Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and I’ve been seeing a fantastic discussion in our forums recently about a topic that hits close to home for many golfers, especially those looking to optimize their game as they mature: fairways woods, specifically the 5 and 7-wood debate. It’s a highly relevant conversation, and one that highlights how equipment choices can truly unlock your best golf.
Our WRXer ‘Unsuitable’ kicked off the thread, looking for advice for his father who’s not typically been comfortable with woods. This scenario is incredibly common, and it’s why I always emphasize that the right clubs in your bag are just as important as the right swing techniques. Getting your father comfortable with a new club is a fantastic goal, and with the right approach, anyone can find confidence in their long game!
Unlocking Distance and Playability: The 5-Wood vs. 7-Wood Dilemma
The core question revolves around picking either a 5-wood or a 7-wood first for a senior golfer, with specific considerations around length and loft. The beauty of modern golf clubs, especially fairway woods, is their incredible versatility and forgiveness. For many golfers, particularly those with moderate swing speeds, these clubs can be genuine game-changers, offering substantial distance and a higher launch compared to longer irons.
‘Unsuitable’ mentions that his father’s 5-wood would be at 41.5”, and the 7-wood at 40.5”. These shortened lengths are a smart move! In my teaching experience, one of the biggest reasons golfers struggle with woods is simply because the clubs are too long for their comfort and swing speed, leading to mishits and a loss of confidence. A shorter shaft often means more control, better contact, and ultimately, more consistent results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shaft length – sometimes a little trim can make a big difference.
The discussion also brings up the next club in the bag, a 25-degree hybrid, which covers the 4-5 iron range. This tells me we’re talking about optimizing gapping and ensuring every yardage is covered comfortably. This is expert-level course management thinking, and I commend ‘Unsuitable’ for such a thoughtful approach.
“Normally a 7 wood would be the best bet for an introduction to woods, however, that 5 wood length is not relatively that long. Ideally both would be picked up. 7 wood seems to demand quite the premium at the moment. The other thing is most 7 woods tend to be bonded hosel which limits the upright adjustment (again the shorten length may necessitate an upright setting).”
This quote highlights a key technical point: the bonded hosel on many 7-woods can limit adjustability. Adjustable hosels are a fantastic innovation, allowing you to fine-tune loft and lie angles. If you’re opting for a non-adjustable club, a professional fitting is even more crucial to ensure the club suits your swing characteristics perfectly. However, don’t let a bonded hosel deter you if the club feels right initially. Often, minor adjustments to your setup or swing can accommodate a slight lie angle preference.
Why a 7-Wood Often Shines for Seniors (and Many Others!)
The 7-wood has, in recent years, experienced a massive resurgence in popularity, and for good reason! It often combines the launch characteristics of a hybrid with the versatility and feel of a fairway wood. For golfers who might struggle to get height and distance from a 5-wood or even some hybrids, the 7-wood can be a revelation.
“I also endorse going for an adjustable 7w and getting a last year model in mint condition is an excellent way to go. Chances are he’ll hit it nearly as far as a 5w depending on his swing speed and they are so versatile.”
Tommy56 makes a brilliant point here! A 7-wood, especially an adjustable one, can truly be a Swiss Army knife in your bag. Because of its typically higher loft (around 21-22 degrees, compared to a 5-wood’s 18-19 degrees), it’s easier to hit high, soft-landing shots, which are invaluable for approach shots into greens or even navigating tight fairways. And yes, with good contact, it can absolutely rival a 5-wood in distance, particularly if your swing speed benefits from the increased loft getting the ball airborne more efficiently.
“I 2nd the Cobra DS-Adapt Max 7 wood !!! You get 4* of lie and loft adjustability independent of one another. I’d start there ahead of the 5-wood.”
Cliffy2020’s suggestion of the Cobra DS-Adapt Max is fantastic because it spotlights the value of adjustability. Being able to independently tweak lie and loft means you can truly customize the club to your swing, which is a powerful advantage for any golfer looking to find their perfect fit.
Drills to Get Comfortable with Fairway Woods
Whether you choose a 5-wood or a 7-wood, the main goal is to build confidence and consistency. Here are a few drills I use with my students to help them master these versatile clubs:
Try this: The “Sweep the Tee” Drill
Many golfers try to hit down on fairway woods like an iron, but with these clubs, you generally want more of a sweeping motion.
1. Place a tee very low in the ground, just enough so the ball sits on it comfortably, barely off the turf.
2. Your goal is to hit the ball and *brush* the tee out of the ground, without digging into the turf.
3. This encourages a shallower angle of attack, which is ideal for fairway woods and results in cleaner contact and higher launch. Focus on a smooth, balanced finish. Repeat 10-15 times.
Here’s a drill: The “One-Third Swing” Warm-up
Before going for full power, get a feel for the club.
1. Take your usual setup with your chosen fairway wood.
2. Make a swing where your backswing stops when your arms are roughly parallel to the ground.
3. Swing through to an equally short finish position. Focus on maintaining width in your swing and a smooth tempo, letting the clubhead do the work. Don’t try to force it.
4. Hit 10-15 balls like this, then gradually increase your swing length. This builds rhythm and helps you feel solid contact without over-swinging.
The “Target Practice” Focus
Your father wants these clubs for approach shots, so let’s practice that.
1. Go to the range and pick out a target at a distance you expect to hit these clubs from (e.g., 150-180 yards).
2. Instead of just trying to hit it far, focus on hitting the ball *consistently towards that target*. It’s not about maximum distance every time, but consistent distance and direction.
3. Visualize the shot you’d play on the course. This mental rehearsal is just as important as the physical swing.
4. Track where your balls land relative to your target. This immediate feedback helps you understand your club’s tendencies and adjust your aim or swing accordingly.
The Bigger Picture: Confidence and Enjoyment
Ultimately, whether it’s a 5-wood or a 7-wood, the best club is the one that gives you the most confidence and helps you enjoy your round more. As Braco36, who is turning 70 and clearly enjoying his golf, points out:
“Ping G430 fairways in my bag in 3, 5, and 7. Easy to launch off any lie. Highly recommended. Good luck!”
This is a testament to the power of well-chosen equipment. When you trust your clubs, you swing with more freedom and less tension, leading to better results. Don’t be afraid to try different options, or even carry both a 5-wood and a 7-wood if it helps fill the gaps in your bag. The goal is to make the game as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
Remember, improvement in golf is always within reach. With the right tools and a little practice, your dad (or you!) will be launching those fairway woods beautifully in no time. Keep swinging and enjoying the journey!
