Fairway woods were designed to bridge a gap in the market between irons and drivers. The average golfer hits a shot 180-190 yards with a 3 iron and 230-250 yards with a driver. This shortfall, of around 60 yards, can be covered by using fairway woods.

Often recommended for new golfers as a safer, easier alternative to drivers when teeing off, fairway woods enable shorter distance and increased levels of control, allowing golfers to hit the fairway more frequently.

Types of Fairway Woods

There are many different types of fairway woods available. These include:

2-4 woods – used mainly as an alternative to tee-shots, these clubs have a smaller head and shorter shaft than the average driver, which makes it much easier to get the ball airborne.

5-11 woods – These are designed to replace the longer irons and offer greater levels of control and a higher flight. With the weight of the head being positioned lower and further from the face in order to lower the centre of gravity, these clubs allow for maximum forgiveness.

There are several variables to consider when choosing the right fairway wood. These are as follows:

Shaft type

Graphite is the most common metal used in the manufacture of fairway woods. Graphite shafts are lighter than their steel alternatives and allow players to increase their club head speed and the subsequent distance that the ball will travel.

Steel shafts are also used extensively and these are not only cheaper, but also offer better levels of consistency and control.

For beginners, particularly those with slow swing speeds, clubs with graphite shafts are the ones to go for.

Flex

After choosing the material, the next factor to decide on is the flex shaft. Clubs are normally available with a range of flexes, including, Lady, regular, stiff and senior. For the average male, it is advisable to go for a regular flex.

As a rule of thumb, the stiffer the flex of the wood, the more accurate your shots will be. On the other hand, with stiffer shafts, the golfer is required to generate more club head speed in order to achieve a good flight of the ball. Beginners often do not have the required level of speed, and therefore they would be better advised to use a more flexible shaft.

Discount golf equipment supplier Golfonline stock a wide range of cheap fairway woods, including all of the top manufacturers. Some of the best selling lines are as follows:

• TaylorMade Burner and R7 fairway woods
• Callaway golf Big Bertha fairway woods
• Cleveland HiBore fairway woods
• Nike SQ Sumo fairway woods