How to Correct a Push Fade in Golf

Ah, the push fade – that confounding shot that seems to have a mind of its own. One minute you’re lining up a beautiful drive, feeling like Rory McIlroy, and the next, your ball’s taking a scenic route to the right. But fear not, my fellow golfer. Correcting a push fade is entirely within your grasp. Let’s walk through some practical adjustments and tips to straighten out your game.

Understanding the Push Fade

Before we tackle the fix, let’s get a grip (pun intended) on what a push fade actually is. This shot starts out right of your target line (for right-handed golfers) and then curves further right. It’s a double whammy of frustration: bad aim and bad curve. Why does it happen? Think about your swing path. A push fade typically results from an out-to-in swing path combined with an open clubface at impact.

The swing path sends the ball to the right, while the open clubface adds that unwanted slice. It’s like your club and ball had a disagreement and decided to part ways. Usually, the push fade is a sign of misalignment or poor setup. But the good news is, with some tweaks, you can get these two back on speaking terms.

Check Your Alignment

Alignment – it’s the unsung hero of a good golf shot. If you’re aiming in the wrong direction, no amount of swing magic will save you. Picture this: If you’re trying to hit the bullseye, you wouldn’t start by pointing the dart to the left, right? So, let’s ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all parallel to your target line.

  • Feet: Line them up with a club or an alignment stick on the range. Ideally, they should be parallel to your target line, like train tracks.
  • Hips and Shoulders: Your hips and shoulders should mirror your feet. Stand in front of a mirror or have a buddy check your stance.
  • Eyes: Make sure your head isn’t tilted. Your gaze should be level and aligned with your target.

Small tweaks here can lead to big changes. If your alignment is off, you might inadvertently aim right, causing that push fade. So get those lines straight and set yourself up for success.

Grip It Right

Ah, the grip – the handshake between you and your club. A strong grip can do wonders for your swing path and clubface control. If your grip is too weak (with your hands rotated too far to the left on the club), the clubface might open up, leading to that fade.

Try this:

  • Place your left hand on the club first, ensuring the V between your thumb and index finger points toward your right shoulder.
  • Next, curl your right hand over, with the V pointing in the same direction.
  • You should be able to see two to three knuckles on your left hand.

Test it out by hitting a few balls. If the push fade persists, adjust your grip until you find the sweet spot. Remember, grips are personal, like your favorite pair of golf shoes. Find what feels right and stick to it.

Get Your Swing Path in Check

If alignment and grip are the opening acts, your swing path is the headliner. An out-to-in swing path is a prime suspect for push fades. Picture a baseball player swinging for a home run – they’re coming across the ball. We want to avoid that in golf.

Here’s a drill to help:

  • Set up two alignment sticks on the ground, one pointing at your target and the other slightly inside your target line.
  • Practice swinging along the inside stick, visualizing an in-to-out path.
  • Focus on hitting the ball from the inside, like a gentle nudge to the right.

It might feel strange at first, but with practice, you’ll groove that new swing path. And if you’re wondering how to keep your clubs in top condition while practicing, consider using The Club Washer to ensure your clubs are always clean and ready for action.

Square Up That Clubface

Now that we’ve got the swing path sorted, let’s tackle the clubface. An open clubface at impact is like a GPS gone rogue – it’ll send your ball on an unexpected adventure. To correct this, focus on squaring the clubface at impact.

Try this drill:

  • At address, imagine a clock face on the ball, with 12 o’clock pointing toward the target.
  • As you swing, aim to strike the ball at 3 o’clock, squaring the clubface at impact.
  • Practice with half swings first, gradually working up to full swings.

Feel the difference? A square clubface will send your ball flying straighter than a superhero on a rescue mission. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be the hero of your own golf story.

Mind the Ball Position

The ball position is another sneaky culprit in the push fade saga. Too far back, and you’ll hit the ball too early, leading to an open clubface. Too far forward, and you’ll struggle to square up. Get it right, and you’ll be in the sweet spot.

Here’s a simple guide:

  • Driver: Align the ball with your left heel (for right-handed golfers).
  • Irons: Position the ball just forward of center.
  • Wedges: Move the ball toward the middle of your stance.

Experiment a little to find what works for you. Remember, these are guidelines, not hard rules. Adjust as needed, and you’ll find your perfect ball position.

Tempo and Rhythm: Find Your Groove

Ever notice how pro golfers look like they’re dancing when they swing? That’s because tempo and rhythm are key to a consistent shot. If you’re swinging too fast or with jerky motions, you might lose control of the clubface and swing path.

Try this:

  • Slow down your swing to a comfortable pace.
  • Focus on a smooth transition from backswing to downswing.
  • Imagine your swing as a pendulum, moving gracefully through the ball.

It’s not about power; it’s about precision. Find your natural rhythm, and your shots will be as smooth as butter.

Practice with Purpose

Practice makes perfect, but practicing with purpose makes even better. When you’re on the range, don’t just mindlessly hit balls. Set specific goals for each session and track your progress.

Here’s how:

  • Focus on one aspect of your swing at a time, like alignment or clubface control.
  • Use alignment sticks or targets to guide your practice.
  • Take notes on what works and what doesn’t.

And remember, practicing with clean clubs can make a big difference. Use The Club Washer to keep your clubs in top shape, ensuring every practice session is as effective as possible.

Get Feedback and Adjust

Golf can be a solitary sport, but getting feedback from a coach or fellow golfer can provide new insights. They might notice things you’ve overlooked or offer tips you haven’t considered.

If you don’t have someone to watch your swing, try recording yourself. It’s amazing what you can learn from seeing your swing on video. Look for areas where you might be going wrong, like alignment or swing path, and make adjustments as needed.

Feedback isn’t about criticism; it’s about growth. Embrace it, and you’ll be on your way to conquering that push fade.

Final Thoughts

Correcting a push fade requires a mix of alignment, grip, swing path, and practice. By making these adjustments, you’ll be well on your way to hitting straighter, more consistent shots. And don’t forget to keep your clubs in top condition with The Club Washer, ensuring they’re always ready for action. Happy golfing!