Can't swing a wood to save my life!

[glock35ipsc]

Is there something different I should be doing with my swing for a wood versus a driver or irons?

I hit my driver just fine, and I hit all my irons fine except for my 5i, and I think that's just a mental issue more than anything because my 6i is my go-to iron on long second shots and I do fine with it.

But I can't swing through a ball with either of my woods. I either swing right over the top of the ball missing it completely (which hurts like a b*#@h!!!), or I top the ball, or I nosedive in about 4" behind the ball.

When I try to swing more like my driver... that is, a longer more sweeping takeaway and back swing, I either totally swing over the ball or top it. If I try swinging more like a longer iron, a little more down on the ball, I nosedive in behind it. If I try to get somewhere in between the two previous swings, I can make contact, but it's either just a dribbler or it looks like an arrow that bounced off a tree.

I'm very much a beginner (about 2 months) and the handicap number over there /emoticons/wink.png" title="Wink"/> I mostly have been playing 9 hole courses, having only played a full 18 holes twice (the last being this Saturday, shot 100 on a par 71 course). I have been working with an instructor since I started, but he is gone this week, so I'm not able to talk to him or go see him about it. This will probably be what our next session is about, but for now I am just looking for some ideas to try for the rest of the week.

I know this will be difficult without a video, but I don't have any way to get one right now.

Thanks in advance!

[joepro23]

Topping fairway woods is a common problem for beginners. I have introduced a few friends to the game and I think it is just something you need to get through by hitting tons of golf balls at the range. Don't change your swing just for the woods. I don't think there is anything different about a 3-wood swing versus an iron swing or a driver. What makes it tough is that the club has a long shaft, but unlike the driver, the ball is on the ground and there is less room for error. My suggestion is to try teeing up the ball at the range and get comfortable making solid contact (not topping, whiffing, or getting way behind it). Gradually decrease the height of the tee until you are using no tee at all. This should give you the confidence to make a smooth swing and get the ball off the ground with the woods. The ideal impact is a slight descending blow where you are clipping a very little bit of grass (or the range mat i guess) just after impact. It's important not to give up on the fairway woods. Once you get good, you will probably be hitting them straighter than your driver and may even prefer it off the tee. I do.

Also, check with your instructor...I'm not really a pro, unlike my username may suggest.

[DBC]

Topping the ball=Coming out of your shoes.
Slow your swing down, and just try to make solid contact. The club will do the work, and you dont need to swing near as hard.

[glock35ipsc]

Thanks guys! My instructor did respond to an email I sent him, I didn't figure I would hear back from him until after he returned. We are getting together Saturday afternoon.