A cut is a golf shot that curves to the right for a right handed golfer and to the left for a lefty. Players also refer to this shot as a fade. It is similar to a slice that curves in the same direction but the two shots differ in a few distinct and subtle ways.
Spin
For either a slice or a cut the ball begins spinning away from your feet at contact. If you are right-handed, the rotation is clockwise as you look down on the ball. The dimples on the spinning golf ball grab the surrounding air and make the ball curve as it moves through the air. The axis of the spin is not totally vertical because the club also imparts some backspin to the ball. There will usually be more backspin on a cut or slice than for straight shots or those curving the other way.
Shape and Height
Both a slice and a cut curve the ball to the right for the right-hander. The ball also tends to fly higher in the air due to its increased backspin. This makes it carry a shorter distance and also roll less once it hits the turf. A slice has more sidespin than a cut, which produces a much more decided bend in the shot. A cut shot tends to fly fairly straight until it begins to move to the side near the end of the shot when it begins to slow down.
Cause
Slices and cuts occur because the path of the club face is not aligned with its direction as it makes contact with the ball. For the right-handed player, the club face points to the right of the swing path. A slice is usually accidental and due to improper swing mechanics. It robs you of distance and often causes the ball to sail off the fairway or away from the green. Sometimes a player will intentionally slice a shot, usually to hit around an object like a tree. A cut, on the other hand, is intentional. You use it for either a higher iron shot to hold a green or for a tee shot that lands softly in the fairway. Many players find it easier to control their shots with the predictable and controlled curve of a cut than to hit a ball absolutely straight.
Power Fade
Power fade is another term has made its way into the golf lexicon. It describes a tee shot that curves only a small amount and does not rob you of distance like a slice does. Because it has less sidespin than a slice and also less backspin than a traditional cut shot, it flies lower and straighter and tends to roll out more after it hits the ground.
References
- “Golf Digest”; Fading into the Distance; Tim Mahoney and Hunki Yun; February 1996
- Golf Today: Q&A — What Is a Slice?
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