Where is the ball setup when hitting a fade or draw?

Question

Should I position the ball more forward on a fade and back on the draw? Should more weight be on my forward foot for a fade?

I've been working the ball pretty decent but am not sure if my setup is optimum.

I setup first on line to the left of the target for a fade, then open the clubface, take a normal swing and I get good movement. I've found though that I find it easier to lean a little more on my front foot, and I try not to break my wrist through the swing.

For the draw I aim to the right of target and then close the face - but am not sure if I'm getting more of a pull/hook with the ball a little further back in my stance or a true draw.

Also, on my 3 hybrid (Baffler DWS), the head doesn't 'close' or 'open' very well on setup. Any ideas on hybrid and 3-wood setups. I can draw my 3 wood (TM Burner) but fading it isn't as easy for some reason.

Any useful tips?

Answer 1

Instead of changing the ball position. I would try changing the grip slightly. Stronger grip for a draw and weaker grip for the fade.

Using a strong grip (thumbs lined up a little bit clockwise for right handed golfers) helps to close the clubface more at the point of impact as you hands cross over in the swing. A weaker grip helps to keep the clubface open at impact.

I would practice this at the driving range to see what impact it has on your swing.

There is a great video on this webpage on drawing the golf ball.

Answer 2

To get a fade I would normally place the ball more towards my left foot in my stance; and then I would swing my club slightly more 'from the outside in', using my left foot as anchor. A fade shot somehow will rob you off some distance due to the -ve spin given to the ball.

For a draw I would place my somewhere towards my right foot at address; and then I would swing my club slightly from 'inside to out', again anchoring with my left foot. This type of shot is the more difficult of the two (i.e. fade or draw). Of course a draw will gain further distance due to the +ve spin created on the ball.

Answer 3

Jack Nicklaus recommends you open your stance for a fade, and close it for a draw.  Your clubface is still pointing at the target, so opens or closes the correct amount.  The other elements of your swing should remain the same.