In the world of golf instruction, timeless tips from legendary players like Lee Trevino continue to hold value and relevance. One of Trevino’s famous pieces of advice is the importance of being able to control a fade shot on the golf course. He believed that controlling a fade is much easier than controlling a hook, and many high-level players prefer to shape their shots with fade spin rather than hook spin. Trevino’s tips on hitting a power fade were shared in the December 1979 issue of GOLF Magazine, providing golfers with valuable insights on how to execute this shot effectively.
Trevino’s advice on hitting a power fade revolves around the idea of having a consistent favorite shot shape, whether it be a fade or a draw, and using it consistently. He emphasizes the importance of having a reliable technique that can be trusted under pressure. Instead of relying on traditional methods like open clubfaces or weak grips, Trevino offers a unique approach that has worked well for him throughout his career. By focusing on a push/fade shot to the target, golfers can eliminate many potential pitfalls that come with attempting to shape the ball in other ways.
To execute a power fade as per Trevino’s instruction, golfers should align their shoulders, hips, and feet to the left of the target while aiming the clubface directly at the target. By starting the club back along the target line and swinging down with a lateral hip shift towards the target, golfers can achieve an inside-to-outside swing path that promotes a fade. This combination of body alignment and swing path ensures that the ball will drift to the right consistently, providing golfers with a reliable shot shape that can be replicated time and time again.
One common challenge that golfers may face when attempting Trevino’s power fade method is hitting the ball too far to the right. In such cases, Trevino advises golfers to simply aim farther to the left rather than making significant adjustments to their stance or swing. By shifting their entire orientation to the left without changing their setup, golfers can effectively control the direction of their shots and ensure that the push/fade remains accurate and consistent. This simple adjustment can help golfers fine-tune their shot shape without overcomplicating their technique.
To help golfers better visualize and understand the mechanics of his power fade technique, Trevino suggests imagining three golf balls in front of the ball being hit and swinging through all of them. This visualization encourages a powerful inside-to-outside attack in relation to the stance, leading to straight shots or fades with minimal sidespin. Additionally, golfers can apply this concept to hitting a draw by adjusting their body alignment and clubface aim to the right, creating a shot that curves from right to left with a controlled clubface closure in the follow-through.
By adopting Trevino’s power fade method, golfers can gain a better understanding of how to shape their shots with precision and consistency. The simplicity of his approach, combined with the emphasis on alignment, swing path, and body movement, offers golfers a reliable technique for hitting fades and draws on demand. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your shot control or an experienced player seeking to fine-tune your ball flight, Trevino’s timeless tips provide a valuable foundation for mastering different shot shapes on the golf course.
