Golf Lessons in St. Augustine: What is the Difference Between a Draw and a Fade?

You've been golfing for a while now. You have most of the basics down. Now, you're trying to figure out draws and fades.

But what is the difference between a draw and a fade? And even more, how do you hit these advanced shots? Below, we're going to tell you, giving you a taste of the best golf lessons St. Augustine has to offer.

What Is a Draw?

A draw is a golf shot that starts straight and then slowly hooks toward the side of the golfer's body. So, if the golfer is right-handed when they hit a draw, it will first go straight off of the club face, and then start hooking slightly to the left once it's traveled a decent distance. For left-handed golfers, it will hook slightly to the right instead.

Hitting a draw offers a few different benefits. For one, it allows you to get a better angle on a dog-legged hole. For two, it puts more front spin on the ball, therefore resulting in increased distance. 

Some golfers have a tendency toward a draw every time they swing a club. Others just use it when it's strategically necessary. 

What Is a Fade?

A fade is the opposite of a draw. Whereas a draw eventually hooks toward the side of the golfer, a fade hooks toward the side opposite the golfer. So, if the golfer is right-handed, the ball will eventually tail off to the right; for a left-handed golfer, it will tail off to the left.

Many golfers play with a natural fade, as their swings simply lend themselves to them. Note, however, that fades are often played strategically as well.

The advantage of a fade is that it offers more backspin. Therefore, when it lands, it stops sooner than it would otherwise. This makes it great for approach shots. 

Of course, fades are also often played on holes that dogleg. This is because they enable you to approach the green from a better angle. 

How to Hit a Draw

We've discussed what a draw is. Now, let's discuss how to go about hitting one. Start by pulling your back foot back an inch or two. This will put your body in a position such that you need to swing around it in order to hit the ball toward your target. 

Now that your feet are set correctly, take the club back. However, don't take it back at the normal angle. Instead, swing it around your body as opposed to in an upward fashion. 

Then, when bringing the club toward the ball, push it in an outward direction through impact. This will put a spin on the ball, allowing it to draw. 

Of course, this is something that needs to be practiced over and over again. You're likely going to pull quite a few balls before getting it down correctly. However, with consistent practice, you'll get that slight bend that you're looking for. 

How to Hit a Fade

Hitting a fade is essentially the opposite of hitting a draw. Whereas a draw requires you to take your club back around your body, a fade requires you to take it back at an even steeper trajectory. 

This way, when the club comes down, it's coming toward you instead of away from you. So, when it makes an impact with the ball, it's putting an opposite spin on it, allowing it to curve slightly away from you. 

Though it's not necessary, you might consider opening up your stance a little in order to facilitate a fade. This entails dropping your front foot back an inch or two from where it would normally be located. 

How Grip Affects Fades and Draws

While you don't necessarily have to adjust your grip in order to hit a fade or a draw, you might find that it makes it easier for you. By simply adjusting the positioning of your hands, you can greatly impact the way that the club face strikes the ball upon impact. 

If you want to put more draw on the ball, you're advised to rotate your top hand so that the front of it is facing your body. Your bottom hand, on the other hand, should point away from your body. 

Hitting a fade requires the exact opposite. Rotate the top hand so that it's pointing almost entirely away from your body. Then, rotate the bottom hand so that it's facing straight forward toward your target. 

The Importance of Golf Lessons When Learning to Hit Fades and Draws

Fades and draws are advanced-level golf shots. They're not easy to learn, let alone master. Yes, you can experiment with them at the driving range, but if you lack knowledge of what they entail, you're still going to come up short. 

This is why, when learning fades and draws, it's often a good idea for a person to take formal lessons. This way, a seasoned pro can show you exactly where you're going right and wrong. They'll help you not only with your grip but your backswing, your front swing, and your weight distribution. 

Looking for the Best Golf Lessons St. Augustine Has to Offer?

Now that you know a thing or two about draws and fades, you might be interested in taking some golf lessons. If so, and if you're looking for the best golf lessons St. Augustine has to offer, look no further than the Palencia Club. 

We offer lessons to both kids and adults. Whether you're just learning to golf or have been playing for a while, our seasoned instructors can assist you.

Contact us today to get the ball rolling!