-hander, the curve goes from right to left.

It's the opposite of a draw. It's sometimes also called cut, especially when the curve is intentionally a little steeper.

Fade or slice: What's the difference?

Both curve in the same direction—from left to right for a right-handed person:

• The fade: a gentle, deliberate, controlled curve.
• The slice: a sharp, uncontrolled curve that sends the ball far to the right and causes it to lose a lot of distance. This is the most common flaw among amateurs.

A fade is, therefore, a “tamed” slice: it belongs to the same category of shot, but its magnitude and consistency make it useful rather than costly.

Where does the "fade" effect come from?

For a centered hit, two factors determine the ball's flight:

• The orientation of the face Most importantly, it determines the direction the ball will travel: the ball goes roughly where the clubface is pointing.
• The gap between the clubface and the club's path sets the curve: the ball curves in the opposite direction from the path.

For a right-handed person, a fade occurs when the clubface is open relative to the club's path. A typical scenario: the clubhead moves from the outside in (toward the left of the target), and the clubface points slightly less to the left than this path. The ball starts off slightly to the left, then curves back to the right.

The clubface doesn't need to be open relative to the target. If it's pointing to the right of the target while the path goes to the left, the ball goes to the right and curves even further to the right: that's a pushed slice, the worst of both worlds.

How do you do a fade?

1. Aim with the clubface the point where the ball should be aimed, slightly to the left of the target.
2. Widen your stance slightly: Feet, hips, and shoulders aligned slightly to the left of the target. The club will naturally follow an out-to-in path.
3. Ball in the center or very slightly forward in the stance.
4. Swing along the line of your feet while keeping the clubface stable: it feels as though the clubface doesn't close too quickly after impact.

Just like with the draw, small adjustments are all it takes. There's no need to overdo it.

What are the benefits of a fade?

• A ball that stops quickly: A fade generally flies a little higher, with more backspin, and rolls less upon landing. This is an advantage when trying to reach a firm green.
• Safety: Many players find it easier to repeat, and a fade that curves a little too much is often still playable, whereas a hook rolls far.
• A strategic weapon: It follows a dogleg to the right, allowing you to aim for a flag located to the right of the green.

The trade-off: slightly less spin, so often a slightly shorter total distance than a draw with the same speed.

Why do so many pros play a fade?

Because a ball that flies high and stops quickly is easier to control under pressure. Many great players, both past and present, have made this their go-to shot. The choice is ultimately a personal one: what matters is that the trajectory is always the same, so you can aim accordingly.