45. A faulty swing can hit very acceptable quality shots as well as disastrous shots; it simply depends on how great the error shows itself. The swing line through the ball that gives Montgomerie a graceful controlled fade turns into an uncontrollable slice if exaggerated. However, when the ball is under control, who is to say it is a fault

Here are two positive questions that can lead you to a better game. The two questions are:

1. “What shot would you like to hit"?
2. "What must the clubface do in order to achieve this shot"? 

You must bear in mind that a "straight shot" is not a good answer to the first question.
Study the illustration to see what needs to happen.

The game we want is between two extremes, on one side of the course we hit a violent hook and a disastrous pull and on the other side, we have the wild slice and catastrophic push. In the middle of these two extremes is the shot we all hit now and then as a fluke and that is the straight shot. The precision that is required to hit it is so fine that it renders it impossible to predict, even for the best players in the world. This is why top players favor a fade or a draw shot because they can hit them to order.

As you can see, a faulty swing can hit very acceptable quality shots as well as disastrous shots; it simply depends on how great the error shows itself. The swing line through the ball that gives Montgomerie a graceful controlled fade turns into an uncontrollable slice if exaggerated. However, when the ball is under control, who is to say it is a fault.

To play a fade and a draw, begin by looking at the slice and the hook. The fade favored by Montgomerie is achieved by reducing the amount by which the club on its swing line comes across the target line, as shown in the "Slice" graphic, with the clubface not so "open" or laid back.

A draw shot favoured by the majority of players is likewise brought about by reducing the exaggerated " In to Out" swing line of the club, as shown in the "Hook" graphic, at the same time as getting the clubface not so closed at impact. It all sounds very simple on paper but the best way to take this more complete picture on board is to actually practice how to hit "Hooks" and "Slices". Create these unwanted shots on purpose on a practice range and then experiment by softening the exaggeration to discover the "Draws" and "Fades". Think about it, if you can deliberately hit a Hook and a Slice, then you should be able to deliberately not hit them.

Ask any top player on the range to hit a wild slice or hook, a draw or a fade and they would be able to demonstrate it easily. Why, because they understand how the clubface must behave to bring each shot about. The necessary technical action is prompted, instinctively, simply by this understanding of what is required of the clubface. The club player shrinks in fear at the thought of wild shots but remember the saying that "Fears disappear when they are confronted".