Hitting a Power Fade

The power fade is a stroke-saving, left-to-right shot (for right-handers) you hit on purpose. It's not a slice, though it may look like one. It's an intentionally curved shot ideal for holes that turn sharply right or when most of the trouble is on the left. A great go-to shot off the tee, a power fade is easier to hit than a dead straight shot or a draw.
Below are six tips on hitting a power fade:

* Tee the ball on the right
* Pick a spot on the left
* Align your stance to the spot
* Position the ball forward
* Aim for the outside quadrant
* Swing easy and don't try to kill it.

Start by teeing the ball on the right side of the box, which gives you more room to play your ball to the right. Now, pick a spot between the rough and the fairway on the left and align your stance to it. That's the line you want your shot to travel before it begins to turn.

Next, tee the ball about a ball forward of where you normally position it. Tee it up low so that the ball's equator and the club's sweet spot line up. A lower tee encourages you to swing level through impact and guards against hitting a hooking. Also, rotate your club open a few degrees.
Take a normal swing. Aim for the outside quadrant of the ball. Striking the ball on the outside quadrant increases the chances of the ball fading. Take a nice easy swing and don't try to kill it. The faster you swing the club, the easier it is for you to turn your hands over and hook it.

The power fade is a relatively easy shot to hit. Jack Nicklaus' favorite shot off the tee, it's great to use on the first few holes you play, especially if you haven't had time to warm up.

Until nex time