How to hit a power fade
Last updated:
Hitting the power fade: Why this shot can be as long as a nice draw
For most golfers who slice the ball, a draw becomes something of a holy grail. This is often based around the notion that a slice saps distance, while a draw adds it. However, this isn’t necessarily true. A fade can go as far as a draw so long as you present the clubface to the ball at the right angle. The bonus? This power fade is the more achievable way for the slicer to add distance.
Fault: Hitting the ball with an open face
Fix: Keep the face closed to target… but open to your swing path
This tip comes from TG Top 50 coach Lee Cox, who is coach to World Long Drive Champion Joe Miller and is a PGA Fellow Professional
Five keys to hitting a power-fade
Avoid the short fade
Most slicers hit the ball with the face open to the target line. This sends the ball right, as well as adding loft and spin which saps power.
Going straight
This first image (above) shows the basic ingredients of a perfectly straight shot. The clubface aim (yellow rod), target line and swing path (orange canes) are all in line with each other.
Loft preserved
Ideal impact will present the true loft to the ball, creating the appropriate launch, distance and trajectory for the club. The angle of the yellow face aim tool reveals this.
Face splits paths
The slicer typically swings across the ball. To hit the powerfade,you need the clubface pointing midway between that swing path and the target line at impact (as in the picture above)
Level-up attack
When you swing through, deliver the club in that position described above and you will start the ball left of target, while applying a stronger face loft. Avoid getting steep and you’ll find a more powerful flight
