Work it!

[rustyb]

can some explain to me the benefit of hitting a draw or fade over a straght shot, as your stock shot, i understand that there might be a benefit in certain situations ....(bending round obstacles or angle of attack..

 

[Tiger man]

can some explain to me the benefit of hitting a draw or fade over a straght shot, as your stock shot, i understand that there might be a benefit in certain situations ....(bending round obstacles or angle of attack..

Generally a draw goes further due to the topspin, fade lands softer but does not go as far. So the best of both would be drawing your driver and fading irons.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Generally a draw goes further due to the topspin, fade lands softer but does not go as far. So the best of both would be drawing your driver and fading irons.

No it doesn't, no shot has topspin (except maybe a top)

 

[garyinderry]

can some explain to me the benefit of hitting a draw or fade over a straght shot, as your stock shot, i understand that there might be a benefit in certain situations ....(bending round obstacles or angle of attack..

Having a certain shape makes it generally more predictable where the ball will end up. If your shot tends to move say 10yards left to right in the air. You can start the ball 10yards left of target and it should move back. With a repeatable swing it should pretty much always take this shape. If you over cook it your miss will be on the right.

If you try and hit it straight, if you get it wrong then you could end up either left or right. it can be a little less predictable.

 

[Tiger man]

No it doesn't, no shot has topspin (except maybe a top)

Mine do ok then they roll out more than a fade, hence going further.

 

[Crow]

Having a certain shape makes it generally more predictable where the ball will end up. If your shot tends to move say 10yards left to right in the air. You can start the ball 10yards left of target and it should move back. With a repeatable swing it should pretty much always take this shape. If you over cook it your miss will be on the right.

If you try and hit it straight, if you get it wrong then you could end up either left or right. it can be a little less predictable.

What happens if you undercook it? Won't that end up on the left?

To me whatever your stock shot; draw, fade or straight, you'll still end up left or right, it's just your skill level that determines how consistent you are and how far left or right you end up.

 

[SocketRocket]

I dont understand why so many are suggesting it's such a big deal to shape the ball flight. Hitting the ball 300 yards is more of a tall order for me but many seem to suggest they are capable of doing that.

I just set up as normal, aim to the right or left of my target then create the fade or draw by controlling the direction the clubpath exits impact. I practice it often at the range just like I practice lob shots, pitching etc.

There are a number of times the shape helps in a round such as turning the shot around a dog leg, turning the shot around trees and so forth. it's useful more for longer shots as short irons are harder to shape due to their loft. To be honest I find it harder to hit a straight shot with a long iron or wood.

 

[garyinderry]

What happens if you undercook it? Won't that end up on the left?

To me whatever your stock shot; draw, fade or straight, you'll still end up left or right, it's just your skill level that determines how consistent you are and how far left or right you end up.

"if your swing is repeatable it should take that shape''. that's the most important bit.

 

[dontfancythisputt]

can some explain to me the benefit of hitting a draw or fade over a straght shot, as your stock shot, i understand that there might be a benefit in certain situations ....(bending round obstacles or angle of attack..

I feel that shaping the ball narrows the margin for error greatly.

Lets say that your very worst shots is either a 50yard slice or a 50yards hook and it could be either on any given hole. so if you aim down the middle of a 70-80 yard wide hole either bad shot will put you in trouble costing you shots.

If Im trying to shape the ball it almost rules out one of these bad shots so in the example above im now playing with a 50yard shot width instead of 100yards.

Using the example again I can aim down the right of the fairway, set up for a draw and either a push (normal) a draw (lucky) or even a 50yard hook (occasional) will all stay in play.

 

[garyinderry]

Give this a go next time you are at the range. Move the logo of the ball and line it up with one of these spots. don't ''always'' have the club square as he says. This gives a good visual to hit a certain side of the ball to impart the desired movement. Remember club face dictates starting direction, path will influence the movement. Face left for fade, right for draw.

[video=youtube;PQlqLRiXHEU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQlqLRiXHEU[/video]

1min 16secs in.

 

[Robobum]

I will try to keep the ball low for approach shots if it's very windy.
I'll hit a higher shot if there is something to go over or the ball has to stop quick.
Occasionally (very occasionally!) I'll try a fade off the tee if it suits the shape of the fairway.
I might try to shape the ball if I have an obstacle in the way.

Other than the above, every shot I hit is intended to be straightish and normal height.

I really don't see the need for most of us to shape the ball in any other way than a normal swing produces, but if that's the way you like to play then go for it. I just don't think it helps to lower scores, and in a lot of cases I'd say the opposite.

As for clubs being hard to shape, just look around next time you play and see all manner of shot shapes (intentional or not) with super GI shovels.

As usual, this man talks complete sense.