Fairway woods can really lower your score when these clubs are used correctly. These clubs are not used often, but in certain situations they can come in handy in a big way, such as getting an eagle or trying to recover from a less than perfect drive.

To master fairway woods you need to understand the mechanics – and practice frequently. Use the advice here, and you will become a better golfer with these very important clubs.

Woods vs. Irons

Fairway woods and irons are not the same, so do not confuse the two. Both clubs offer distance but have different swing mechanics. Long irons should remove a large divot, but fairway woods should not when used properly.
With this club you need to keep your forward arm completely straight through your swing. Make sure to rotate your hips throughout the backswing and downswing so that you get power, and ensure that your head stays down while your eyes stay on the ball.

Setup First

Your feet should be roughly shoulder width apart and your feet should be lined up with the target, unless a draw or fade is planned. If you are right handed then you should play the ball in line with the left foot, and left handers will reverse this. Your spine needs to stay straight, your arms should be extended, and your knees should be slightly flexible.

Don’t Overswing

Scooping the ball off the ground is a common temptation, but you want your hit with the ball to be clean and then the club loft will take over. Do not hit too hard. Using maximum force with fairway woods is a common mistake made by new golfers. Make sure you stay on the intended swing path using a movement that is controlled and smooth, and this will keep the ball on target while getting it up and moving. If you are in the rough you can tap the grass behind the ball to flatten it, as long as your club head does not come into contact with the ball.

You Have to Practice!

Practice is critical with fairways woods, and it does not matter if you practice at Buffalo Shoals National Golf Club in Charlotte or a course somewhere else. What matters is that you get out and use these clubs. Practice will let you know the distance that each club can make, and will help you with clean strikes on the ball. Sand traps should be a regular part of your practice routine.

Before using a fairway wood, stop and consider this decision carefully. If your ball is in the woods and some distance from the green then an iron may help you get back into play more effectively. Know exactly when you need these clubs, because using one if the shot does not call for it can cause a lot of trouble for your game. These are specialty clubs that are very powerful, and are best only when they are used in certain situations that call for this club.

Tags: Using Fairway Wood Clubs