Curve

Curve is defined as horizontal movement of the golf ball in flight, relative to the initial launch direction or the intended target line. On golf shots that fly straight and on-target, the golf ball rotates about an axis that is parallel to the ground (perpendicular to the downward force of gravity) and perpendicular or square to the initial direction of flight. If the Axis of Rotation is tilted the golf ball will curve, flying laterally as it also flies forward, towards the target.



Curving shots occur when the face of the golf club is not square to the golfer's swing path at impact. A shot that curves gently or moderately in a left-to-right direction (for a right-handed golfer) is called a fade or a cut. A shot with extreme left-to-right curve (for a right-handed golfer) is called a slice. A shot that curves gently or moderately in a right-to-left direction (for a right-handed golfer) is a draw.  A shot with extreme right-to-left curve (for a right-handed golfer) is called a hook.