true Val, My father always told me, a hook can get you into trouble but a fade can be played anytime, anywhere as long as its consistant and shallow.

meaning if you play a true fade, not a slice, you can hit it anywhere. you may have a longer shot on a dogleg left than your partner, but at least you will not be in trouble.

the loft may be the thing also, I hit a long ball off the tee, I used to hit an 7.5 or 8 deg years ago and could stick it out there 300 yds most days, but i had no idea if the last 25-30 yards would be right, way right, or do you think i hit the Lexus or the Hummer?

I now hit a 9.5 deg stiff and i'm pretty straight to sometimes a slight draw, I live sea level and still hit the fairways at about 280 to 290. I'll take picking what side of the fairway i want to hit to, over "God i hope we have enough gas to get to where that came down" any day.