Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson's fade with the driver
Two players who have built their game around the fade talk about it with each other, without using jargon. Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson explain where they aim, why they don’t try to “cut” the ball, and how eliminating one side of the fairway gives them freedom right from the tee.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson, the fade isn't a shot you can just make up: it's their natural trajectory, and they trust him. They align themselves slightly to the left, with their stance slightly open, aim for the left or center-left of the fairway, and let the ball curve back. Their observation: when they play poorly, it’s often because they are trying to fade out instead of just swinging. Morikawa sums up his swing this way: bring the club up along the line of his feet, then release it along the target line.
Their left wrist being arched at the top of the swing is not intentional: it's a matter of face control. Morikawa explains that he learned on the driving range, by hitting toward targets, never to rotate the clubface relative to his position at address during the backswing. The rest is strategy: choosing where the ball should land and factoring in the wind the starting line, and then focus solely on it. A fade that curves a little too much stays in play; in their eyes, a perfectly straight shot with the driver is the hardest shot to hit.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose where you want the ball to land on the fairway.
- Based on the day's wind, determine the tee line: generally the center-left or left edge of the fairway.
- Align yourself slightly to the left, with your body slightly open; for a more pronounced fade, open up even further to the left.
- Swing the club along the line of your feet, without rotating the clubface relative to your position at address.
- Let the club follow through along the target line, without trying to slice the ball.
- During your swing, focus only on the tee line and let the ball come back.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing the fade instead of trusting its natural path.
- Aim for the center of the fairway, even though the ball will curve to the right.
- Trying to bend the wrist on purpose: Neither Morikawa nor Johnson would even think of it.
- Focus on the final target during the swing instead of the tee line.
- Hitting a straight shot with the driver: according to them, that's the hardest shot.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- At the driving range, set a target at the end and a starting line on the left
- Count the balls that go along the intended line, not the ones that end up in the center
- A few shots: “Set up on the foot line, relax on the target line”
- If one side needs to be avoided (trees on the left), try Morikawa's very low tee
Your Questions
Does Collin Morikawa aim to the left with his driver?
Yes. On a standard par-4 hole, he aims for the left-center of the fairway and focuses solely on that starting line. For an intentional fade, he opens up even further to the left.
Do you have to bend your left wrist to throw a fade like that?
That's not what he recommends. He says he has never tried to bend his wrist; it's a result of his efforts to control the face—a face that doesn't rotate during the backswing.
What does he do when he absolutely has to avoid the left side, with trees on that side?
He places the ball on a very low tee and almost feels like he's hitting a draw. The expected result is a low, fairly straight shot.
Why settle for a fade who flirts a little too much?
Because if the ball goes down the right line, a little more spin will, at worst, leave it in the rough on the right—still in play. They’d rather play their mishit shot than aim for a perfect shot.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Collin Morikawa). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.