What’s the difference between a draw and a cut in golf?

Beginner Questions
1

I’ve been playing golf for ten years, but I just realized I don’t really know the difference between a draw and a fade.

When hitting a draw, do you aim straight at the target and then swing so the ball starts to the right or left and curves back? Or do you aim to the left or right of the target and make the ball curve towards it?

Also, what’s the difference between a slice and a hook?

2

When playing a draw, you can aim straight at the target if your swing path is more in-to-out because the ball will initially start off more to the right.

When playing a fade, I prefer to align myself to the left in order to achieve the same swing, albeit with a slightly more open clubface. When hitting a fade, you must aim left since the club path must be left.

Many of the players here will claim that a fade is their go-to shot, but that’s mainly because they are approaching the ball from an out-to-in direction, which causes slices and power leaks.

3

Understanding the Draw and Fade:

  • Draw: The ball starts slightly to the right of the target and curves back to the left. This is achieved by closing the clubface slightly relative to your swing path.
  • Fade: The opposite of a draw, the ball starts left of the target and curves to the right. This is done by opening the clubface slightly relative to your swing path.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Aiming: For a draw, aim slightly right of your target; for a fade, aim slightly left.
  • Clubface Alignment: Adjust the clubface to create the desired shot shape.
  • Swing Path: The direction of your swing path is crucial in determining ball flight.
  • Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering these shots and achieving consistency.

Additional Notes:

  • Hook: An exaggerated draw, often unintentional, caused by excessive closure of the clubface.
  • Slice: An exaggerated fade, typically caused by an open clubface combined with an outside-in swing path.
4

Draw: For a right-handed golfer, you should usually aim to the right of the target and swing along a path that is just to the right of the target while striking a draw. The ball will initially curve to the right before turning around to face the target to the left.
Swing along a route that is slightly to the left of the target while aiming to the left of it to execute a fade. The ball turns left first before returning to the right and heading towards the goal.