Golf: Fade or Draw

C.W.1

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Jan 13, 2013
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Who are some of the famous golfers who hit a fade vs. draw. Here are some the names I believe (correct me if I' wrong) I'm familiar with:

Fade: Hogan, Nicklaus, Trevino......
Draw: Woods (in his prime), Palmer, Player, Norman....

Of modern players, Rory hits a draw. DJ, Holmes and Sergio (hit a draw earlier in his career) hit fades.

I tend to prefer a draw because the ball goes farther and it looks cool. However, fade may be easier to control and a slice is usually not as bad as a hook (Hogan famously said he would rather have a rattlesnake in his bag than a hook).
 

Tskware

Well-known member
Jan 26, 2003
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I prefer a draw and think most teachers will tell amateurs to learn to draw, we need more distance.

Actually, I like Kenny Perry's view, he hit a baby draw on nearly every shot because (1) that took one side of the course out of play and (2) it kept him from over thinking the shot. Not saying that all or even very many of the top pros would agree with Kenny, but their skill level is world class. I think amateurs would be better served to stick to one basic shot and learn to repeat it as much as possible.
 

_Chase_

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Jan 22, 2004
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I have a draw that can at any moment develop into a 50-yard hook. If I could hit a fade and give up 20 yards of distance, I'd do it in a heartbeat.* Golf isn't easy from the fairway, but it's a different game than playing from the woods.

*I understand I could do this with a lot of instruction and practice, but that isn't happening.
 

ukalumni00

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Jun 22, 2005
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Took a long time to learn but I can do both pretty much when I want but I prefer a draw mainly due to more distance which is always welcomed the older I get. Fade is probably a little easier to control though.
 

Catman100

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Jan 3, 2003
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First 15 years of golf, had a great draw. Last 10 years of golf, mostly a fade. Scores are lower the last 10 years however.
 

JohnKBA

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Dec 2, 2003
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I hit a fade with my driver but draw my irons. Draws turn into snap hooks too easily off the tee for me and that means huge scores. I'd rather play the little fade where a miss is the first cut.
 

Ribsandwhitebread

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Apr 17, 2007
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Off the tee- I honestly dont know what my ball flight will look like anymore. Just aim for fairway and hope for the best.

Irons still play a little bit right to left
 

_Zardoz_

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Mar 27, 2017
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What is this, Hacker's Unlimited? You should properly shape the ball according to what the particular shot/situation requires, duh.