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Step 1
Understand that fairway woods now come as hybrids, utility woods and fairway woods. Hybrids are a cross between an iron and a wood. They are replacements for the 2 through 5 irons. Fairway woods are configured much like regular woods but have a greater loft and shorter shaft. Utility clubs are being phased out because of the ability of hybrids, with their low center of gravity, to get shots out of deep rough.
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Step 2
Understand that the best swing for a fairway wood or a hybrid is a sweeping swing--one that is flatter than that for an iron. A steep swing with a fairway wood will often cause the club to "stick" in the turf and pop a shot up.
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Step 3
Exaggerate the sweeping motion with practice swings. Try to create a swing thought that does not center on "hitting" a shot but "sweeping" a shot off the grass or tee.
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Step 4
Position the ball forward in your stance but slightly inside that for a driver. With a driver you want to catch the golf ball on a much more ascending part of your swing than with a fairway wood.
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Step 5
Do not try to muscle a fairway wood. With its lower center of gravity, trying to muscle a fairway wood will often lead to the dreaded "chunk." Swing smoothly, focusing on balance and finishing the shot rather than hitting the ball.
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Step 6
Play shots from deep rough or sand traps slightly back in your stance. It is important to catch the ball first in these shots. It helps to choke down slightly on the club. It is also crucial that you swing even easier and more smoothly--although instinct often says "rip it out of here."
