The FADE is the first cousin of the slice. The ball starts its flight either straight on the desired path, or slightly to the left of it. Once in the air, however, the ball starts to curve to the right (to the left for a left-handed golfer). Like draws, fades are actually desirable shots. Fades tend not to roll as far as draws; the spin on them tends to shorten distance a little. But they can be hugely beneficial when playing a dogleg right, and if you can consistently fade the ball accurately you’ll have a more consistent long game than most players.

WHY IT HAPPENS
When you hit a fade, you’re hitting with a square to ever-so-slightly OUTSIDE IN swing path. Your club face is square to just barely OPEN on contact. In a more pronounced fade, the combination of square swing path and open club head is enough to create a significant clockwise spin on the ball, which causes the ball to travel to the right as it flies through the air.

HOW TO FIX IT

• Square up your stance
  Draws typically result from a slightly closed stance. Opening your stance slightly should generate a straighter swing path.
• Make sure that the grip isn’t too strong
  Grip your club and address the ball. Notice the “vees” formed by the joint between your thumb and forefinger on each hand? Those vees should point directly to your right shoulder. With a strong grip, the right hand (for a right-handed golfer) is rotated clockwise around the shaft of the club. If you were to look only at the right hand, you’d be able to see only one knuckle.