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Best Fairway Wood to Get a Stroke Your Proud of

  1. TaylorMade Men's 5HL Golf Fairway Wood
  2. PING G30 Fairway Wood
  3. Callaway Men's X2 Fairway Wood
  4. Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood
  5. Nike Golf Men's VRS Covert 2.0 Golf Fairway Wood
  6. TaylorMade Women's SLDR-S Golf Bonded Fairway Wood
  7. Cobra Bio Cell Women's Fairway Wood
  8. Callaway Women's X2 Hot Fairway Wood
  9. Callaway Women's Big Bertha V Series Fairway Wood
  10. Ping Lady Serene Fairway Wood
  11. Ping Golf G400 Men's Hybrid Driver
  12. Nike Golf Men's VRS Covert 2.0 Golf Fairway Wood
  13. Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood
  14. Nickent F30Ti
  15. Tour Edge Bazooka Max-D45 Driver Regular 10.5 D
  16. Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood
  17. Adams Golf Clubs XTD Driver
  18. Callaway Big Bertha V Series Heavenwood
  19. PING G30 Fairway Wood
  20. 2014 TaylorMade Golf SLDR S Driver
  21. Buyer's Guide

A fairway wood can be one of the trickiest, yet most important clubs any player can carry at any given time. The difficulty in hitting a fairway wood, combined with the advent of the hybrid iron, have made fairway woods a little less common. That being said, it's still incredibly important to have a good fairway wood in the bag to rip off the tee on those days when the driver isn't going where you'd like. After all, most amateurs can get as much distance off the tee with a strong 3 wood, as they can a driver. The most important factors we considered while evaluating these best fairway woods in 2022 was the distance you could gain with the club, the forgiveness of the club, and the playability from different lies around the course.

The Best Fairway Wood Models of 2022 in Detail

TaylorMade Men's 5HL Golf Fairway Wood - Best Fairway Wood Overall

The TaylorMade SLDR fairway woods are without question the best fairway woods on the market. Flexibility in customizing the specifications of the golf club make this one of the most diverse clubs on the market. This club combines a lower center of gravity, along with Speed Pocket Technology, which enhances club head speed, and ball speed, key for maximizing distance on every shot.

This fairway wood also maintains a very compact profile; when addressing the ball, the player doesn’t feel like their club is out-sizing thereby making the shot more difficult. Combine that with the fact that players can gain exceptional distance with these fairway woods, and it's hard to find another choice that measures up.

PING G30 Fairway Wood - Runner Up

The PING G30 fairway wood is great because it employs many of the same principles of the TaylorMade SLDR fairway woods but this club is incredibly unique in its own right. The G30 employs a uniform-thickness Carpenter 475 face that maximizes and increases ball speed and generates greater distance. This club is big on forgiveness, as it has a taller and wider feeling face.

Additionally, the flexibility of the club allows players to customize the loft of the club up to one degree, both ways, and can offer customized weighting in the back of the club. That said, this club can feel slightly overwhelming if you're used to an incredibly compact design which is very common amongst fairway woods.

Callaway Men's X2 Fairway Wood - Honorable Mention

This is easily the most explosive fairway wood on the list. While there is only a limited amount of forgiveness, and the club offers nothing in the way of customization it still delivers. The club is incredibly powerful, and in personal testing, this was the longest fairway wood of the entries on this list.

This fairway wood also employs Hyper Speed Face Cup technology which increases club head speed and ball speed, and will significantly improve results at moment of impact. The club is lighter with an incredibly compact feel which makes this club ideal for even shots out of the rough, or tougher lies which were previously for you.

best Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood

Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood - Consider

There was a time when the Adams Tight Lies fairway woods were considered club that only hackers should use. Mass produced, and generally inexpensive at stores, they were made to be very simple, and cost effective. However, the Tight Lies fairway woods of today are no comparison to previous generations.

Ghost Slot Technology is the newest addition to the old golfing technology which now makes hitting this fairway wood out of rough, fairway, or even fairway bunkers a breeze. A low profile, high launch angle, and explosive distance this might be the most versatile club on the list, and can easily compete with any of the big names in fairway woods, or drivers.

Nike Golf Men's VRS Covert 2.0 Golf Fairway Wood - Best Men's Fairway Wood

This fairway wood from Nike rounds out our list because the club is probably the easiest to simply pick up and launch. While the customization isn't unusual, it does offer a unique cavity in the back which contributes to the balls launch angle. There’s also a lower center of gravity and the club also offers a lower spin rate which is key to gaining more distance, especially when being hit from the fairway. This fairway wood functions well from any position on the course, perfect gaining distance, and offers effective forgiveness for those mishits.

TaylorMade Women's SLDR-S Golf Bonded Fairway Wood - Best Women's Fairway Wood

The SLDR fairway wood is by far the best on the market for any gender.  It combines a low profile, with low center of gravity, customization, with explosiveness from any lie, and puts it in a very nice package for any player. The center of gravity isn't just lower though. It's also moved forward, and that does a lot to ensure distance is at a premium with every shot. The customization options will allow players to tune the club right into their swing and give them the perfect advantage when they're looking to reach the green on that par 5.

Cobra Bio Cell Women's Fairway Wood - Best Women's Fairway Wood

The Cobra BiO CELL Women's fairway woods are great because they offer incredible versatility. They're powerful off the tee (should you be using one), and just as strong when you're trying to power through rough or even make a run at the green on a par 5.

The fairway wood employs BiO Cell MyFly8 Technology which increases velocity off the face of the club, and increases ball speed which translates directly to more yards. The face of the club employs the same Forged Bio Cell and E9 face technologies found in other Cobra BiO CELL drivers, and this ensures an incredibly low center of gravity for more distance.

Callaway Women's X2 Hot Fairway Wood - Best Women's Fairway Wood

When you hit the X2 Hot from the fairway you will feel like you're hitting it off the tee. This lightweight, user-friendly club launches fast, high, and will give you more distance with the greatest of ease. It's referred to as the longest fairway wood Callaway has ever made, and in personal testing it seems to live up to that claim consistently.

The smaller club head makes you feel as though you have greater control over the ball, and grants the player a lot of leeway in terms of shaping shots around the golf course. This is the perfect fairway wood for anyone looking to do more than just get a few more yards out of their fairway wood.

Callaway Women's Big Bertha V Series Fairway Wood - Best Women's Fairway Wood

This club is dubbed the "fastest Callaway fairway wood," and that isn't really an exaggeration. While it will give you the most distance from the fairway or rough, the club also offers some of the best forgiveness. Mishits will be less extreme and come off the club face a lot faster than they will with other clubs. Due to the slightly larger feel of the club head, shot shaping will be a little more difficult with this club but will still offer excellent everyday performance to get the ball down the fairway, or near the green on par 5's.

Ping Lady Serene Fairway Wood - Best Women's Fairway Wood

The PING Serene fairway wood is perfect for any golfer. It features a low center of gravity moved far into the back of the club to increase club head speed at the moment of impact. This fairway wood also leads in accuracy since the club incorporates an incredibly large club face with a high profile. The club is offered in a 3, 5 or 7 wood, and is very simplistic in design. However, that simplicity doesn’t take away from the quality, or distance any golfer can gain by using this fairway wood.

Ping Golf G400 Men's Hybrid Driver - Best Budget Fairway Wood

The PING G20 fairway woods will get any golfer a long way down the fairway, when they're looking to get to that pesky par 5 in two, should that be within the constraints of your game. This club employs some high-end technology, at a very affordable price.

This club has a low, and deep center of gravity, which translates directly to distance. The club also has a high launch angle, and also generates an incredible amount of spin, which is beneficial to golfers with either a low or high handicap. The club is also incredibly lightweight with a very compact, strong design perfect for those looking to utilize the club from anywhere on the course. From top to bottom, in terms of physical playability, this is the best budget fairway wood on the market.

Nike Golf Men's VRS Covert 2.0 Golf Fairway Wood - Best Men's Fairway Wood

This fairway wood from Nike rounds out our list because the club is probably the easiest to simply pick up and launch. While the customization isn't unusual, it does offer a unique cavity in the back which contributes to the balls launch angle. There’s also a lower center of gravity and the club also offers a lower spin rate which is key to gaining more distance, especially when being hit from the fairway. This fairway wood functions well from any position on the course, perfect gaining distance, and offers effective forgiveness for those mishits.

best Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood

Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood - Consider

There was a time when the Adams Tight Lies fairway woods were considered club that only hackers should use. Mass produced, and generally inexpensive at stores, they were made to be very simple, and cost effective. However, the Tight Lies fairway woods of today are no comparison to previous generations.

Ghost Slot Technology is the newest addition to the old golfing technology which now makes hitting this fairway wood out of rough, fairway, or even fairway bunkers a breeze. A low profile, high launch angle, and explosive distance this might be the most versatile club on the list, and can easily compete with any of the big names in fairway woods, or drivers.

best Nickent F30Ti

Nickent F30Ti - Best Budget Fairway Wood

This club features great technology like a high-density tungston sole, and super-hot face which translate to distance and making your second shot on that par 5 that much more doable. The club also features a "turtle back" design, which makes you feel like you're swinging a hybrid, but gives the player far more control than they would ordinarily have over clubs like this. Whether you're a golfer with a high or low handicap, this club will feel as good as some of the other top brands on the market like TaylorMade or PING.

Tour Edge Bazooka Max-D45 Driver Regular 10.5 D - Best Budget Fairway Wood

Tour Edge is really starting to get in on the action, when it comes to fairway woods, and drivers. They utilize variable face thickness to enhance the rebound of the club, and in using this club it definitely limits the number of mishits. Bad shots will be mitigated, and made less extreme than with other clubs.The Bazooka Max-D45 is made with a low, deep center of gravity to create a lot of spin, and launch balls very well. It also has a very nice design so you'll feel like you're carrying a $250 tour quality fairway wood in your bag.

The club was also designed to have a high moment of inertia which translates to stopping the club from spinning, or twisting in your hands while you're making contact. This is something that happens regularly to golfers with higher handicaps, and is a major reason for poor shots, especially with fairway woods. But, this technology makes those shots happen less, and makes it entirely possible to safely navigate the fairways of long par 5's.

best Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood

Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Wood - Consider

There was a time when the Adams Tight Lies fairway woods were considered club that only hackers should use. Mass produced, and generally inexpensive at stores, they were made to be very simple, and cost effective. However, the Tight Lies fairway woods of today are no comparison to previous generations.

Ghost Slot Technology is the newest addition to the old golfing technology which now makes hitting this fairway wood out of rough, fairway, or even fairway bunkers a breeze. A low profile, high launch angle, and explosive distance this might be the most versatile club on the list, and can easily compete with any of the big names in fairway woods, or drivers.

Adams Golf Clubs XTD Driver - Best Fairway Wood for High Handicap (Beginner)

If you're a new golfer (or just have a higher handicap) and are looking for a club offering flexibility as well as greater distance off the tee or in the fairway, this is the fairway wood for you. This club is both easy to hit and amazing to customize. With adjustable weights and adjustable loft you’ll achieve a greater launch angle and distance, when looking for that command on your second shot. This is a club that will grow with you as your game evolves and improves.

best Callaway Big Bertha V Series Heavenwood

Callaway Big Bertha V Series Heavenwood - Best Fairway Wood for High Handicap (Beginner)

This club is without question the highest launching picks on our list. Callaway fairway woods are famous for having an effortless feel to them and being incredibly well-built. At the end of the day, when you play with this club, distance will be your biggest gain. While you won't be hitting this out of the rough, or from a very bad lie, this club can be played very well from the fairway, and can even be subbed out for your driver on occasion without missing a beat.

PING G30 Fairway Wood - Runner Up

The PING G30 fairway wood is great because it employs many of the same principles of the TaylorMade SLDR fairway woods but this club is incredibly unique in its own right. The G30 employs a uniform-thickness Carpenter 475 face that maximizes and increases ball speed and generates greater distance. This club is big on forgiveness, as it has a taller and wider feeling face.

Additionally, the flexibility of the club allows players to customize the loft of the club up to one degree, both ways, and can offer customized weighting in the back of the club. That said, this club can feel slightly overwhelming if you're used to an incredibly compact design which is very common amongst fairway woods.

best 2014 TaylorMade Golf SLDR S Driver

2014 TaylorMade Golf SLDR S Driver - Best Fairway Wood for High Handicap (Beginner)

This fairway wood takes all of the technology inside the TaylorMade SLDR fairway woods and drivers to create a fixed loft version that’s absolutely perfect for high handicap golfers. This club is so lightweight, when you play with it, you'll feel like you're swinging a hybrid than hitting with a fairway wood.

Limiting the customization isn't necessarily a concession in distance, or usage. In fact, it simplifies the overall experience and gets significantly improved technology in the hands of a high handicap golfer. Easily played from multiple types of lies and conditions, this will be a club you can play with years down the line without making any concessions.

Buyer's Guide

This guide entails the things that make fairway woods special, what they do and can do, and what’s the right pick for you. Take a look.

What Is a Fairway Wood?

Fairway wood is a category of golf clubs that, as the name suggests, come with smaller heads as compared to drivers. They have characters quite similar to drivers but fairway woods have clubheads that range from 140 to 180 cc in size while drivers are usually around 440 ccs.

Moreover, fairway woods have a shallow face to keep the center of gravity low to get the ball airborne. Fairway wood soles are also specially designed for heavier roughs or divots.

Fairway woods are better at getting airborne and easier to hit, thus making them far more desirable than long irons. They are ideal for long approach shots with their size and shape. If you’re someone who requires more height to make shots or wants a club that will hit from rough and replace your 3 irons then fairway wood is the answer.

Things to Consider Before Buying Fairway Woods

With the rising number of options and the recent rise in popularity of hybrid, it has not only become more difficult to clearly define the line between hybrid and fairway but also tougher to select the right one. Here are some features of fairway woods that you must keep into consideration:

Shafts

Fairway woods are equipped with graphite shafts that are lightweight and help in increasing the swing speed. If you’re not really worried about the distance and looking for more accuracy, go for steel shafts. Whereas if you want to stay on the safer side, get graphite.

For flex, there’s a direct relation between your clubhead speed and flex stiffness. The faster the speed, the stiffer the flex should be.

Loft

The loft is basically the club face’s angle that affects distance and controls trajectory. The more the loft, the higher the trajectory and the shorter the ball travels. Your loft goes higher with the golf club number. For instance, A 3 wood loft is in the 15 to 18-degrees range whereas a 5 wood has a 20 to 22-degree loft.

You’ll often see high lofted woods (the 7, 9, 11) referred to as utility wood. Fairways also offer an adjustability feature where you can control weights and hosels.

Size and Material

Most fairway woods are made of stainless steel, which is strong, inexpensive, and long-lasting. Titanium fairway woods are often large and used to hit from the tee. Its light weightiness helps in getting the ball airborne quickly and easily by keeping the center of gravity in the clubhead.

Some fairway woods are also made from a multi-material composite that creates ultra-lightweight clubs. They reduce twisting on off-center hits because the weight in these fairways is concentrated on the head.

Length

There’s a simple rule with length, the higher the club number is, the shorter its shaft length will be. A 3 wood fairway wood is around 43” which is perhaps the longest. Whereas 5 wood and 7 wood fairway wood is around 41” to 40” respectively.

Tips for Using Fairway Woods


Fairway woods golf clubs are versatile and are meant to cover long distances. Here are some helpful tips on hitting fairway woods the right way:

Adjust Your Ball Position and Stance

You must keep your stance wider when using fairway woods to approach the ball at an appropriate angle. With fairway wood, this angle should be more at level than the driver. Move the ball back in stance, and if you’re a right-handed player, you must place the ball at least 4 inches inside the left heel.

Sweep, Don’t Strike

You need to think and picture a sweeping motion rather than striking it down on it like it’s done with iron sticks. Make a swing that is encouraged by a wide stance, and is more rounded.

Relaxed Swing

If you hurry your swing, or over swing it, to produce more power and speed for the clubhead, don’t!

A steady tempo and full, relaxed extension will give you the required power. Make sure that you have a rhythm and steady balance throughout your swing.

Bounce the club

Fairway wood sole is rounded and designed to bounce off the ground in impact. It is unlikely that a club will dig into the ground so when you address the shot, make sure you strike it aggressively but firmly. Strike the ground instead of hanging back to lift the ball in the air. When you hit the ground, the loft will most likely lift the ball.

What Is the Difference Between Fairway Wood and Hybrid?

It’s inevitable to avoid the fairway wood vs hybrid debate if you’re a golf player. There are very small differences between the two. Fairway woods offer forgiveness and more distances.

Hybrids play just like golf irons. The hybrids have iron-like faces and small cub heads which make them more versatile. Fairway woods tend to fly higher and spin more than hybrid of the same loft as a hybrid.

High handicap golfers tend to prefer hybrid over fairway woods as they would need a lot of training to play with them.

Conclusion

Golf fairway woods help you achieve your long approach shots and tee shots with much more fun. Getting the right tools can make any job easier. So does the right kind of fairway wood.

Control how you play and master the art of swinging smoothly with the right fairway wood in hand.

Best Fairway Wood FAQs

Some of the commonly asked questions are as follows:

What’s better? 3 wood or 5 wood?

A 5 wood is better for fairway club as it has increased loft but a 3 wood can be a great alternative for the tee too.

What is the best fairway wood for high-handicappers?

The best kind for high-handicappers is one that has a low center of gravity, more loft, and wider sole to increase the inertia.

Is it easier to use a fairway wood than hybrid?

Yes. But if you prefer short shafts, go for hybrid.

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