3 days ago
Hit a proper fairway wood shot
Spain's Julia Lopez Ramirez hits a fairway wood at the US Women's Open presented by Ally at Erin Hills Golf Club in Wisconsin. This was a popular club last week and one which proved rather effective for many of the world's best. — AFP
CLUB golfers battle with fairway woods because they get intimidated by the shot.
Indeed, modest loft on the face and a ball sitting tight to the turf does not look as enticing as a 7-iron on a tee box, but the harder you try to force this shot, the worse your results will be.
A smooth rhythm and a confident mindset, created by knowing you have the right approach, is all you need to make a success of this shot.
Do remember a level attack promotes the twin desirables of clean contact, while presenting every one of those degrees in the loft to the ball. Hit the ball forward, not up or down, and you'll be well on your way to better fairway wood shots.
Level shoulders
Create a feeling of being level at set-up. That starts with 50-50 weight distribution, but also use a club shaft, positioned horizontally, to reinforce that feeling in your shoulders. A feeling of a level belt can also help.
Take aim
Square alignment helps the low point of the swing fall in the right place – as your shoulders open, it moves forwards. So use the club shaft as a reference to keep the shoulders and hips square to your target line.
Ball position
A level attack means impact must take place at the low point of the club's arc. That low point falls between your shirt buttons and left shoulder. Play the ball opposite this position.
