I’ve been able to shoot my greatest scores ever when I had a fairway wood I was entirely confident with off the tee. Not all woods are created equal though and that’s why the typical golfer should be careful with the fairway wood they play.
Here are the 5 best fairway woods for the average golfer:
- Callaway Mavrik Max (best all-around wood)
- Cleveland Launcher Turbo (best for slower swing speeds)
- Cobra F-Max Superlite (best budget-friendly wood)
- PING G410
- Cobra F9 Speedback
If I were an average weekend golfer looking for a new fairway wood, these are the ones I’d explore. There’s really no incentive to go out and spend a lot of money on this year’s gear unless you have to. All of these solutions are solid, and I don’t believe you can go wrong with any of them.
We want to hear from you. Please let me know in the comments what your favourite fairway wood is.
Who Is Considered an Average Golfer?
An average golfer is someone who shoots more than 90 on a par 72 course. These golfers are also known as high handicap players.
This may seem hard to believe, but these figures account for all types and ages of golfers. What’s crazy is that the average golf score has actually gone worse in recent years (despite “better” equipment).
Here’s how I break down golf scores and where you fit in:
- If you shoot above 90 = High handicap (average).
- If you shoot between 80-90 = Mid Handicap
- If you shoot below 80 = Low handicap
You’re in the right place if you typically shoot in the 90s or 100s; if you routinely break 90, you might want to check out our fairway woods for mid handicaps article instead. Golfers in each of these groups should look for different features in a fairway wood. A beginner could use a club designed for low handicaps but it won’t perform nearly as well.
RELATED: Best Fairway Woods For Mid Handicappers
Should High Handicappers Use Fairway Woods?
Fairway woods are essential for beginners and players with large handicaps, and they should be their first choice off the tee. They are more precise, allowing typical golfers to hit more fairways and shoot lower scores.
One of the most effective techniques for people to lower their scores is to hit more fairways. How often do you see golfers hitting their second shots from the rough? It’s really difficult to get a par when you’re hitting from the thick stuff.
Before you buy a driver or a hybrid, I strongly advise you to invest in an excellent fairway wood and practise using it consistently. In most circumstances, I prefer to hit my wood off the tee.
Yes, a driver may give me an extra 20 yards, but what club will land in the fairway more often? For me (and most others), that will be a fairway wood.
I was not playing well one day and couldn’t hit a fairway to save my life (I was maybe 10 over through 9 holes). I decided to put the driver and 5-wood away and hit my 7-wood off the tee. I finished up shooting four over on the back nine.
Let me describe a circumstance.
If someone approached you and offered you a million dollars if you could tee off and hit the ball 175 yards or more into the fairway. Which club would you hit? That’s all the club you need right now.
In my opinion, these are the first clubs a beginner/high handicap should get:
- 175+ yards club
- 150-yard club
- 100-yard club
- Sand wedge
- Putter
If you got really good with these 5 clubs I can guarantee you’ll shoot good scores. If I was starting from scratch and were following this guideline, my 175+ yard club would be a wood (not a hybrid or driver).
Once I could hit fairways in my sleep with the wood I’d go out and get a hybrid. They’re a lot easier to hit out of the rough and it’ll add a bit more versatility to your game.
RELATED: Best Hybrids For Average Golfers
After that, I’d go out and get a driver. I’d probably wait until I broke through 100 and 90 and was consistently shooting in the 80s. That’s a pretty good time to add some yardage to your game.
RELATED: Best Drivers For Average Golfers
In case you were wondering when you should be using fairway woods instead of other clubs, here’s a general guideline I like to follow.
Do Hit:
- On longer par 3’s.
- When the green is in range and no hazards are close.
- If the fairway is narrow and accuracy is important.
Don’t Hit:
- When you’re 280 yards from the pin and want to get it “close”.
- If you’re just in range but there’s water next to the green.
Should High Handicappers Use A 3 Or 5 Wood?
For a player with a high handicap or a beginner, the 5-wood is the most suitable type of fairway wood. It is simpler to hit them off the fairway, and they will travel approximately the same distance as a three-wood.
Both of these clubs have been in my possession over the years, but the five-wood is a much simpler to play. Due to the fact that it is often one inch shorter and has more loft on it, it is relatively simpler to hit.
Take a moment to consider which of your three irons or seven irons is more difficult to strike. The loft of your 7 iron is higher, and it is a little bit shorter. Exactly the same thing is true for your forest.
Through the first few years of my playing career, I consistently utilised a three-wood. Reading an article written by Butch Harmon titled “Bench Your 3-Wood” was the catalyst that led to my decision to switch. This not only made me think, but it also made a lot of sense.
RELATED: 3 Wood vs 5 Wood: The Best Option For You
In essence, he stated that the 5-wood will be much simpler to get into the air and will travel the same distance for the majority of golfers out there. Although it will travel the same distance off the tee, it is more effective when hit off the fairway.
In my opinion, the solution that is most obvious is five wood.
Suppose you already had a driver at your disposal. For the majority of high handicaps, the ideal driver loft is somewhere between 11 and 13 degrees. A loft of approximately 15 degrees is typical for three-woods. Being able to have two clubs that are so close to one another is not something that would make sense for the typical golfer.
In most cases, the loft of a five-wood is approximately 18 degrees, and this will result in a significantly improved gap between clubs. There is a driver with an 11-degree angle, a 5-wood with an 18-degree angle, and a hybrid with a 22-degree angle.
How to Determine the Quality of a Fairway Wood
It is necessary for the typical player to look for different things when it comes to fairway woods than it is for a scratch player to seek for everything. It is not typical for them to swing as quickly, they are more likely to miss the sweet spot, and they desire shots that are significantly more straight.
Some general things that you should take into consideration are as follows:
- Forgiveness
- Distance
- Launch height
- Spin
- Adjustability
Probably the most crucial aspect is the degree to which the club is able to forgive. How much forgiveness your clubs have will determine how many fairways you are able to hit. Your scores will improve in proportion to the number of fairways that you hit. Fairway woods that are the most forgiving have a head that is slightly larger than average, which results in a larger sweet spot.
Despite the fact that distance is what the majority of people seek for, it is not nearly as essential as you might think it is. Do you remember when I mentioned that I went through my finest nine holes ever with a seven-wood? As a result of the fact that that club only travelled about 200 yards, it is abundantly evident that distance is critically crucial.
The launch height is yet another characteristic that is quite crucial. Many average golfers do not have the fastest swing speeds, and as a result, they may have difficulty getting the ball into the air where it needs to be. Increasing your height will allow you to travel further. The fact that loft is your buddy is one of the reasons why I prefer 5-wood more than other options.
Consider the spin rate as another factor to take into consideration. However, despite the fact that having less spin on your strokes could appear to be a good idea, it is probably not a good idea for the ordinary golf participant. In the case of drivers and woods, there are alternatives with reduced spinning (Sub Zero, Tour, and so on), but these are reserved for more experienced players.
Adjustability is the final factor to take into consideration. Even though the ability to modify loft, lie, and weight is pretty great and all, it is not something that a person with a high handicap should be particularly concerned with. Maintain simplicity, focus on improving your swing, and then return to these after you’ve finished. In the event that your club has adjustments, it is great, but if it does not, it is not a big concern.
Best Shaft Flex For High Handicaps
Shaft flex is based on how fast you swing the club, but for most high handicaps, the best shaft flex is regular. This will generate more speed and keep the ball flying straighter.
Now that you know what fairway wood you want, you’ll need to figure out what shaft is right for you. This is just as important as the club itself because it’ll have a big impact on your shot shape.
A shaft that’s too firm will give you low shots that tend to slice. A shaft that’s too soft will tend to hook the ball. Not always but these are some general guidelines.
What you need to do is figure out your swing speed. If you don’t know your swing speed then figure out how far you normally drive the ball. Here are some guidelines:
- If you drive the ball under 200 yards = swing speed under 80 MPH = senior/ladies shaft
- If you drive the ball 200-240 yards = swing speed 80-90 MPH = regular shaft
- If you drive the ball 240-275 yards = swing speed 90-100 MPH = stiff shaft
- If you drive the ball over 275 yards = swing speed over 100 MPH = extra stiff shaft
Picking the right shaft for your swing will help you get the most distance and will give you the most control. I’ve used all types of shafts and I could hit the ball fine with each. My consistency was all over the place though with the wrong flex.
Best Fairway Woods For Beginners & High Handicaps
We will go right into some of my favourites now that you know exactly what to look for in a fairway wood. I don’t see any justification for an ordinary player to shell out $400 for this year’s clubs.
Over the last five years, practically every club has struck the ball the same distance. Though it’s not required, go ahead and get the newest and best club if you so choose.
If I were an ordinary player looking for something new, I would think about the clubs I have listed below. Though each one differs somewhat, none of them is a bad choice. Who each of them is ideal for will be discussed.
Callaway Mavrik Max (My #1 Pick)
Callaway produces some of the most well-known golf equipment, and their 2020 fairway wood, the Mavrik Max, is geared at players with higher handicaps. Both distance and maximum forgiveness are built in.
I’m in love with my 2019 Epic Flash fairway wood right now. It isn’t enough forgiving, in my opinion, for the typical player, hence the Mavrik would be superior.
Mavrik offers a few distinct fairway wood variants (normal, Max, Sub Zero). Definitely out of the question and reserved for players with low handicaps is the Sub Zero. Being larger, Max will be far more understanding.
Get the basic Mavrik if you are working your way through the 90s and don’t need a lot of forgiveness. Though it’s a little smaller and undoubtedly harder to hit, I think it’s better.
With its high launch design, this club has a little draw in its flight bias. It might somewhat straighten things out, but it won’t fix a slice.
I enjoy this club because, should you strike the toe or heel, the face is made to strike the ball a respectable distance. Since we hardly ever touch the centre of the face, this is a useful function.
- Check The Mavrik Price On Amazon
- Buy New Or Used On Global Golf
Pros
- Mishits still hit the ball well.
- The launch height is great for most.
- The bigger face is easier to hit.
Cons
- The alignment aid isn’t the best.
- No adjustments.
Cleveland Launcher Turbo (My #2 Pick)
Though many people ignore Cleveland clubs, they are among my favourite available. Probably one of the easiest clubs I’ve ever hit, the Turbo is their model intended for high handicappers.
If you swing more slowly than I do, that’s totally okay as well. The ball is meant to be launched high into the air, flow straight, and provide the average golfer the greatest distance.
I have one of their wedges and use Cleveland irons right now, and I really like them. The new Turbo is even better than the Launcher I loved the year before.
Not the greatest for reshaping the ball, it’s not very fancy, and it’s not adjustable. That is not the intended audience for this club, and I rather like the straightforward grab-and-shoot design.
You will love the Turbo wood as long as you desire to hit the ball high, long, and straight. One of my favourites, it ought to be your first choice if your swing is beginning to lag a little.
- Check The Turbo Price On Amazon
- Buy New Or Used On Global Golf
Pros
- It has better alignment help.
- The launch is high for slower swing speeds.
- It’s incredibly forgiving.
Cons
- There are no adjustments.
- It’s not the best for controlling the ball.
Cobra F-Max Superlite
The Cobra Superlite can be ideal for you if you don’t golf much or just don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new club. Though not nearly as good as the other two clubs, it is unquestionably the best in its pricing category.
Like a number of other game-improvement clubs, the Superlite features some offset to help combat slice. Though it will help you a lot right now, you might not want it as you get better.
Probably not the ideal option for faster swing speeds, that much is known. You would like the Callaway if you do swing the club really quickly. You will get amazing results with this if your swing pace is slow to medium.
Though not as high as with the other two clubs, the ball flight is still really good. Its inability to be adjusted may or may not be a benefit, depending on your point of view. I really can’t grumble about the pricing, though.
The Superlite has a sound and feel at impact that I truly enjoy. You can hear certain clubs from two miles away, which makes hitting them at the range kind of humiliating. Not with this nasty boy, though.
Through impact, it also feels incredibly sturdy, which can increase confidence. You can make a quite dangerous combination by pairing it with a ball that fits your swing.
- Check the Superlite Price On Amazon
- Buy New Or Used On Global Golf
Pros
- The price can’t be beaten.
- Great distance for mid to low swing speeds.
- The sound and feel are solid.
Cons
- No adjustments.
- Not ideal for faster swing speeds.
PING G410
This could be a good fit for you if you want something incredibly forgiving and swing more slowly. Though they are a little bit underappreciated, PING produces some fantastic clubs for players with mid to high handicaps.
Since the Cleveland is less expensive, I would personally choose it, but the two clubs are quite comparable. Hitting the club low, high, on the toe, or on the heel will all deliver the ball reasonably straight.
The upside of this is that you will eventually hit more fairways. That will be quite helpful in moving you from a high to a mid handicap or from the high to low 80s. The inconvenient truth is that hitting a draw or fade will be more difficult.
Slower swing speed golfers will find the G410 simpler to hit because of its greater launch. You can gain greater distance with a little lower launching club if your swing speed is faster.
The loft can be adjusted, although it can only be done by one degree each way. I believe that getting 5-wood rather than 3-wood would be crucial for this reason.
- Buy New Or Used On Global Golf
Pros
- The ball flight is high.
- It’s one of the more forgiving woods.
- You can hit it from all lies.
Cons
- There are minimal adjustments.
- It’s not the best for shaping the ball.
Cobra F9 Speedback
If you’re looking for a solid all-around fairway wood that can be used as you get better, this could also be a good option. I didn’t find it as high launching as the Cleveland or as forgiving as the Callaway, but it was pretty close.
The club does have two rails on the bottom and that does help hit out of the rough. Out of all the woods, the Cobra was probably the best out of the rough and is good for people who hit behind the ball.
There aren’t as many adjustments as some but there are more than the G410. On the Speedback, you can adjust the loft of the 3-wood between 14-16 and the 5-wood from 17-20 degrees.
I did mention that this club is long. That was definitely the case but it wasn’t miles above the others. Most clubs that have come out over the past 5 years hit the ball very similar distances.
You can pick from either yellow and grey or silver and grey. I prefer the look of the silver Cobra, but I don’t mind the look of the yellow version either.
- Check The Speedback Price On Amazon
- Buy New Or Used On Global Golf
Pros
- This club is long.
- Forgiveness is really good.
- It hits well out of the rough.
Cons
- It’s not the best for shaping the ball.
- I’m not the biggest fan of the way it looks at address.
Related Posts Of Interest
- Best Golf Balls For Beginners & High Handicappers
- Best Irons For Beginners & High Handicappers
- Best Wedges For Beginners & High Handicappers
- Best Face Balanced Putters