Understanding Golf Woods

Drivers and fairway woods

Woods are called that because the club heads were originally made from wood. Now they are made of metal but still bear the title "woods" when you buy them. They are the golf clubs used to hit the longest shots on the golf course. In fact the "driver" is actually the #1 Wood. It is the longest shaft [45 inches] with the largest head, which also makes it the hardest club to control, especially for the beginner.

The "driver" club heads these days are made of steel or titanium alloys that are lighter and give added power to your drives. Quite often the driver head made from titanium is much larger [Big Bertha] and can even go beyond the PGA standards for tour play. The larger head delivers a lot more yardage on a shot. Be sure you have a regulation driver if you are in any tournament play.

The Fairway Woods [3,5] are a little small than the driver but are the other long drive clubs in most golfers bags. The #2 wood is not really used these days. fairway woods are easier to hit and control for the beginner and intermediate golfer then the long irons [2,3,4] so they might want to think about taking a few along instead, the 5,7 and 9 woods for example.

The #2 to #4 fairway woods can be used as an alternative to the drive if you need more control. The smaller head allows you to use them for distance shots on the fairway and they let you get the ball in the air easier.

The #5 to #11 fairway woods can be used as alternatives to your long iron shots, especially from the rough as you will find them easier to control.

Don't look at the manufacturing specs that say their woods [and drivers] will allow you to hit your shots for a certain number of yards. That might not happen for you. Each golfer needs to know how far each club will go for them in distance. As with all the clubs you use, you need to know what they can do in your own hand. Only that way can you collect a set of golf clubs that will work for you based on your strengths and weaknesses. Forget what your friends can do and forget what the pros can do. What can you do with each club?

Also keep in mind that a driver is designed to strike the ball on the way "up" and the woods are designed to strike the ball at the "bottom" of the swing. The placement of the ball is different. For the woods you need to have it placed more forward in your stance.

The ball setup in your stance depends on the club you use