Fairways are one of the trickiest clubs to hit, especially out of the sweet spot.
In most cases, getting the ball into the air can be challenging. There is also the issue of hitting it straight.
So, it is crucial to have the right fairway wood that suits your style of play. Having the best fairway wood can make a huge difference in your game.
But choosing the right fairway wood, especially if you are a high handicapper, can be challenging.
While they are the clubs that were rarely hit, when we do, we should have full confidence in them. The good thing is that we nowadays have fairway woods that are easy to hit.
Usually the best fairway woods for high handicappers are higher-lofted woods, which make them fly longer and higher than woods with low loft. We will analyze some of them here.
So, if you are in the market for the best fairway woods for high handicappers, you have come to the right place. We will help you find a fairway wood that is forgiving and steady to help you keep the ball in play more often. So, let’s get started.
The Best Fairway Woods for High Handicappers
1. Titleist GT2 Fairway Wood
This is one of the most popular fairway woods among both professionals and amateurs. And there are good reasons for this.
First, this club is high-launching and low-spinning, making it ideal for high handicappers.
In other words, the fairway wood combines the best of both worlds to deliver the ball off the air and far.
During our testing, we noted increased ball speed as well as greater stability, thanks to the L-Cup face design.
In terms of looks, the GT2 features a much shallower face, which offers the much-needed confidence to everyone who struggles with launching their fairway wood.
In addition to this, its refined shape has less curvature on the head than previous models.
So, if you are a beginner or high handicapper and in the market for a quality fairway wood that is both forgiving and delivers improved speed as well as distance, then we believe that the Titleist GT2 is one of those best fairway woods for high handicappers.
Pros
- Offers increase ball speed when compared to previous models.
- Shapplow’s face sits flush on the ground.
- It features a classic Tour-refined shape.
Cons
- It has a limited shelf appeal.
2. TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood
Ever since TaylorMade started producing RocketBallz fairway woods, it has always released some of the fastest and longest fairway woods on the market.
Fortunately, the trend hasn’t changed much.
During our test, it posted one of the fastest ball speeds as well as distance carry. So, we can confidently say that the Qi10 is a beast of a fairway wood for high handicappers.
We also noted that this fairway wood has a shallower, more lofted head and tends to flight shots higher with more spin.
All we can say is that if speed and distance are important to you, then definitely the Qi19 Max is one of the best fairway woods for high handicappers.
Pros
- The hefty sliding sole weight makes it a versatile fairway wood.
- Decent high handicap players will appreciate the compact head shape.
- An ideal option for anyone who wants to tinker with spin, ball flight, and reasonable angle.
Cons
- It is relatively expensive.
3. Ping G430 Max
Decent golfers will most likely choose the G430 Max because it is a highly forgiving fairway wood. It also features a low-profile clubface that resembles a hybrid rather than a driver, making it easy to hit down with.
The sound of the clubface is also high-pitched, so nearby people will definitely know that you are hitting a Ping.
Other factors that make the G430 Max one of the best fairway woods for high handicappers are the forgiving faces and higher lofts.
These qualities allow you to hit the ball into the play off tee consistently. And what’s more impressive is the soft landing when the ball hits the ground.
Pros
- Offers consistent spin and distance from any lie on the course.
- High spin leads to better control and improved distance.
- Excellent stroke-fitted shafts that support high-launching and soft-landing shots.
Cons
- It is not as long as other woods, which offer better distance.
4. Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Max
The entire Callaway Ai Smoke family has done a lot to deliver one of the best fairway woods for high handicappers. The Ai Smoke Max hasn’t let the side down either.
In fact, it is incredibly easy to launch from the turf. During our test, shots launched easily and flew higher than an average fairway wood. Even without excessive swing speed, it delivered improved distances.
Another thing about the Paradym Ai-Smoke Max that is worth noting is that it is among the few fairway woods that comes with a full-on carbon fiber sole.
We consider this a bold move by Callaway, given that carbon fiber is not only strong in one direction, but it can also be fragile in others.
The reason for this could be that the carbon fiber chassis frees up some weight to offer slightly better performance than other leading fairway woods. That is why we consider it one of the most maxed-out fairway woods on the market.
Pros
- At impressive speeds, the Ai-Smoke Max is so easy to fly.
- The Max loft options are also outstanding.
- It is a very forgiving fairway wood.
Cons
- It can be costly if you are planning to use more than one fairway wood.
5. Titleist TSR2
The TSR2 is not only among the best fairway woods for high handicappers but is also one of the best looking on the market.
We also love it because it is an easy fairway wood to launch.
When compared to other Titleist fairway woods, we can confidently say that the TSR2 has the lowest center of gravity.
This feature makes it easy to hit in the sky. It makes the strike feel soft.
This was evident during our test as the ball flew on target with minimal distance loss.
Another notable feature of the TSR2 is the fact that it has a traditional clean look, making it stand out from the competition.
Actually, Titleist fairway woods are rarely loud and tend to feature a subdued metallic pop.
Besides this, we were also impressed with the 16.5-degree and 18-degree TSR2, which are the correct lofts for high handicappers, especially if you are a beginner.
Pros
- It is one of the easiest fairway woods to launch high.
- Thin shots flew high and delivered impressive distance.
- Comes with a lower center of gravity, simplifying how you hit shots.
- It is among the best-looking fairway woods.
Cons
- Less forgiving than the competition
6. Wilson Dynapwr Fairway
As with the visually stunning Wilson Dynapwr drivers, this fairway wood is stylish and appealing.
It features a sleek matte clubhead that is enhanced by pops of red finishing both on its sole and head.
The good thing is that Wilson has managed to refine the head to create a more generously sized pear shape designed to inspire confidence for different categories of golfers, including high handicappers.
Another thing that makes it one of the best fairway woods for high handicappers is the lightweight sole of the head.
This offers golfers higher MOI and better stability, making it easier for players to get the ball higher and further.
That is why we believe it is a suitable fairway wood for high handicappers.
Pros
- Performed well from different lies.
- It produced an exceptional launch.
- Has a clean, classic look.
Cons
- It lacks flexibility through a bonded head.
7. Cobra Darkspeed Max
The Darkspeed Max is another superb offering from Cobra. Just like its drivers, the Darkspeed Max offers forgiveness and carry distances.
It can also suit players who are looking to fight against a slice.
The most outstanding quality of this fairway wood is the forgiving head. The company designed it specifically with this in mind.
The Darkspeed Max also promotes a draw-biased shot shape.
Also, just like Callaway, the fairway wood is quick and powerful, which inspires confidence irrespective of the abilities of the golfer.
Pros
- Modern, sleek design
- It offers high levels of forgiveness.
- Perfect for anyone seeking optimum height and carry
Cons
- Some golfers may overlook the carbon look in favor of a gloss crown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are new to golf, then you might be wondering what fairway woods are.
Basically, these are versatile distance clubs that allow you to hit from the tee, off the fairway.
They can be equated to a small-headed driver with more loft and a flatter face.
There are a variety of fairway wood styles and lofts.
These range from 13.5 degrees to 7, 9., or 11 woods.
They are designed to assist golfers who struggle with launching mid and long irons.
They also inspire confidence for players who want to hit the ball further.
Since every player possesses different abilities, approaches, and physical fitness, you will want fairwood with lofts that suit your style.
Many pro players carry up to 7 woods when the golf course conditions necessitate high-flight, soft-landing ball flights.
The type of fairway wood you should carry for a game will depend on three things. First, you will have to know your ability level.
For a beginner or a high handicap golfer, you should consider carrying as many fairway woods as possible.
Secondly, you should consider loft and gapping. Alo, consider the status and type of golf course you will play in.
Final Thoughts
If you are a beginner or a high handicapper, you should consider fairway woods that start from 16.5 degrees and above and work in intervals.
Such fairway woods will enable you to hit high and long. And floating shots instead of trying to hit the ball into the air.
The good thing if you choose any of the above best fairway woods for high handicappers is that they will not only get the job done but also offer forgiveness.
They will also enable you to play a variety of shots and are appealing to the eyes.
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