Fairway Worm Burners

[Shanks A Million]

I've played casually for over 20 years now. In 2008, I decided to finally take up golf seriously, practicing nearly every single day. I improved dramatically. Now I'm getting into the region where I'm thinking about scratch. I have two major faults that are holding me back.

One of these faults, pitching from 20-60 yards, is merely a matter of practice. That should cut off maybe 4 strokes at best.

The second is a very difficult problem. I can't hit a fairway wood well. In fact, it's rare for one to go over 20 feet in the air, and they fly maybe 180 yards, then roll for another 60. I don't feel confident over them, and the last 3 times I tried to attack a par 5 in two, I got a triple.

A golf instructor I talked to told me much of it is in my head... but some is in my equipment. He said that if I can hit a 2 iron with such consistency, then why should I fear a fairway wood? I wish I felt the same! He said if I'm more comfortable with steel, then use steel! I tried it, and grabbed some early 80s persimmon FWs with steel shafts. I walloped them, high and long! What gives?

I use an Adams Insight XTD 3 wood with a DVS stiff. As stated earlier, my fit is for 3° upright, and X shafts. I like this FW, but the shaft does feel so much like a wet spaghetti noodle. I can hit a driver like nobody's business, and even one with a limp shaft is no problem, but a FW, even on a tee, is suddenly a bone chilling experience! I bought some MacGreggor MacOne woods with a boat-hull sole to try to see if they would help (they can be hit with a more upright swing), but their shafts are very flexible, and they seem to make me even more apprehensive. I've tried nearly everything, even considered using the old persimmon woods!

What can I do to get over my fears? Do you think I should install steel shafts to give me a mental boost? Should I gut it out and learn to stop worrying and love the graphite?

[RIduffer]

Have you tried any hybrids? I am able to hit hybrids pretty well (even as low-lofted as 16*), but I struggle with fairway woods. Just a thought.

[edingc]

I second the thought on hybrids. My 3 wood is usually used only off the tee, I like the hybrid much more off the fairway. Just swing it like an iron and the ball flies away nicely.

[Jay-Bird]

what kind of shaft is in your 3 wood?

Something with a low kick point will help get the ball up in the air.

[uttexas]

agree with trying hybrids. They are easier for most to hit off the fairway.

[Shanks A Million]

I've tried hybrids, and have a few. I don't like them any better. I'm almost certain it's something in my mind or my technique. I can hit them ok, you see, not terrible, but just not a consistent high flying shot that I want.

[Shanks A Million]

I FIXED IT!!!

Ok, here's the story... If you've ever had problems with FWs, then listen good. I had been told the problem is mostly in my head, and a golf instructor I talked to gave me some advice to help that. He pointed out that my Adams FWs have flat bottoms, and I have a steep swing. He said getting a FW with a boat hull shape would help.

Old...


New...


I bought a few, but still struggled. I thought, what wood do you hit well? A driver! Why? Well, it's teed up, right? Well, the funny thing is, I can hit my driver from the ground just as easy. So why is that? Confidence!

So I grabbed my 3 and 5 woods, and teed them up, but high this time. I proceeded to top a few, and then snap hook a few more. Ok... So I say to myself, "Driver, driver, you're hitting a driver!" I just took a breath, and swung like a driver. Boom. Launched it!

So I hit about 20 balls with the 3 and 5, all of them the exact same super high shot that landed soft. Then I crossed my fingers, said a prayer, and set a ball on the turf... Slam! If flew just as high, just as long, but it felt so much better!!! Wow! No wonder everyone likes their woods, those babies fly forever!!! My 5 wood, into the wind, 45° out, and with range balls dropped at about 180 yards every time, same distance (little shorter perhaps) as my 5 iron. Imagine how far they will go when I get used to them, and can make a confident full swing?

The shafts in these FWs were way too whippy, so I'm going to get them replaced. They actually went too high. I'm psyched! I can finally attack a par 5, previously a major fault on my scorecards (I often get doubles and triples on par 5s from stupidly going for it when I should lay up... I've had 3 triples on par 5s in one round!).