9 Best Fairway Woods For High Handicappers

If you’re a high handicapper looking to up your golf game, you might want to consider adding some of the best fairway woods to your golf club collection. Fairway woods are an excellent choice for players who need a little more assistance getting the ball off the ground, as many golfers struggle with fairway woods. With their large sweet spot and lower center of gravity, they offer maximum forgiveness and are specifically designed to help golfers hit the ball with ease and confidence. In this article, I ranked and reviewed the 9 best fairway woods for high handicappers and my top 5 picks. 

Best overall

Cobra LTDx Max

Cobra LTDx Max Driver

The LTDx MAX fairway provides an exquisite velocity and extreme forgiveness combination, with adjustable weights to optimize the draw bias.

Premium

Paradym X

Callaway Paradym X Fairway Wood

These fairway woods are a perfect choice. They offer high launch with a slight draw bias while also providing maximum forgiveness thanks to their uniquely designed Forged Carbon toe patch that redistributes weight towards the heel for effortless accuracy and control.

Runner-up

TaylorMade Stealth

TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood

Introducing the Stealth fairway: a 3D carbon crown crafted for supreme forgiveness and maneuverability. You can rely on it to be your steadfast partner in golfing greatness!

Best value

PXG 2022 0211

PXG 2022 0211 Fairway Wood

PXG 0211 Fairways boast a classic look and feel crafted from top-notch materials. Their performance-driven approach to innovation results in improved accuracy, precise spin control, and enhanced forgiveness – all at an unbeatable cost!

Hidden Gem

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Fairway

Strategically placed heel weight in combination with the V Steel sole promotes a right-to-left ball flight while simultaneously preserving forgiveness. This design helps golfers prevent missing shots to the right, while still achieving an effortless launch off of any tee or fairway.

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What are the best fairway woods for high handicappers?

Here is my list of the best fairway woods for high handicappers.

Cobra LTDx MAX Fairway Wood

best overall

Cobra LTDx Max

4.6
Pros:
  • Designed for higher loft shots
  • Smooth swing produces consistent accurate shots
  • Most forgiving fairway wood
Cons:
  • Not as long as other Cobra LTDx models
Cobra LTDx Max Fairway Wood

Overview. 

The Cobra LTDx MAX is the best fairway wood for golfers of every level, beginner or high handicapper.

Featuring adjustable weights and an optimized draw bias, these clubs offer a larger sweet spot and lower center of gravity for easier launch from the tee or fairway. 

Additionally, cutting-edge technologies like carbon fiber construction and aerodynamic design help to reduce drag and improve accuracy with each swing. 

Whether you’re looking for consistent distance off the tee or more control from the fairway, this is an excellent option for golfers of any skill level.

Key Features: 

  • Pwr-Cor Technology: Enhances ball speed and distance
  • H.O.T Face: Optimized AI for increased smash factor
  • Carbon Fiber Crown

Wrap-Up.

The Cobra LTDx MAX Fairway woods are perfect for high handicappers who want maximum forgiveness and performance with each swing. This club is designed to provide a large sweet spot, easy launch, and improved accuracy – making it ideal for golfers of any skill level.


Paradym X Fairway Woods

premium

Paradym X

4.5
Pros:
  • Draw bias to offset that slice
  • Easy to launch
  • Adjustable hosel
Cons:
  • Price point
Callaway Paradym X Fairway Wood

Overview.

The Paradym X fairway woods are designed to provide high launch with a slight draw bias while offering maximum forgiveness.

Engineered with a uniquely designed Forged Carbon toe patch that redistributes weight toward the heel, golfers can expect improved accuracy and control along with increased ball speed.

The shallow face design ensures effortless launch from any tee or fairway, while the adjustable weighting technology allows golfers of all skill levels to customize their desired ball flight.

With an optimized aerodynamic shape, these clubs provide exceptional distance and playability in any condition.

Key Features:

  • Jailbreak Batwing structure: a flexible design for high ball speed
  • Forged Carbon Crown: more weight redistribution for max carry distance
  • Tungsten Speed Cartridge: optimal launch and spin

Wrap-Up.

The Paradym X Fairway Woods are best suited for golfers who want to improve accuracy and control, with a slight draw bias, while generating maximum distance off the tee. These clubs are perfect for high handicappers looking to maximize their performance from any lie.


TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood

runner-up

TaylorMade Stealth

4.6
Pros:
  • Speed pocket boost speed on off-center hits
  • Head designed for more loft
  • Faster swing speed
Cons:
  • No carbon red face
TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood

Overview. 

The TaylorMade Stealth Fairway is another forgiving fairway wood that excels in distance, accuracy, and playability. 

Crafted with a timeless silhouette, the low center-of-gravity and deep face design of this club provides exceptional launches and long carry distances on any lie.

It also incorporates leading technology such as Twist Face grooves and Speed Pocket Technology, which work together to provide improved forgiveness and accuracy off the tee. 

The Stealth Fairway also comes with adjustable hosel settings, allowing golfers to further customize their launch conditions.

Key Features: 

  • Deep Face Design: more ball speed and distance
  • Shallow Head Profile: Provides a mid to high launch angle for greater accuracy and playability. 
  • Laser-etched alignment aid
  • Twist Face: straighten mishit shots 

Wrap-Up.

The TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood is perfect for golfers of all levels seeking maximum distance, accuracy, and playability. With its adjustable hosel settings, this club enables golfers to customize their launch conditions for greater accuracy and control over every shot.


PXG 2022 0211 Fairway Wood

best value

PXG 2022 0211

4.2
Pros:
  • Reduce spin for increased accuracy and consistency
  • More power and distance from each strike
  • Great speed and accuracy
Cons:
  • Sound off the club isnt for everyone
  • Not for slower swing speeds
PXG 2022 0211 Fairway Wood

Overview.

The PXG 2022 0211 Fairway Wood is a premium club designed to provide unparalleled control and distance off the tee.

This superior-quality club is designed with an ultra-low profile head, allowing you to reduce spin while delivering maximum accuracy and power upon impact.

The lightweight construction further enhances performance by allowing golfers to swing faster and with greater precision for maximum distance.

Key Features:

  • Low Profile Head Design: Reduces spin for increased accuracy and consistency.
  • Advanced Aerodynamics: Generates more power and distance from each strike.
  • Lightweight Construction: Allows golfers to generate greater speed and accuracy for maximum performance off the tee.

Wrap-Up.

The PXG 2022 0211 Fairway Wood is an ideal choice for golfers looking to maximize distance and accuracy off the tee. With its low-profile design, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight construction, this club is sure to provide superior performance from any lie.


TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Fairway

hidden gem

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max

4.6
Pros:
  • Low-forward CG to account for more loft
  • Designed for slower swing speed
  • Lightweight construction provides greater control over shots
Cons:
  • May be too lightweight for some players, resulting in less control over shots
TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Fairway

Overview. 

The TaylorMade SiM 2 Max fairway wood is designed with the latest in golf technology to help you get the most out of every shot. 

With its ultra-low CG, Twist Face Technology, and Speed Pocket design, this club is guaranteed to increase ball speed and launch angle for maximum distance off the tee. 

Its adjustable head allows you to customize the club for greater control and accuracy, while its lightweight construction gives you more power and speed with every swing.

Key Features: 

  • Larger Profile Head: Generates more ball speed and a higher ball flight. 
  • Low-Forward Center of Gravity: Provides more accuracy and consistency off the tee. 
  • Advanced Aerodynamics: Increases speed and power for maximum distance potential.

Wrap-Up. 

The TaylorMade SiM 2 Max fairway wood is ideal for golfers looking to increase their distance and accuracy off the tee. With its advanced technology and adjustable fairway wood head, this club will provide superior performance with every swing. 


Srixon ZX Fairway Wood

best looking

Srixon ZX

4.0
Pros:
  • Easy to hit
  • Powerful feel
  • Pleasing aesthetics
Cons:
  • Doesn’t excel in one area
Srixon ZX Fairway Wood

Overview.

The Srixon ZX wood is the perfect choice for golfers seeking greater distance and forgiveness off the tee.

Featuring an ultra-low CG and a re-engineered waved sole pattern, this club provides maximum power with every swing.

It also features a multi-thickness cup face design which increases ball speed and launch angle for greater distance potential, while its low spin head design helps reduce spin for improved accuracy and consistency.

With the Srixon ZX Fairway Wood, you’ll be able to hit it farther than ever before!

Key Features:

  • Rebound Frame: designed for distance on mishits
  • Cannon Sole: wide sole to help optimize launch angle and trajectory
  • Carbon Crown: reposition weight lower for additional forgiveness

Wrap-Up.

The Srixon ZX wood is ideal for golfers who are looking to maximize their distance and accuracy off the tee. With its ultra-low CG, adjustable sole weight and multi-thickness cup face design, this club will help you hit it farther than ever before with every swing.


Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway 

best Tour edge

Tour Edge C522

3.9
Pros:
  • Increased distance
  • Exceptional sound and feel
  • Maximized power across the club face
Cons:
  • Lack of colors
Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway Wood

Overview.

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway wood is the perfect choice for golfers looking for maximum distance, accuracy and forgiveness off the tee.

With a low center of gravity and a re-engineered sole design, this club provides superior launch conditions for faster ball speeds and greater distance potential.

Its laser-welded cup face construction also increases ball speeds while its adjustable hosel allows golfers to customize the club for maximum performance.

With the Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway, you’ll be hitting it farther than ever before!

Key Features:

  • Diamond Face Cup: 42 different thick and thin diamond shapes for the enhanced sweet spot
  • Acoustic Resonance Channels: top-shelf sound and feel
  • Power channel: generate ball speed with less spin

Wrap-Up.

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway wood is perfect for golfers who are looking to hit it farther and straighter off the tee without sacrificing accuracy. With its low-profile head design, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight construction, this club will help you achieve maximum distance and improved accuracy with every swing.


Cleveland Golf Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood

best for beginners

Cleveland Launcher XL Halo

4.0
Pros:
  • Easy to launch and forgiving
  • Designed to keep face straight
  • Increased ball speed and distance
Cons:
  • Loud noise at impact
  • High launch is difficult for high-handicap golfers
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood

Overview. 

The Cleveland Golf Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood is the perfect club for golfers looking to maximize distance while maintaining accuracy off the tee. 

With its ultra-lightweight design and innovative sole shape, this club offers maximum forgiveness and an easy launch for greater control on each shot. 

Its high moment of inertia provides increased stability and a more consistent ball flight, while its tour-proven shape allows golfers to hit shots with greater power and precision. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Cleveland Golf Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood is your perfect choice for taking your game to the next level!

Key Features: 

  • XL head design
  • Gliderail: engineered for optimal ball striking on rough lies
  • Rebound Frame: two flex zones
  • Hiborne Crown Step: designed to get the ball airborne
  • Offset club head

Wrap-Up. 

The Cleveland Golf Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood is the perfect choice for golfers looking to maximize their distance off the tee while maintaining accuracy and control. With its low center of gravity, high-strength steel face, and heel-weighted design, this club will help you achieve maximum performance with every shot. 


Wilson D9 Men’s Golf Fairway Woods 

best wilson

Wilson D9

3.8
Pros:
  • Larger club head to inspire confidence
  • Improves distance off the tee
  • Faster swing speed
Cons:
  • Not adjustable
Wilson D9 Fairway Wood

Overview.

The Wilson D9 Men’s Golf Fairway Wood is the perfect choice for golfers looking to add more distance and accuracy off the tee.

Featuring a larger head size, a lower center of gravity, and an advanced face design, this club provides enhanced performance for longer drives and straighter golf shots.

With its lightweight construction and improved aerodynamics, the Wilson D9 Men’s Golf Fairway Wood is the perfect choice for golfers who want to maximize their performance off the tee.

Key Features:

  • Fast, Forgiving Face: milled from premium steel
  • Precise head shape designed for weight optimization

Wrap-Up.

The Wilson D9 Men’s Golf Fairway Wood is ideal for golfers looking for maximum distance and accuracy off the tee. With its innovative Speed Sole Technology, flexible sole design, and lightweight construction, this club offers enhanced performance on every shot. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Wilson D9 Men’s Golf Fairway Wood will help you take your game to the next level.


What is a Fairway Wood?

A fairway wood is a type of golf club designed to help golfers hit the ball further and more accurately from the fairway. They typically have a large, rounded head and a longer shaft than irons.

How to Select a Fairway Wood as a High Handicapper.

Here’s a list of factors to consider when buying a fairway wood as a high handicapper:

  • Loft
  • Shaft Flex
  • Clubhead Size
  • Forgiveness
  • Adjustability
  • Brand Reputation
  • Budget

Loft: The loft of a fairway wood is the angle of the clubface, which affects the trajectory and distance of your shots. As a high handicapper, you may benefit from a fairway wood with a higher loft, which can help you get the ball in the air more easily and achieve more distance.

Shaft Flex: Shaft Flex is a key factor in determining the club’s performance. As a high handicapper, you may benefit from a more flexible shaft, which can help you generate more clubhead speed and achieve more distance.

Clubhead Size: The size of the clubhead is another important factor to consider when buying a fairway wood. As a high handicapper, you may want to consider a larger clubhead, which can provide a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on mishits.

Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a measure of how forgiving a club is on mishits. As a high handicapper, you may want to consider a fairway wood that is designed to be forgiving, with features such as perimeter weighting or a larger club head size.

Adjustability: Some fairway woods have adjustable features, such as the ability to change the loft or adjust the weight distribution. As a high handicapper, you may want to consider a fairway wood with adjustable features, as it can help you fine-tune your shots and improve your performance.

Brand Reputation: The reputation of the brand is also important to consider when buying a fairway wood. Look for brands with a good reputation for quality, performance, and customer support.

Budget: Finally, consider your budget when buying a fairway wood. While more expensive clubs may offer better performance and features, there are also good options available at more affordable price points.

How to Swing a Fairway Wood:

  1. Start with the proper setup: Position the ball forward in your stance, just inside your front foot. Align your body parallel to the target line, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be balanced evenly between your feet.
  2. Keep your hands low: On your backswing, keep your hands low and close to your body. This will help you generate more power and maintain control.
  3. Rotate your shoulders: As you swing back, rotate your shoulders to create torque and build up power.
  4. Shift your weight: On your downswing, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. This will help you generate more club head speed and hit the ball farther.
  5. Follow through: Follow through with your swing, keeping your head down and your eyes on the ball. Let the club head swing naturally to its finish position.

Tips and Tricks for Using a Fairway Wood:

  1. Practice, practice, practice: Using a fairway wood can be challenging, so it’s important to practice your swing regularly to get comfortable with it.
  2. Choose the right club: Fairway woods come in different lofts, so choose the one that’s right for you based on your swing speed and the distance you want to hit the ball.
  3. Tee it up: If you’re struggling to hit your fairway wood off the ground, try teeing the ball up slightly. This will give you a better chance of making solid contact.
  4. Use a sweeping motion: Unlike irons, fairway woods are designed to be hit with a sweeping motion. Focus on making a smooth, sweeping swing rather than trying to scoop the ball off the ground.
  5. Be patient: Hitting a fairway wood well takes time and practice. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see results right away. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

3 Drills to Improve Ball Striking with a Fairway Wood:

Here are three drills to improve ball striking with a fairway wood.

Addressing the Ball Drill: This drill helps you focus on your setup and alignment, which is crucial for consistent ball striking.

  • Start by placing a ball on the ground and positioning yourself for a fairway wood shot.
  • Without taking a swing, focus on getting into the correct setup position: ball forward in your stance, feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced evenly between your feet, and body aligned parallel to the target line.
  • Once you’re in the correct position, take a mental note of how it feels, then step away from the ball and repeat the process a few more times.
  • By practicing your setup and alignment in this way, you’ll develop muscle memory that will help you consistently hit the ball well.

Impact Bag Drill: This drill helps you develop a proper impact position, which is critical for solid ball striking.

  • Start by placing an impact bag or old pillow on the ground, then take a fairway wood and make a swing, focusing on hitting the bag with the center of the clubface.
  • When you make contact with the bag, focus on maintaining a firm wrist and keeping your head behind the golf ball.
  • Repeat the drill several times, focusing on making solid contact with the center of the clubface.

Three-Quarter Swing Drill: This drill helps you improve your ball striking by promoting a more compact and controlled swing.

  • Start by taking a fairway wood and making a swing, but only swing back three-quarters of the way.
  • Focus on keeping your hands low and close to your body on the backswing, then shifting your weight to your front foot on the downswing.
  • By making a shorter swing, you’ll be better able to control the club head and hit the golf ball more consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What’s the difference between a fairway wood and a hybrid?

The main difference between a fairway wood and a hybrid is the club head design. A fairway wood typically has a larger, more rounded club head that produces higher launch angles with less spin. Hybrids, on the other hand, have smaller clubheads with iron-style face that offers more control and accuracy.

Should high handicappers use fairway woods?

Yes, high handicappers can benefit from using fairway woods. They are designed to be easier to hit than longer irons, which can allow high handicappers to hit the golf ball farther and straighter more consistently. Additionally, many modern fairway woods come with a variety of technology features that make them even more forgiving on off-center hits.

Should a high handicapper use a 3 or 5 wood?

It depends on the individual golfer and their skill level. Generally speaking, a 3 wood is easier to hit than a 5 wood and will produce more distance, making it better suited for high handicappers who are just getting started with fairway woods. However, a 5 wood can be useful for those looking for more control around the green. Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with both club types and see which one feels the most comfortable.

Can I use a fairway wood off the tee?

Yes, in many cases using a fairway wood off the tee can be a great option. Fairway woods offer more distance than hybrids and irons, making them ideal for long par 4s and 5s. Additionally, they are more forgiving on off-center mishits than drivers, so they provide a good alternative if you’re struggling.

Executive Summary

There you have it, my list of the best fairway woods for high handicappers. As there seems to be 100+ options, I’ve condensed the list down to the best so that you can choose the option that is right for you. Playing the best fairway woods is critical to your game and mental health!

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