How To Hit Fairway Woods

Learning how to hit fairway woods allows you to lower your golf scores and enjoy the game more. You can reach longer par 4 holes in two strokes rather than three. You may even find you can reach some of the shorter par 5s in two and have the thrill of putting for an eagle. Beginning golfers or those who only play occasionally can become so uncomfortable with playing fairway woods that they top the shop or hit it well off line. Simple changes in technique enable you to consistently play fairway woods with confidence.

1. Widen your stance. Learning how to hit fairway woods requires taking a more rounded swing than you would with iron clubs, which is easier with a wider stance. The wider stance also helps you keep your balance.
2. Adjust the ball position. Sweep through the ball. Don’t hit down on it, which can cause topped shots. Address the ball with the ball placed four inches inside your left heel so you can hit the ball at a more level angle.
3. Playing uphill or downhill lies. When hitting uphill, take a less lofted wood, a 4-wood rather than a 3-wood, as the lie causes the ball to go higher into the air. Learning how to hit fairway woods from a downhill lie is easier if you use a less lofted club and play the ball back in your stance.
4. Change how you aim with sidehill lies. Aim right of your intended target if the ball is above your feet. The lie causes the shot to curve from right to left. When the ball is below your feet, aim left and adjust for the ball’s tendency to curve from left to right.
5. Stay relaxed. Learning how to hit fairway woods requires taking a relaxed swing. Swing as hard as you can with your practice swing and then cut 20% off that maximum speed for the actual shot. A more rhythmic swing allows you to hit the ball farther. Mastering how to hit fairway woods makes golf much more fun.