Fairway woods - used for distance - are commonly referred to as numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. Most players carry two - usually a 3 and 5.

There are similarities between a fairway wood and a driver (1 wood). Both hit the ball a long way. The clubhead on both is made from wood, metal or graphite. But fair-way woods are designed to hit the ball off the ground and are ideal for your second shot on long par 4s and par 5s.

The clubhead on a fairway wood has a low centre of gravity so that most of its weight hits below the middle of the ball, which helps to propel it upwards.

This is not the case with a driver, which has a clubhead with a high centre of gravity and is designed to play a raised ball from a tee peg. Don't take a driver from the fairway because most of its weight is above the centre of the ball.

Easy to use

The 3 and 5 woods hit the ball about the same distance as the 1 and 2 irons. When faced with a long shot, the high handicap player should choose a wood.

A fairway wood gives much better height than an iron - it has a lower centre of gravity and a bigger clubface loft. The rounded clubhead also sweeps through impact more smoothly than a long iron, especially in the rough.

While long irons give slightly more control when struck perfectly, they are so difficult to use that only low handicap golfers and professionals are skilful enough to play with them. An average player achieves a consistently better strike with a fairway wood.

Height and length

A fairway wood is one of the most versatile clubs in your bag, combining height with length. Not only does it hit the ball as far as a long iron, it also hits it higher.

If your path is blocked by a tall obstacle, such as a tree, hedge or wall, a fairway wood often provides quick enough lift for your ball to clear any problems. A long iron is unlikely to give you a successful shot.

Playing the shot

Grip the club normally and stand with the ball opposite the inside of your left heel. Aim the clubface square to the target and align your body parallel to the ball-to-target line. Make sure that the sole of the clubhead rests flat on the ground at address.

Because of the long shaft, your posture is more upright than normal. This creates a flat swing plane. Take the club away slowly, keeping a smooth tempo during the entire swing. The clubface sweeps the ball cleanly off the turf without taking a divot.

Remember you don't have to increase the speed of your swing to find extra distance. Power and clubhead speed are created by the long shaft, which in turn produces a wider arc.


Swinging a fairway wood

1: Address position
At address the ball is opposite the inside of your left heel and your posture is more upright than normal.

2: Mid backswing
 Rotate your upper body to the right, keeping the clubhead close to the ground for the first 6-9in (15-22cm). Your left arm remains straight for the takeaway.


3: Top of backswing
At the top of the backswing your upper body has rotated halfway - about 90° - and your lower body about 45°. The club's shaft points at the target.


4: The downswing
On the downswing your body starts to uncoil led by your left hip which rotates to the left. The downswing must be smooth and unhurried.

5: Through impact
The clubhead is swept through the ball by power generated on the downswing. Don't let your head lift up too early on the followthrough.

6: Final position
At the end of the swing your upper body and head face the target, with most of your weight on your left foot. Your finish should be balanced and relaxed.