drawboy
Tour Winner
When are you good enough to seriously learn how to shape the ball. I reckon until low singles you will probably be ok hitting straightish 90% of the time. Do you think around 5-scratch or sooner?
When to learn to shape the ball
- Thread starter drawboy
- Start date
Macster
Journeyman Pro
Can only speak for myself, but I regularly 'shape' the ball when required.....and its very satisfying when it comes off, which is probably 5/60% of the time.
I can draw/hook it easily enough, but when I set up for the fades, I tend to over-do things and not start the ball off left enough to clear whatever it is I'm trying to clear !
I can draw/hook it easily enough, but when I set up for the fades, I tend to over-do things and not start the ball off left enough to clear whatever it is I'm trying to clear !
Junior
Tour Winner
Always play for a slight fade. I'd love to be able to hit a soft draw, but unfortunately, when I try, it turns into a snap hook of the highest proportion !!
I agree with you though db, cat 1 golfers can shape it at will with a high % success rate. Mid-handicappers can shape it also, but with a lower success rate.
I agree with you though db, cat 1 golfers can shape it at will with a high % success rate. Mid-handicappers can shape it also, but with a lower success rate.
ScienceBoy
Money List Winner
I dont think golf is about hitting straight shots, we hear pros saying that they CANNOT hit it straight (as mentioned in the last GM mag). Just controlled different amounts of draw. The skill is doing the shape you want when you want it!
Often I hit it "straight" when I actually need shape, its a mishit! My good natural game is a nice high draw or fade, I work to get that as it provides control and roll with the longer clubs and control and stop with the shorter clubs.
I can fade on demand all clubs on the range but its usually harder on the course and I often struggle as you only get one chance!
Often I hit it "straight" when I actually need shape, its a mishit! My good natural game is a nice high draw or fade, I work to get that as it provides control and roll with the longer clubs and control and stop with the shorter clubs.
I can fade on demand all clubs on the range but its usually harder on the course and I often struggle as you only get one chance!
I can shape the ball both ways. Sadly not on demand. To be honest at my level, direction and contact are the most important things and I'd rather not worry about trying to move the ball either way and rather aim for the heart of the fairway or green and then worry about the next shot
garyinderry
Ryder Cup Winner
:rofl:
i think i could count on one hand the amount of time ive hit the ball straight in my life! range included!
i think i could count on one hand the amount of time ive hit the ball straight in my life! range included!
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
I don't think it's ever too early to learn to shape the ball...
OK your swing might not be good enough to constantly perform on demand but knowing how to do it? - start as early as you like. You might find it gives you a "safe" shot that keeps the ball in play.
OK your swing might not be good enough to constantly perform on demand but knowing how to do it? - start as early as you like. You might find it gives you a "safe" shot that keeps the ball in play.
Slicer30
Q-School Graduate
Drawboy - you'll know from experience that its tought to get some movement on the ball with the JPX800. Everything wants to go straight. I have got the odd draw and fade especially off the longer irons but I reckon I'd need to change clubs to do on demand.
jammag
Challenge Tour Pro
I dont think its ever to early but then you have to be realistic as well, there is little point trying to get your natural fade into a constant draw and vice versa, my advice would be learn to play with what you got first and know you can hit that before you embark on the next bit. If you have the go to shot then you can play with it no matter what, if you start tinkering then it can put you in more trouble than good. Golf is all about attacking the correct pins and leaving some well alone. If you get that right you will generally have a good round, aiming to the middle of the green is usually the best thing to do with your natural swing rather than try something unnatural to access a tough pin.
Rob McBride
Medal Winner
after 3 years of lessons and going from 28 to 13.2 it was only last week that the same pro asked me what shape I wanted - when i generally had a soft fade, but pulled it all over the place. Needless to say we agreed on the fade. I dont worry about a draw becuase i have tried and cant hit it, I hit the shot that will allow me to keep it in play - it seems to be working and the pro likes it - at £20 i should hope he would?
