Fairway woods are essential clubs in a golfer’s bag and can greatly improve your game if used correctly. In this article, we will discuss five expert tips from GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers on how to catch your fairway woods clean every time. One of the most common issues golfers face when hitting fairway woods is standing too far from the ball. To address this problem, try standing closer to the ball, about an inch or two, and think about taking a divot as you hit your shot. This adjustment can greatly improve your contact with the ball.
Another tip from the experts is to position the ball forward in your stance and swing more around your body when hitting fairway woods. By playing the ball at least halfway between the center of your stance and your lead toe, you promote a more shallow, sweeping downswing that fairway woods require. This adjustment can help you achieve cleaner contact with the ball and improve your overall ball striking with fairway woods.
It’s important to note that hitting fairway woods from clean lies is crucial for success. Avoid attempting to hit low-lofted fairway woods from difficult lies that may result in poor contact. Instead, choose a club with more loft if the lie is not ideal for a fairway wood shot. Remember to “take what the golf course gives you” and make smart decisions based on your lie to improve your chances of success.
Before hitting your shot, take a practice swing with your fairway wood to ensure you are scraping the ground by your left shoe and that it lines up with your ball position. This can help you determine if you are getting under the ball enough to achieve the desired trajectory. Checking your practice swing can also help you make any necessary adjustments before taking your shot to ensure clean contact with the ball.
When practicing with fairway woods, start by hitting shots off a low tee to build confidence and trust in the loft of the club to get the ball in the air. Once you are comfortable hitting off a tee, progress to hitting from grass slightly longer than the fairway to simulate real course conditions. Understanding that you cannot hit down on the ball like an iron with fairway woods is crucial for success. By working from a tee to the ground, you can improve your ball striking and consistency with fairway woods.
In conclusion, fairway woods can be powerful tools in your golf game if used correctly. By following expert tips such as standing closer to the ball, positioning the ball forward, hitting from clean lies, checking your practice swing, and working from a tee to the ground, you can improve your consistency and accuracy with fairway woods. Incorporate these tips into your practice routine to catch your fairway woods clean every time and elevate your game on the course.
