Hold vs. Release

When we watch the pros on TV the ball tracking system clearly shows line, trajectory and rotation of the ball flight. In most cases it is reflecting the player's intended shot results. Naturally, right handed golfers draw shots right to left just as a soccer style kicks yields a soccer ball shot. It's natural because we're standing on the side of the ball and following an in to out track. If a player is not seeing such results, they have a swing error that is resisting physics. When you hear a golf commentator make the comment, "here is Joe Pro, a player hitting his "natural" fade", he is incorrect. His natural swing is a draw, or he would not be on the Tour. What the announcer really means is; that player is hitting his "chosen" shot which is a fade.

Some top players choose to generally strike shots that fade because they elect to "hold", the shot. Other players determine to play their natural action, which is a draw, as their routine. Often, players change their normal shot to fit what the course and its conditions demand. Golfers who draw the ball are "releasing" the club and shot. If you have heard the terms supinate and pronate, then you have heard the technical terms for hold and release. High level players need to change nothing in their swings, just determine whether they're going to hold or release if they want a draw or fade. In both cases the ball begins down the line and turns one side or the other. Competitive right handed golfers often choose to hold a shot that drops casually to the right. They do so because to not release a club basically removes a link from the chain. One less move means one less chance to make a mistake! A right to left shot which is a draw, is full of power and if that power gets a little out of hand, it becomes a hook which is usually hot and hard to handle!