How to Choose a Fairway Wood

What is a Fairway Wood?

A fairway wood is a versatile club designed for distance, control, and ease of use, with lofts ranging from 13-22 degrees for men and women. Made of steel, lightweight carbon composite, and tungsten, this type of club offers a high ball flight and better control. The shaft flex plays a crucial role, as a regular or lite flex corresponds to a lower swing speed. Many fairway woods come with adjustable hosels that are great for more experienced golfers with lower handicaps. The majority of golfers do not need the adjustability, especially those with high handicaps. The fairway wood is typically an easier club to hit than a long iron and is far more forgiving with off-center hits. Whether you're looking to improve your long game or add more consistency to your approach shots, fairway woods offer the performance you need to excel on the course.

When to Use a Fairway Wood?

A fairway wood is a versatile club that can be used from the tee box, fairway, rough, and bunkers. Here are specific examples of when a fairway wood might be necessary:

• Long par 4s and par 5s: 3 or 5 woods would be the best for these shots as you can generally get a combination of distance and accuracy.

• Off the Tee: 3 woods are great for this shot due to having a smaller clubhead, more loft, and a shorter shaft. This will give you more consistency and a slightly lower trajectory as it is comparable to the driver.

• Chip shots: 3 or 5 woods are generally the most consistent club for these shots when a wedge is not the best option, because the loft can lift the ball just enough to have a smooth roll. 

• Rough, bunkers, and bushes: 7 woods allow easy hitting out of the sand with control, while the 9 wood is beneficial for getting the ball more air with the higher loft. 

• Second shot into long holes: Use a 3 wood for this shot to get a good launch angle and for the ball to carry well. 

Types of Golf Woods

There are several different types of golf woods, each offering a different purpose for the course. Choosing what wood you need depends completely on what you already have in your bag. Our Golf Experts highlight the different types and how they’re best used on the course.

3 Wood

The 3 wood is a reliable alternative to the driver, especially for beginners. When filling a gap, skip the 7 and 9 and go for a 3 instead! The 3 wood is helpful in different ways depending on your swing speed and skill level.

• Beginner Golfer: Opt for 15-16 degrees of loft or more to help maximize distance.

• More Skilled or Faster Swing: Opt for 13-14 degrees of loft for more power with accuracy and control. 

Some 3 woods also feature a built-in draw bias, helping to reduce slicing without altering your swing. Overall, the 3 wood is a versatile club, especially useful off the tee.

5 Wood

The 5 wood is easier to hit than the 3 and an excellent option for a wide range of shots, including tee shots, second shots on par 5s, and approaches from the fairway or rough. Comparable to the 2, 3, and 4 iron, the 5 wood provides more forgiveness and a higher launch that makes it a reliable choice for players looking to improve consistency.

• Beginner Golfer: Opt for a 5 wood with a higher loft of 18-19 degrees to help achieve a higher ball flight and maximize carry distance.

• More Skilled or Faster Swing: Look for a loft in the range of 17-18 degrees for better control and shot shaping.

The 5 wood’s smaller clubhead and higher loft improve contact, making it a valuable addition to your golf bag, especially for filling gaps on longer holes.

7 Wood

The 7 wood is a versatile alternative to long irons, hybrids, and the 5 wood. It is known for its consistency, forgiveness, and ability to produce higher ball flights with a steeper descent angle, making it a favorite among both skilled golfers and beginners.

• Beginner Golfer: Opt for 20-21 degrees of loft for forgiveness, maximizing carry, and improving accuracy.

• Experienced Golfer: Opt for 22 degrees of loft for controlled long approach shots or hitting into the green. 

With its reliability and ease of use, the 7 wood helps golfers score lower by delivering consistent results in various situations.

9 Wood

The 9-wood, often called a utility wood, is a reliable alternative to a 5 iron or hybrid. Your swing speed and skill level play a key role in determining how beneficial it can be for you.

• Beginner Golfer: Opt for 23-24 degrees of loft to generate a higher ball flight and improve accuracy.

• Average or Slower Swing Speeds: Opt for 24-26 degrees of loft to enhance the center of gravity. In return, this improves the distance and spin, while the larger clubhead provides stability on mis-hits.

Perfect for long shots, hitting over hazards, and getting out of the rough, the 9 wood delivers consistent performance and confidence in making the best shorts on the course.

Fairway Wood Loft & Distance Chart

Below is a general guideline for fairway woods and the distance range. Please note that everyone’s swing and play styles are different, so it’s always best to schedule a custom fitting with a SCHEELS Master Fitter. 

Wood Type	Loft Degrees	Distance
3 Wood	13-16	180 - 230 yards
5 Wood	17-19	105 - 210 yards
7 Wood	20-22	160 - 200 yards
9 Wood	23-26	167 - 182 yards

Choosing the right fairway wood can elevate your game, providing the perfect balance of distance, control, and versatility. Ultimately, the best fairway wood is the one that feels comfortable with your swing, gives you confidence in your hit, and complements your playing style on the course. Choose from the top brands of fairways like Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, Titleist, and more!

If you have additional questions about choosing a fairway wood, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Golf Expert or schedule a golf fitting with one of our SCHEELS Master Fitters.