Why Fairway Woods Changes the Rules – If Right

Kris McCormack
Fairway Woods can be a huge difference in your game, but only if they fit your swing.
golf.com
Frankly, Fairway Forest just didn’t get the love it deserves. The driver stole the spotlight, Alans nodded the score, and the wedge earned all the credibility of exquisiteness. But is it suitable for fairway wood? That may be the MVP of the backpack you don't know you're missing.
So let's give these clubs what deserve and break down why fairway Woods is not only the space holder in your 14 club suite, but it can be a game changer.
Do you think the club fits well and is not suitable for you? That's why you're wrong
go through:
Kris McCormack
What should your fairway wood do?
First, your fairway Woods should be a few things for you:
- Your longest fairway wood should keep you in a safe position, i.e. on tighter holes or clubs with too many drivers.
- One or two 5 or let you set up for the bird's wedge.
- Escape from trouble or get rid of less ideal lies – whether it's short-lived roughness, downhill lies or narrow fairways.
But there is a catch: If your fairway forest isn't right, they probably haven't done anything Excellent. You may also carry a stylish paperweight.
There are 7 wood trends on tour. Is it time to add one to your bag?
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Johnny Wunder
Here is what you should call:
Loft is important – a lot
Most people think that 3 wood is 3 wood. Wrong. Depending on your swing speed and delivery, you may need more attics to keep the ball consistent. A 16.5-degree “3HL or sturdy 4 wood” may be further and further than a traditional 15-degree 3 wood. It has nothing to do with the numbers on the sole; it's about carry numbers in the air and how they land.
For some players, a 5-wood can produce the best number and put it in the bag as the longest fairway wood after the driver.

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Shaft and weight
The right axis bends and weight keep your speed smooth and the launch window consistent. Too heavy, you will wear yourself. Too light, you may lose the relationship of your head in the swing position and start seeing two-way missed. If the shaft is too stiff, good luck.
Face profile and turf interact
Some players are sweepers. Some players hit the ball and took the ball away with the woods. The only design and how the club interacts with the turf is huge for playability. A deeper, taller face helps serve. Although the shallow face and wider soles may be better on the narrow fairway. Testing some combinations helps find the right fit and gives you the best of both worlds.
Distance gap
Your fairway needs to be inserted perfectly between the driver and the longest iron or hybrid. If your 3-wood flies are 5 yards away from the 5-wood and are all the same distance from the turf, then your gap is gone. Now it's time to entertain the idea of 4-wood and 7-wood combinations.
Fairway Woods doesn’t have to be a gap filler or a “in-case” club. When they fit your game correctly, they become tools you can rely on, sometimes even more than the driver. They can help you, set you up, and even become your first choice when walking on the side.
Don't just carry them, trust them. Rely on them. Let them work for you.
Ready to find the right fairway forest for your game? Consult a fitter in your local real-specification golf.

Kris McCormack
golf.com contributor
McCormack, based on a career spanning over 20 years in the golf industry, served as Vice President of Tourism and Education at True Spec Golf for the last six years of his career. During this time, he planned training programs for real spec fit personnel and promoted more continuing education courses. and manage their tourism sector and establish relationships with many OEM partners. Before joining the real spec team, McCormack worked with several industry-leading manufacturers to become a major level professional. In addition to being a coach and working with the Golf Channel Academy, he serves as a lead lecturer and a professional with inappropriate branding. He also works with the R&D team to assist in the product design, testing and development of various equipment distributions. He is a golf enthusiast and lives in the gear space!