Golf can be a challenging sport, especially for high handicappers who struggle to hit the ball consistently. One of the most important clubs in a golfer’s bag is the fairway wood. It can be a game-changer for high handicappers. A good fairway wood can help them hit longer and straighter shots, which can improve their overall game.
Choosing the right fairway wood can be a daunting task, especially for high handicappers who are still learning the game. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best one that suits their needs. However, with some research and guidance, high handicappers can find the perfect fairway wood that can help them improve their game and lower their scores.
In this article, we will explore what is the best fairway wood for high handicappers available on the market. We will provide an in-depth analysis of each club’s features, pros, and cons, to help high handicappers make an informed decision. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, this article will help you find the best fairway wood that can take your game to the next level.

Understanding Fairway Woods
When it comes to golf clubs, fairway woods are often considered one of the toughest to hit. They require a high level of skill and precision to hit well. However, with the right club and some practice, even high handicappers can improve their game with fairway woods. In this section, we’ll explore what fairway woods are and why they are important for high handicappers.
What are Fairway Woods?
Fairway woods are golf clubs that are designed to hit the ball off the fairway or from the rough. They have a larger head than irons, which makes it easier to hit the ball off the ground. Fairway woods are numbered, with the most common being the 3-wood and the 5-wood. The number corresponds to the loft of the club, with the 3-wood having a lower loft and the 5-wood having a higher loft.
Unlike drivers, fairway woods have a smaller sweet spot, which can make them more difficult to hit. However, they are also more forgiving than drivers, which means that mishits are less likely to result in a bad shot.
Why are Fairway Woods Important for High Handicappers?
For high handicappers, fairway woods can be an important tool for improving their game. Fairway woods are easier to hit than long irons, which are typically more difficult for high handicappers to hit consistently. They also have a higher loft, which means that they can help get the ball in the air and keep it there for longer, resulting in longer and straighter shots.
Additionally, fairway woods can be useful for getting out of trouble. If a high handicapper finds themselves in the rough or behind a tree, a well-hit fairway wood shot can help get them back in play and set up a better approach shot.
Overall, fairway woods are an important club for high handicappers to have in their bag. With the right club and some practice, they can help improve a high handicapper’s game and make the game more enjoyable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fairway Wood
Loft
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fairway wood is the loft. The loft of a fairway wood determines the trajectory and distance of the ball. High handicappers should look for fairway woods with higher lofts, as they will provide more forgiveness and help get the ball in the air easier. Generally, fairway woods with lofts between 15 and 18 degrees are ideal for high handicappers.
Shaft Material
The material of the shaft is another important factor to consider. Graphite shafts are lighter and more flexible, making them ideal for high handicappers who need more help getting the ball in the air. Steel shafts, on the other hand, are heavier and more rigid, providing more control and accuracy for more experienced golfers. High handicappers should opt for graphite shafts to help improve their game.
Clubhead Size and Shape
The size and shape of the clubhead can also affect the performance of a fairway wood. High handicappers should look for fairway woods with larger clubheads, as they provide more forgiveness and a larger sweet spot. Additionally, a shallow clubhead with a low center of gravity can help get the ball in the air easier, making it ideal for high handicappers.
Adjustability
Some fairway woods come with adjustable features, such as adjustable loft and lie angles. While these features can be helpful, they are not necessary for high handicappers. Instead, high handicappers should focus on finding a fairway wood that is easy to hit and provides forgiveness. Once they improve their game, they can consider upgrading to a fairway wood with adjustable features.
Top Picks for High Handicappers
Best Overall Fairway Wood for High Handicappers
The Ping G425 fairway wood is the easiest club to get into the air and keep it there for longer, according to our research. It is designed to help high handicappers and beginners get more height and distance, even on off-center hits. The club features a large head with a shallow face, which makes it easy to hit from the fairway or rough. It also has a forgiving sole that glides through the turf without digging in, which can help prevent fat shots and improve consistency.

Best Budget Fairway Wood for High Handicappers
The Cobra Speedzone fairway wood is a great option for high handicappers on a budget. It offers a lot of the same features and benefits as more expensive fairway woods, but at a more affordable price point. The club has a large, forgiving head with a low center of gravity, which helps launch the ball high and far. It also has a lightweight shaft that can help golfers with slower swing speeds generate more clubhead speed and distance.
Best High-End Fairway Wood for High Handicappers
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD fairway wood is a top-of-the-line option for high handicappers who want the best performance and technology. It features a large, forgiving head with an all new carbon club face that delivers faster ball speeds and more distance. It also has a unique V Steel sole design that improves turf interaction and makes it easier to hit from a variety of lies. The club comes in a variety of lofts and shaft options to fit any golfer’s swing and preferences.
Alternatives
Choosing the best fairway wood for high handicappers can be a daunting task, but it is important to find one that is forgiving, easy to hit, and provides good distance. After conducting extensive research, the following fairway woods were found to be some of the best for high handicappers:
- Cobra Speedzone Fairway Wood
- Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood
- PXG 0211 Fairway Wood
- TaylorMade M4 Fairway Wood
- Cobra Men’s KING F6 Fairway Wood
- Callaway Paradym Fairway Wood
- Cobra King F9 Speedback Fairway Wood
- Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood
Each of these fairway woods offers different features and benefits, so it is important to choose one that fits your specific needs and preferences. Some of the key factors to consider when choosing a fairway wood include:
- Clubhead size and shape
- Shaft material and flex
- Adjustability options
- Price
Ultimately, the best fairway wood for high handicappers is one that provides a combination of forgiveness, distance, and accuracy. It is important to test out different fairway woods to find one that feels comfortable and suits your swing style. By doing so, you can improve your game and enjoy a more satisfying golfing experience.
Learn More Here
- Best Drivers For High Handicappers
- Best Wedges For High Handicappers
- Best Putter For High Handicappers
- Masters Winners
Should high handicappers use fairway woods?
Yes absolutely! Fairway woods are a great option for higher handicap players. Hitting them off the tee could be especially beneficial to your game.
What fairway woods should a high handicapper carry?
Typically you will carry a 3 wood and maybe a 5 wood, but the newest trend in golf is carrying a 7 wood. A 7 wood can be a very useful club for a high handicapper.
Do I need to swing differently with a fairway wood?
No. The only thing that will change when you are hitting a fairway wood is your ball position. Instead of having the ball near the middle of your stance for iron shots, you will play the ball further forward in your stance. Usually a bit inside your left heel (for a right handed player).
Should I play a 7 wood?
7 woods are becoming very popular these days, even on the PGA Tour. I believe that a 7 wood would be a great club for a high handicapper to play because it gets the ball in the air easily and it lands softly on the greens.