When do you use a fairway wood?

[mellojoe]

Ok, I'm a beginner, and I've got a lot to learn. Let me know if I am just being way off here.

I have never used my fairway woods on the fairway. I've just never done it.

I use my 3-wood as my Driver, since I'm just not hitting my D very well. So, I tee up and use my 3-wood to drive.

I use my 5-iron for any other shot 150-yards and more. Its the club I learned how to hit, so it (and my 7-iron) is my most comfortable and (usually) my most consistent club. So, that's the first thing I hit when I'm in the fairway.

I've never hit a wood off the grass. I've only ever tee'd them up when I hit them. I've never taken my 5-wood out of the bag, because I don't know when/how to use it.

How do you use a fairway wood? Just the same swing? Should the club-head graze the dirt/grass? Should the ball be in the middle of the stance like my 5-iron?

Do you use your 3-wood / 5-wood for long fairway shots? Or do you just use your long iron? Does it matter?

When should I drag out my 5-wood? (Other than as my driver) When should I use my 3-wood?

[MunkeyGolfer]

There is not right and wrong answer or way to use your clubs. I feel you should use what you can hit. I personally use my 3 wood only when I am in the center of the fairway about 200-250 yds out. 5 wood is if I am in light rough and too far out to use an iron (or if I am too close to use my 3 wood). Since you are a beginner I would recommend going to the driving range and hitting your fairway woods off the grass. It will give you an idea if you can hit them.

3 wood is a little forward from center for me.
5 wood is center for me.

Good luck and have fun

[beung]

80% of the time from the tee box, when there is trouble anywhere near 270 off the tee box I know that driver is too long and if it is anywhere 250 the 3w is too long, 230 and I hit 3i or 4i because the 5w isn't worth the risk just to gain 20 yrds.

On the fairway, it depends on what my landing area looks like, what kind of trouble can I get into if I miss it left, right, long or short. I never hit into a situation where I have to hit a perfect shot. If I am hitting into a green with a 3w my miss forgiveness better be as big as a football field :P

But truely all you need to do is be smart but don't be affraid to hit the woods, swing with confidence and the results will reflect that.