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Fade vs Draw in Golf: How to Choose the Right Shot for You

By Chris Moore •  Updated on 04/26/22

When playing golf, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to choose between a fade and a draw.

Both of these shots can be very effective, but they are used in different situations.

In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between a fade and a draw, which is better, and a few tips for hitting each.

Fade vs Draw: What’s The Difference?

Both a fade and a draw are golf shots that have a slight spin that causes the ball to turn in the air toward the left or right, depending on which shot you hit.

A fade is a golf shot that starts straight but then curves to the left (for a right-handed golfer).

A draw is the opposite – it starts out to the left and then curves back to the right (for a right-handed golfer).

And if you’re a left-handed golfer, a fade will curve to the right while a draw will curve to the left.

Why shaping your golf shot is good

Shaping your golf shot is a good thing because it can help you control the ball’s trajectory and land it closer to the hole.

It’s also good for when you need to avoid certain obstacles on the course, like trees or bunkers.

For example, if you’re teeing off on a hole with a dogleg right, hitting a fade would be the best shot to take.

This is because a fade will curve towards the direction of the hole, giving you the best opportunity to hit the ball far and land on the fairway.

Another example would be if you’re hitting an approach shot that has a bunker near the front left of the green.

In this case, you’d want to hit a draw since you’ll be able to avoid the bunker and land near the hole.

Finding your natural shot shape

Most golfers will find themselves hitting a natural draw or fade, depending on their swing.

If you’re not sure what your natural shot shape is, the best way to find out is by hitting a few balls on the range and seeing which way the ball curves.

While most golfers consider the draw to be the superior shot shape, you should use whichever comes natural since you’ll be able to get more distance and spin on your ball.

What’s most important is you try to only hit one or the other on your natural shot, so you can improve your consistency overall.

When you should hit a fade shot

There are a few situations where fade shots come in handy.

First, if you need to hit a low shot, a fade is the best option.

This is because fades fly lower and don’t travel as far as draws.

Second, if you’re teeing off on a hole that has water or other hazards near the right side, a fade will help you avoid them.

Lastly, fades are also good for when you need to keep the ball below the wind.

If you’re having trouble hitting a fade, this guide will help you.

When you should hit a draw shot

Draw shots are best used in a few different situations.

If you need to hit the ball high in the air, a draw is your best bet since it will have a higher trajectory than a fade.

Second, if you’re teeing off on a hole with trouble on the left side, a draw will help you avoid it.

Lastly, if you need to hit the ball a long distance, a draw is your best option.

If you’re having trouble hitting a draw, this guide will help you.

Final thoughts

Fade and draw shots are two different types of golf shots that can be useful in different situations.

The fade is best used for low shots, while the draw is best used for high shots.

It’s important to know which shot you need to hit in order to improve your game and become more consistent overall.

And in general, most golfers will find themselves hitting a natural draw or fade, depending on their swing.

If you’re unsure of your natural shot shape, the best way to find out is by hitting a few balls on the range and seeing which way the ball curves.

So next time you’re on the course, remember to fade or draw the ball depending on what situation you’re in!

Chris Moore

Hi, I'm Chris Moore and I'm the guy behind Golfah.com. As an avid golfer since 2010, I decided to create this blog to share everything I've learned over the years. Whether it's golf equipment, swing tips, or anything in-between, I want to make sure you have everything you need to become a better golfer.