How to Hit a Fairway Wood Higher

The fairway wood can provide more distance than an iron if hit properly.

Many golfers have a fear of using woods in the fairway. These players don't trust their abilities to get the same elevation on the ball that they can accomplish with irons. Some golfers have a hard time getting their fairway woods under the ball to lift it in the air. However, with a few simple tweaks to your positioning and swing, you can hit your fairway woods more crisply and drive the ball into the air.

Instructions

1. Choose a fairway wood appropriate for your golf shot. A 3-wood generally provides more distance than a 5-wood, but if you are going purely for elevation, the 5-wood offers more loft. You may also find a 7- or 9-wood that limits distance but delivers more elevation.

2. Take your stance in front of the ball. The ball should lie somewhere across from your front foot. Extend your arms so that they are fully outstretched with the club head just behind the ball.

3. Align the rest of your body to accommodate for the fairway wood swing. Flex your knees a little and lean your back forward slightly.

4. Begin your backswing, keeping your arms straight to create a wide arc. Bring the club all the way back to a full rotation.

5. Begin your downswing, rotating your upper body and keeping your arms outstretched. A common misconception in gaining elevation is you have to hit down hard on the ball. However, with a fairway wood, your swing should mimic a sweeping motion. The long swing arc and club face will provide the lift you are looking for.

6. Glide the fairway wood along the ground as you contact the ball. Your lead hand guides the club across the hitting zone. Finish your swing with a full rotation; as your hips open up, your head comes up with the swing, your back foot moves to the toe and the club faces backward.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the club provide the power and elevation when swinging a fairway wood. Do not try to put more power into the swing, as swinging too hard leads to poor contact.

• Practice hitting all of your woods. It's an advantage to find one wood that you feel comfortable hitting, but working with all woods adds to the types of shots you can hit.

References

• Golf-Information: Types of Golf Clubs
• Golf Swing Tips; How to Hit Fairway Woods; Jack Moorehouse
• GolfingValley.com: Tips to Hitting Hybrid Clubs & Fairway Woods with Confidence & Ease