What Is A Fade In Golf?

A fade, sometimes called a cut or cut shot, is a high flying shot that “fades” or “cuts” from left to right in a controlled manner.

All further discussion will assume right-handed golfers. If you are a lefty, switch the directions, i.e., a fade for a lefty is when the ball moves right to left.

Due to the additional backspin imparted on the ball, fades will roll out less than draws.

A draw is the opposite of a fade: when the golf ball moves right to left in a controlled manner.

Where Do You Aim When Hitting A Fade (Cut)?

When hitting a fade, sometimes called a cut shot, you should aim left of your target.

How far left you aim depends on how much you plan to fade the ball.

A good fade generally moves 3-10 yards left to right.

When hitting an approach shot, aiming 3-5 yards left of the pin and hitting a nice high fade will give you a great chance at landing your ball pin high.

If hitting a diver, it’s generally a good idea to aim down the left side of the fairway with the intent of fading the ball back to the middle of the fairway.

That way, if you hit it as you intended, it’s a great shot. But more importantly, if you end up hitting it straight, with not enough fade, or with too much fade, you will likely still be in the fairway.

Only a slice or the dreaded double cross will potentially leave you in trouble for your second shot.

What Causes A Fade?

A fade is caused by an outside to inside swing path or an open club face in relation to the swing path at impact.

Many players, like Jack Nicklaus, advocate aiming a bit left and slightly opening the clubface at address to hit a fade.

An easy way to check your swing path is to look at the direction your divot points.

Usually, if your divot points to the left of your target line, your path was outside to inside and if the divot points to the right of your target line, your path was inside to outside.

Is A Fade The Same As A Slice?

No, but the ball does move in the same direction.

The difference is that a fade is controlled and moves slightly left to right, whereas a slice is uncontrolled and moves excessively left to right, sometimes upwards of 50 yards to the right!

Not only does a slice move significantly more right than intended, a slice typically travels a much shorter distance.

A slice is generally caused by an outside-to-inside swing path and the club face being open to the swing path.

Do More Pros Hit A Fade Or A Draw?

All pros are capable of hitting both, but the majority of players favor a draw, including Rory McIlroy.

That said, many players are beginning to switch to hitting a fade more often.

Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods all preferred to play a fade mainly due to the greater control and better stopping power.