How to Hit a Fairway Wood Consistently - GOLFTEC Hong Kong Tips

The fairway wood is one of the most feared clubs in the bag. GOLFTEC Hong Kong coaches explain the specific adjustments that make it much easier to hit cleanly.

Matt Chalmers
Advanced Fellow PGA Professional & Director of Education, GolfTec SEA
Last Updated:
September 11, 2026
Table of Contents:

Ask any group of recreational golfers which club they least enjoy hitting and the fairway wood will be near the top of almost every list. The good news is that the changes needed to hit fairway woods well are quite specific and very learnable.

Ball Position

The most common mistake with fairway woods is playing the ball too far back in the stance. The fairway wood is designed to be swept through the ball, not struck with a descending blow. Ball position should be just inside your left heel.

Tee It Low

When hitting a fairway wood off a tee, many golfers tee it too high. A low tee - with the ball barely above the turf - encourages the sweeping contact the club needs.

Width and Tempo

Fairway woods reward a wide, sweeping swing rather than a steep, aggressive one. Focus on making a wide backswing with a smooth tempo. Trying to hit hard with a fairway wood is one of the quickest ways to mis-hit it.

Build Confidence Off a Tee First

If you are struggling with fairway woods off the turf, go back to basics and hit them off a low tee on the range. Build confidence before progressing to shots off the ground.

For a detailed look at what your fairway wood swing is doing, book a lesson at GOLFTEC Hong Kong.

Matt Chalmers
Matt is a member of the British PGA who joined the GOLFTEC Singapore team in July 2017. He began his coaching career in Guernsey in 2008 and has since held roles in Abu Dhabi, China and Bahrain. Notable achievements include gaining a distinction in a MSc in Sport Coaching from the University of Birmingham and being upgraded to Advanced Fellow PGA Professional status

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