There has always been a lot of debate on Draw vs Fade, and which is better. Well, the short answer is – It really depends on the individual.
But wait, everyone says a Draw will travel further. Yes, there are studies, which I’ll share more on later, that prove a draw will travel a bit further.
But honestly, if you are good enough to execute one golf shot over the other consistently while avoiding trouble, you’re probably better off hitting the one that works for you.
What are a Draw and Fade?
These are just fancy terms to describe how the golf ball will move left-to-right, or right-to-left as it sails through the air toward its target.
Draw in golf
A draw, for right-handed golfers, will move from right to left. The ball will start out relatively straight, but somewhere in the middle, maybe slightly past, it will start to move to the left.
Normally, it will only move 5 to 10 yards. Maybe slightly more depending on how much spin is on the ball.
For a left-handed golfer, the ball will move from left to right.
Hitting a Draw
You can hit a draw by aiming to the right of the target and closing the club face slightly. More details in the video and a link to one of my other articles are below.
For more information on how you hit a draw.
Fade in golf
A fade, for right-handed golfers, will move from left to right. The ball will start out relatively straight, but somewhere in the middle, maybe slightly past, it will start to move to the right.
Normally, it will only move 5 to 10 yards. Maybe slightly more depending on how much spin is on the ball.
For a lefty, the ball will move from right to left.
Hitting a Fade
You can hit a fade by aiming left of the target with the club face a bit open. More details in the video and a link to one of my other articles are below.
For more information on how you hit a fade.
What is the difference between a draw a fade a slice and a hook?
Hook is Draw’s big brother, he is evil!
Slice is Fade’s big brother, he is also evil!
A draw will move a few yards from right to left, but a hook will easily go 30 – 50 yards left. Leaving you in a cow pasture, corn field, road, pond, two fairways over…it’s usually not good!
A Fade will only go a few yards from left to right, and as you’ve guessed a slice will go massively offline to the right. You’ll be lucky to hit a tree and keep yourself in play.
We really want to avoid the evils of hook and slice. Instead, let’s try to stick with a draw or fade!
What goes further draw or fade?
There has been a draw vs fade debate for quite some time. Fortunately, with modern launch monitor technology, the fight is over. Draw wins!
According to a study from Trackman testing whether a draw or fade travels further, a Draw will carry about 5 yards further, but will also roll much more than a fade.
Does this really matter? For the vast majority of golfers, probably not!
Playing to Your Shot Shape
When considering a fade vs draw in golf, I think it is really important to consider your own ability and what makes you hit a more consistent golf shot. Ideally, you’ll be in the fairway with every tee shot, so if one of these shot shapes sets you up for that, STICK TO THAT!
Even if it’s a fade and you sacrifice a couple of yards. You’re far better off being in play!
It’s also situational. Sometimes you need to navigate a dog leg and being able to hit both can benefit you at different times. Understanding the mechanics of each can be helpful.
Another important aspect of any golf shot is swing tempo! Check out my article on tips and drills to get the perfect tempo.
If you get a chance to look at how to hit a fade, and how to hit a draw (linked above), practicing both on the driving range will likely show you which is better for your own game.
Draw or a Fade?
Bottom line – it’s situational. A draw will travel a bit further, but you are far better off playing to your strengths and whichever shot you are more comfortable with. There are times you’ll need to hit a fade shot and times you’ll need to hit a draw.
Draws and fades are a great tool to have available, and if nothing else, learning how to hit each will likely make you a better golfer in the process!
Good luck on the golf course.