Jon Rahm on His Club Selection for Fades and Draws

The professional golfer discusses how he uses different clubs to hit these specific shots.

The fade and draw are two types of shots that can help boost a golfer’s game. They’re useful in navigating around a hazard, putting you in a particular spot on the fairway or setting you up on the green.

Some golfers will manipulate their stance or swing to hit a fade or a draw. However, professional golfer Jon Rahm has a different approach. He has particular clubs in his bag he uses when he prepares to hit either of these shots. Rahm spoke to Pro Tips about his approach and the strategy behind how he hits fades and draws.

DRAW VS. FADE

While they have a few similarities, the draw and fade have a clear distinction:

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• A fade curves from left to right for right-handed golfers. Conversely, it would go from right to left for left-handed golfers.
• A draw curves from right to left for right-handed golfers. It would be the opposite for left-handed golfers.

RAHM’S WOODS SETUP

Instead of adjusting his body, Rahm has particular clubs set up to hit fades and draws. Depending on the shot, he can either:

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• Use his 3-wood to hit a draw.
• Use his driver to hit a fade or straight shot.

"If the hole makes it impossible for me to hit a fade with the driver, that’s why I go to the 3-wood,” Rahm says. “I don’t give up that much distance, and it’s already set up for me to hit a draw. So, all I do is aim right and let the club do the rest.”

There are a couple of reasons why Rahm sets up his bag this way. The first is that he is trying to overcome a weak grip.

“I’ve tried to manipulate my swing before,” Rahm says. “And, you know, I have a weak grip. I’ve tried to strengthen it. I’ve tried different feelings. It’s just that I’m not good at it.”

He also says that not having to alter his swing too much helps boost his consistency. By focusing on a consistent swing, you can help improve control over the ball.

“I think what has made me a good driver or consistent driver is that I never try to change anything,” Rahm says.

It can be challenging to hit a fade or a draw on the golf course. However, by having the proper set makeup, you can be ready to nail these shots on the course.

“I guess the lesson is, if you can’t hit a draw with a driver, don’t try it,” Rahm says. “Just go a club down if you can and try a draw with a 3-wood. It’s always going to be easier. There’s more spin on the ball. It’ll be a lot easier to do it.”

Now that you're familiar with Rahm's on-course approach, learn how he prepares for a round before teeing off.