When it comes to setting up your driver for a fade, there are a few key factors to consider. Traditional methods that involve adjusting the driver in specific ways may not be the most effective approach. Instead, it’s essential to understand the modern swing path and how it affects the ball flight. The wipey floater to the right or a no-spin block are common misses for players with a shallow swing path, and setting up the driver to address these misses is crucial for achieving a proper fade shot. Working with a qualified fitter, such as True Spec Golf, can help you dial in the perfect driver setup for your fade.
A proper fade shot can be defined in two ways: a pull fade that starts left of the target line and falls back to the center, or a shot that starts down the left side of the fairway and moves back to the right. Players like Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Collin Morikawa all have similar setups for their fade shots, including plenty of loft and a neutral or closed face angle. Setting up the driver with a left-pointing face and an upright lie can help promote a fade start line and reduce the risk of a hook.
Collin Morikawa, who recently finished runner-up at Bay Hill, has a driver setup that produces a hard penetrating cut on his flat fade shots. His TaylorMade Qi35 driver features a low CG head, a stiff tipped shaft, and a left-pointing face angle. Working with TaylorMade’s experts, Collin was able to optimize his driver for his natural shot shape while ensuring efficiency and a friendly miss. The fitting process for Collin began in Las Vegas and concluded at Kapalua, showcasing the attention to detail and customization that goes into Tour player equipment.
For every golfer, finding efficiency in their game starts with accepting their natural shot shape. Whether you’re more comfortable hitting a draw or a fade, the key is to build your clubs to maximize your swing’s natural pattern. Trying to force a shot shape that doesn’t come naturally to you can lead to inconsistent results and unnecessary struggles on the course. By working with a fitter to optimize your fade shot, you can improve your consistency and accuracy off the tee, leading to better overall performance on the course.
The best players in the world don’t guess when it comes to their ball flight—they know. By paying attention to what the ball is telling you through your shots, you can make more informed decisions about your equipment and swing adjustments. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the lessons learned from Tour player equipment setups can help you improve your game and find the perfect driver setup for your fade shots. Schedule a fitting at True Spec Golf to discover your ideal driver setup and maximize your potential on the course.
