The 7 Steps To Mastering Fairway Woods

fairway woods tips

Learning how to properly hit fairway woods can give your
game a big boost. While it’s true that these are some of
the least used clubs in the bag, there are scenarios when
you need them in the worst way-either to have a chance at
an eagle or to save par from wayward drive. Mechanics and
practice are the keys to learning how to hit fairway
woods.

If you are just learning how to hit fairway woods, here
are some helpful tips to get you started.

Tip 1: Do not confuse these clubs with your irons. While
the distance is often comparable, the swing mechanics are
not. When you play your long irons, you often want to take
a big divot. That is not the case with these fairway
woods.

Tip 2: Unless you are planning to play a fade or a draw,
always line your feet up with the target, about
shoulder-width apart. Play the ball a little forward, just
about in line with your left foot (for right handed
golfers) Keep your arms extended and your spine straight,
allowing a little bit of knee flex.

Tip 3: If you are playing out of the rough, tap the club
head behind the ball (without touching the ball) to tamp
down some of the grass between the head and the ball. This
is legal as long as you do not make contact with the ball
itself.

Tip 4: When learning how to hit fairway woods, remember to
keep your forward arm as straight as possible during your
swing. Turn your hips as you go through the backswing and
downswing to generate power. Keep your head down and your
eyes on the ball.

Tip 5: Resist the temptation to scoop the ball off the
ground. Your job is to hit the ball cleanly, and the loft
of the club will do the rest. Also, resist the common urge
to hit the ball too hard. Many golfers, especially those
just learning how to hit fairway woods, are inclined to
smack the ball with maximum force, but this can be a big
mistake.

The better option is to make a smooth, controlled movement
that stays on the right swing path. This is the best way
to get the ball up, off, and on target.

Tip 6: There are times when you may think the fairway wood
is the right club to use, but stop and consider the
situation before you grab one out of your bag.

If you are in the trees and a long way from the green,
consider using an iron to get back into play, rather than
trying to make the green. One of the keys to learning how
to hit fairway woods is knowing when to use them. Using
one of these specialty clubs when you should be using
something else can cause more trouble than you might
think.

Tip 7: The only way to understand these clubs is to take
them to the practice range and put them into use. You need
to know what distance you can get from each one, and
become proficient in striking the ball cleanly. Practice
is the only way to achieve this. And don’t forget to
practice hitting out of sand traps whenever you have the
opportunity.

“If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up
the wrong golf ball.” (Jack Lemmon)

One thing is certain: if you learn how to hit fairway
woods properly, your game will improve and your scores
will be lower. These clubs can be powerful tools when you
need them.