Draw / Fade
Draw and fade are deliberate ball flight curves.
Draw and fade are the controlled curves of the ball flight. The draw bends for right-handers gently from right to left, the fade from left to right. Both arise through a consciously slightly opened or closed clubface in relation to the swing path. They are the playable versions of Hook and Slice. The draw is considered somewhat longer, because it rolls with less spin. The fade is considered more controllable and lands softer.
On the course both curves are tools. An example: a dogleg to the left. Whoever masters the draw follows the bend and remains shortly before the green. Whoever only plays straight must choose the longer line. Conversely the fade helps at doglegs to the right or flag positions behind a right bunker. The curve lays itself around the obstacle and lands softly. That is how good players shape their strokes instead of only hoping.
Common misconception: you need not master both curves. Many good golfers have a house curve and play it consistently. More important is to know your natural curve and to build it into the tactics. Whoever by nature sliced, should make the fade out of it, not fight against the own swing. On the driving range you can train both curves targeted with alignment sticks.
FAQ
Must I master both curves to play golf well?
No. Many successful golfers have a house curve and build their tactics around it. It is more important to know your natural curve and play it consistently than to master both shapes halfway. Whoever slices by nature can make a controlled fade out of it instead of fighting against the own swing.
When is the fade the better choice than the draw?
The fade helps at doglegs to the right or when the flag lies behind a right bunker, because the ball bends around the obstacle and lands softly. The draw is conversely the choice at the dogleg to the left, because it follows the bend and rolls more. Both curves are tools — the hole decides, not the preference.
Why does my deliberate fade suddenly become a slice?
The boundary lies in the extent: the fade bends gently and controlled, the slice shoots away steeply and loses distance. Mostly the clubface is too strongly open at the moment of impact or the swing path too steeply from outside. Check your alignment first before you operate on the swing — that is the most common reason.