Every Golfer Should Know This About Fairway Woods!
Mike Granato and Shaun Webb from Athletic Motion Golf explain why many golfers, particularly those over 50, struggle with traditional 3-woods due to low launch and improper angle of attack. They demonstrate how increasing club loft (switching to a 4, 5, or 7-wood) can actually increase carry distance by optimizing launch and spin. The lesson concludes with a simple tee-clipping drill designed to improve low-point control and ball-striking consistency.
Most golfers with moderate swing speeds (90-100 mph) will hit a 4-wood or 7-wood farther than a 13-15 degree 3-wood due to better launch conditions.
Trying to 'help' the ball into the air by hanging back usually results in a positive angle of attack that hits the ball low on the face, killing distance.
Optimizing for carry distance and peak height (aiming for 90-100 feet) is more important for scoring than total distance with a low-running shot.
A level or slightly downward angle of attack (brushing the grass) is ideal for fairway woods off the ground.
Use the Tee Drill to practice 'brushing' the turf rather than taking a divot or scooping upward.
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Low launch — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss