The highway to the fairway
The fairway wood is a somewhat unique club and as a result it
requires a specific swing. With an iron, we generally are hitting
down on the ball and therefore should take a divot. With your
driver, the ball is already sitting up on a tee and therefore we
want to catch it on the up swing. If we hit down with the driver
the club head will slide under the ball and take it up, up and
away. On the other hand, the swing that we need to make with our
fairway club is a true ‘sweeping’ swing.
The highway to the fairway
The fairway wood is a somewhat unique club and as a result it requires a specific swing. With an iron, we generally are hitting down on the ball and therefore should take a divot. With your driver, the ball is already sitting up on a tee and therefore we want to catch it on the up swing. If we hit down with the driver the club head will slide under the ball and take it up, up and away. On the other hand, the swing that we need to make with our fairway club is a true ‘sweeping’ swing.
With a little pre-swing preparation we can improve our chances of making a good, balanced swing with the fairway wood. First, let’s start with posture. Too many people, because they have a longer club in their hands, ‘reach’ for the ball. This will definitely create a sweeping swing but will also usually cause you to lose your balance. Here is how to get the proper posture for your fairway wood. Take your club and hold it about 1 foot away from you at about waist level. Now bend at the hips until your club touches the ground. Don’t squat bend. Your weight should be on the balls of your feet. Ball position will be off your left heel. If you have done this right when you let go of the club with your right hand it should hang down in line with where you were gripping the club.
When you address the ball, take 2 or 3 practice swings about 3 feet above the ball almost like a baseball swing. Do this back and forth over the ball until you get the feel for a sweeping swing. Make sure you match up your upper and lower body on the down swing to allow for a good balanced finish. Once you have done this, don’t stand over the ball too long or you may lose the feel of your ‘sweeping’ swing.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel can play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Eagle Ridge’s Kids Course is open every Sunday at 3 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Cost is $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs, balls and tees. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
