Editor’s Picks: 11 high-lofted fairway woods that could change your game

Most golfers carry at least one fairway wood, whether it’s a three-wood (13-16 degrees) or a five-wood (18-19 degrees). Then they’ll fill out the rest of the top end of their bags with either hybrids or long irons.

Did you know there’s another option that could help transform your game, though?

On the PGA and LPGA tours, professionals have been switching in droves to higher-lofted fairway wood options (21-degree seven woods, 23/24-degree nine woods, and even nine woods or eleven woods) to replace long irons and hybrids. While long irons (3-5 iron) and even hybrids can be difficult to hit because of their small heads, high-lofted fairway offer higher launch, spin and forgiveness to help hit the ball longer and straighter.

The biggest benefit of high-lofted fairway woods is that they help create significantly more height to help hold the green on an approach shot. That can be very helpful when trying to hit and hold the green on a par 3, long par 4 or a par 5.

Gear

Should you replace your 5 iron with an 11 wood? We tested both clubs on a launch monitor

By: Andrew Tursky

Some golfers believe there’s a stigma behind high-lofted fairways, thinking they’re “old people clubs.” Well, golfers such as Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Tommy Fleetwood and Max Homa rely on them, so there’s nothing at all to be embarrassed about.

If you tend to hit the ball too low or offline, with your current long iron or hybrid setup, I highly recommend trying one of the 11 high-lofted fairway options listed below. For those who suffer particularly from a slice, check out the draw options below (Cobra Radspeed Draw and TaylorMade SIM Max D). They’re specifically designed to help reduce your slice.

Callaway Big Bertha B21 (21 and 24 degrees)

Callaway Epic Speed (21 degrees)

Callaway Epic Max (20, 21, 23 and 25 degrees)

Cobra Radspeed (7 wood)

Cobra Radspeed Draw (7 wood)

Wilson Staff D9 fairway wood (21 degrees)

Srixon ZX fairway wood (21 degrees)

Titleist TSi2 (21 degrees)

XXIO Eleven (20 and 23 degrees)

TaylorMade SIM2 Max (21 and 24 degrees)

TaylorMade SIM2 Max D (Draw Biased; 22 degrees)

Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below!