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Amateurs should only use a fade or draw to avoid trouble or play to the shape of a hole. These types of shots allow the golfer to miss a little but give the golfer a big advantage if successful in execution.

For right handed golfers:
Fade - This is a golf shot that starts to the left of the target and curves, in a controlled fashion, from left to right back to the target.
Draw - This is a golf shot that starts to the right of the target and curves, in a controlled fashion, from right to left back to the target.
Please reverse for left handed golfers.

Two examples to avoid trouble:

1. If you are on the tee and there is water on the left.
The idea would be to play down the centre or left-centre of the fairway but look to fade/draw the ball away from the water. This minimizes risk because if the ball is hit straight then it finishes on the fairway. If the ball correctly curves then it finishes in a position on the side of the fairway away from the water. This action minimizes the ball going into the water as the golfer is protecting against the shot to the left and into the water.

2. The hole is tree-lined and dog-legs to one side.
If the shot is hit straight the golf ball could go in the trees. Draw/fade the ball around the corner to get maximum distance on the hole, playing to the shape of the hole and avoiding the trees.

Advanced

Professionals also use a fade or draw shape to alter the trajectory of their shots, attack certain flag positions and control the ball in windy conditions. However, these aspects need absolute control and should only be used by more experienced or better players.

Use these shots to gain an advantage and minimize trouble on the golf course.

You do not have to attack every flag. Play the percentages and instead go for the centre of the green. With a shot such as this, get it right and you gain one shot, get it wrong and it could cost you three. Its not worth it.

This is very difficult to do as it is almost impossible to judge how hard the wind is blowing and then how much fade or draw is needed to negate the wind. Dont over-complicate things and play with the wind instead of fighting against it.

Fading and drawing the ball requires absolute control of the golf swing. It is a very difficult skill to master. To try to perform a fade or draw on every shot is unrealistic, especially for an amateur. It is also not needed. Working on consistency and hitting the ball as straight as possible is the simplest and easiest way to play a round of golf.