driver fades

Question
Hi Eddie,

I have a persistant fade when driving. I currently use a cobra x speed stiff graphite shaft 9.5 degree driver. This seems to be a persistant problem. I have settled to using my 5 wood f speed which is very consistent and always finds the fairway. However for the longer par 4s and par 5s I am looking to reach in 2, I am now trying to work out how to bring my driver back into my game. Having considered weakening my grip and moving the ball further away to try and reduce the out-in swing the fade has reduced but i am still struggling to produce the straight drive or even draw shots that I tend to generate with a more flexible shafted 5 wood. Please could you tell me what I should be doing and whether I should try a driver with the same shaft as my reliable 5 wood or if it is simply a case of working on the swing.  I have read about the baseball swing approach in other emails and on occasion this has produced a great result, but as a 14 handicapper looking to drop down into single figures I would like to understand why I keep fading the ball.  
Thx,
Charlie

Answer
Hi Charlie:
Understanding why you keep fading the ball is simple.  The golf club is moving through the impact area across the ball and the face is slightly open.  Those two impact conditions produce a ball that moves from left to right.  An open face and a cutting across the ball path produces a lot of left to right spin on the ball.  A fade is a shot that starts out relatively straight and then curves off to the right on the way down.  Now in your email, you mentioned you considered weakening your grip.  If you weaken your grip, you will turn your fade into a slice.  A weak grip is the biggest problem to someone who persistently fades or slices the ball.  SO WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT WEAKEN YOUR GRIP.  YOU MUST STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP!! A stronger grip helps produce more of a draw or a right to left spin on the ball.  Your grip is probably the biggest issue that keeps you from being able to straighten your driver out.  In the left hand, the shaft should rest across the base of your fingers hitting the first knuckle of the left index finger.  The shaft does NOT go into your fingers, and it does NOT go up into the lifeline or palm of your hand.  Check your grip and if you are confused or cannot find the right grip to help produce a draw, seek a PGA Professional and get some help.  If your other clubs are OK and you seem to hit them straight, then it very well could be your shaft in the driver is too stiff for you.  I'd check that out as well.  Go to a reputable club repair facility in your area, let them test your 5 wood and then test the driver.  See if there is a big difference.  If not, fix your grip and learn how to "release" the clubface correctly.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member