Draw or Fade?

The old argument of whether to hit a draw or a fade has historically been won by those in the "draw" corner. Not sure why but I suspect its because a draw gets you increased distance. It may also be because 90% of golfers hit an exaggerated fade and want to gain those extra 20 yards of the tee by hitting a draw. Both types of shot shapes have there pros and cons. But what you really want to know is which shot shape is the best overall?




Start of with the draw shape. A draw shape is the ball moving right to left in the air and has increased top spin on the ball thus causing it to roll further on impact. To hit the draw shape the swing path needs to be an in-out shape.

A Fade shape is the ball moving left to right in the air and has increased backspin thus causing it to stop a lot quicker on impact and with the higher lofted clubs sometimes causing the ball to spin back. The fade shape is hit due to the swing plane being out-in. The reason behind 90% of golfers hitting a fade and in most cases an exaggerated one is due to them trying to hit the ball with their arms instead of their shoulders. In doing this the swing plane is only going one way and that's out-in!

Now which shot is better is entirely personal to the golfer.

For me the way to go is to be able to hit both shapes. Play the draw of the tee and with the long irons for increased distance and the fade on approach shots for that desired "drop and stop" action!