Fade
The fade is a deliberately played ball flight in which the ball curves slightly from left to right for a right-handed player.
The fade is the small, controlled brother of the Slice. Both curves bend to the right; the difference lies in intent and degree. The fade bends only a few metres and lands predictably, while the slice tears uncontrollably into the rough. Technically, the fade comes from a clubface that is minimally open to the swing path at impact. The ball gets sidespin, often flies a little higher and shorter than a straight shot and rolls less after landing. Its counterpart is the Draw, which moves from right to left.
On the course, the fade is a tool, not a flaw. Example: the flag sits right behind a bunker, with room to the left. You aim your feet left of the flag, square the clubface to the target and swing along your foot line. The ball starts left, bends gently to the right and lands safely next to the flag. Many pros play their Drive as a fade as a matter of principle, because the curve is easier to repeat and the ball comes down softly on the fairway. Among the typical ball flights it counts as a standard tool.
Typical misconception: many see a fade as a weakness because it looks like a beginner error. The opposite is true — anyone who can control the fade deliberately has more options than the player with only one shot shape. It only becomes dangerous when the fade tips over into a slice. You can tell because the ball loses noticeable distance and the curve keeps getting bigger. Then it helps to check grip and clubface alignment instead of swinging harder.
FAQ
Isn't a fade simply a weak slice?
No, the difference lies in intent and degree. The fade bends only a few metres to the right and lands predictably, while the slice tears uncontrollably into the rough and costs a lot of distance. If your fade does tip over into a slice — recognisable by an ever-bigger curve and clear loss of distance — check your grip and clubface instead of swinging harder.
When is it worth playing a fade deliberately?
Whenever the flag sits right behind an obstacle or the hole falls away to the right. You aim your feet left of the target, square the clubface to the flag and let the ball bend gently to the right. Many pros play the drive as a fade as a matter of principle, because the curve is easier to repeat and the ball lands softly.
How do you practise the fade on the driving range?
Start with a short iron, not the driver. Set your feet and shoulder line slightly left of the target, keep the clubface minimally open to the swing path at impact and swing along your foot line. Once the small curve comes reliably with the iron, you transfer the feeling up club by club.