A Slight Fade Off The Tee Keeps The Ball In Play

Every time you play golf you are going to encounter narrow holes, where accuracy off the tee is far more important than distance. Since a dead-straight shot is one of the hardest to hit and a hook can often get completely out of control, accuracy is best achieved with a controlled fade. Such a shot can be hit by doing what is called blocking out. The phrase refers to the right side and the right hand, which are blocked from dominating the shot, making a hook impossible.

The swing for the controlled fade should be made primarily with the arms. The back-swing must be all arms, compact and smooth, with very little wrist action. The downswing must not be forced. At impact it is necessary that the left side remain rigid and that the right hand move straight out toward the target, neither getting ahead of the left hand nor rolling over it. The follow-through should be high and upright.

If the trouble on the hole is to the left, the shot should be aimed right at it. The ball should fade some 20 yards from left to right, thus moving away from the trouble zone. If the hazards are on the right, the shot has another advantage: it doesn't roll far. If it lands on the fairway it is likely to stay there.