Fairway woods offer maximum forgiveness, highest launch, and the most versatility for the vast majority of golfers. Driving irons are mostly tee-only niche clubs for low handicappers, while hybrids serve as dependable mid-ground clubs out of fairway and light rough.
Their scorecard
Launch Height: 5/5 — Highest apex
Forgiveness: 5/5 — Maximum forgiveness
Versatility: 5/5 — Tee, fairway, rough, green surrounds
What they rate
Fairway woods provide high launch and maximum forgiveness for all skill levels
Hybrids easily pop the ball up from fairway and light rough
Clear explanation of center of gravity (CG) depth, face depth, and flight characteristics
What they don’t
Driving irons are unplayable off turf for most high-to-mid handicappers
Fairway woods offer maximum forgiveness, highest launch, and the most versatility for the vast majority of golfers. Driving irons are mostly tee-only niche clubs for low handicappers, while hybrids serve as dependable mid-ground clubs out of fairway and light rough.
Fairway woods provide high launch and maximum forgiveness for all skill levels
Hybrids easily pop the ball up from fairway and light rough