Fairway woods can help us on long par 5’s or provide a backup off the tee when the driver is having trouble. Having a fairway wood that you can trust and rely on will make a big difference in your game. However, many golfers struggle with putting together their golf club set makeup, and they are curious as to how many fairway woods are really necessary to own. Let’s take a look at how many fairway woods the average golfer needs.
How many fairway woods does the average golfer need?
The average golfer will need two fairway woods. These fairway woods are typically the 3 wood and the 5 wood. Having both a 3 wood and a 5 wood can really help golfers in a variety of situations. Many players will use the 3 wood on a shorter par 4 or when there is trouble off the tee.
The 5 wood is used as an approach on a long par 4 or to try and reach the green in two on a par 5. Each of these woods will be used enough to justify a position in the average golfer's bag. However, there are some players that find a bag with 3 fairway woods or just one wood will create a better set makeup.
What fairway woods are the best to have in the bag?
The 3 wood and the 5 wood are often considered the best choices for the average golfer when it comes to fairway woods. However, there are some other options that could make sense depending on your skill level and overall preferences.
3 Wood
Choose the 3 wood if you have higher swing speeds and tend to lose control with the driver from time to time. The 3 wood will help you get your game back on track and hit the ball down the middle.
4 Wood
For the golfers that only want to carry one fairway wood, the 4 wood is the perfect loft. This club has plenty of distance mixed with just enough forgiveness.
5 Wood
Those with slower swing speeds or the average player that needs more accuracy will love what the 5 wood has to offer. Whether you hit from the tee or the grass, this is a very fair golf club to work with.
7 Wood
The 7 wood has about the same loft as a 4 iron or 4 hybrid. If you carry three fairway woods in your bag, chances are the 3, 5, and 7 will be the best choices.
9 Wood
A 9 wood is a less common fairway wood, and this would be a great choice for those that struggle with their long irons. The only trouble is finding the 9 wood in the brand and style that you like.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel as though you can set up your fairway woods in a way that works for your skill level. Most players have room to add two to their bag, and both are used to make the long game considerably more manageable. If you find that hybrids are a better fit for you, having just one fairway wood in the bag is completely acceptable. Looking for a new fairway wood? Check out our Custom Woods Section on Fairway Jockey.
