Best Fairway Woods For High Handicappers: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. How we test
3. How to choose
4. FAQs
Fairway woods are arguably the toughest clubs to hit well. Not only is the sweet spot minimal but, off the fairway, they can be difficult to launch. Therefore, it's important that you can get all the help to hit a high launching shot that keeps straight and on the target. With their being an array of options available for the higher handicapper, it's crucial that you find a model which provides a high level of forgiveness on off-centre strikes. By providing forgiveness, it will increase your confidence at address, as well as improve the consistency of the strike and distance.
Importantly, the models listed will help the ball in play more often, which is a common issue for those at the higher end of the handicap spectrum. Acknowledging all of this, here are some of the best fairway woods for high handicappers. Additionally we also recommend checking out our guide on most forgiving fairway woods or best fairway woods for mid handicappers.
WATCH: We test and compare the best fairway woods on the market in 2024
The Quick List
A strong contender for most forgiving fairway wood of the year. The TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway looks superb and boasts a confidence-inspiring head that produces outstanding performance from various lies.
A powerful, adjustable fairway wood that is easy to strike cleanly from the deck and offers useful alignment assistance. The all-round performance will suit a wide range of golfers.
Its forgiving head and high launch will benefit mid-high handicappers, but when fitted properly will act as a loyal servant in the bag of the better player.
The Ai Smoke Max D fairway is a really strong option for those who struggle with a slice or want to promote a high draw with their fairway woods. The additional forgiveness means mishits are far less noticeable
This is a strong all-rounder that posses plenty of power and forgiveness to help with performance from the tee and the fairway. The sleek look adds to the overall appeal.
The Srixon ZX Mk II fairway was really easy to hit from a variety of lies and the generous sized head inspires confidence. Visually the step down design of the crown may not appeal to all.
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This produced solid distance from the tee, a high launching ball flight and was particularly good from the fairway and first cut of rough down to a new design feature, all while looking the part.
The Yonex Ezone Elite 4 performs exceptionally well for who it is targeted for, the higher handicapper or slower swinger, looking for height and forgiveness from a fairway metal.
One of the easiest fairway woods to hit. Ideal for higher handicappers looking for playability and value for money.
Best Fairway Woods For High Handicappers
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TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood
TaylorMade has excelled in creating a fairway wood that is exceptionally easy to launch and will optimize carry distance. In our testing, we found that the spin was plentiful so this club will greatly benefit golfers who have a moderate swing speed and want to get the ball airborne.
The stated loft of this fairway wood is 16°, which one degree higher than most traditional fairway woods. The high-launching nature of this club is ideal for those with a slow swing speed or who typically have a downwards attack angle with their fairway woods, so the Qi10 Max is certainly worth considering.
In our view the Qi10 Max is one of the easiest-to-hit fairway woods in 2024 and that makes it an excellent option for the higher handicap player. Boasting a large 200cc footprint, the TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway wood will have you brimming with confidence when stood over the ball and we would have no hesitation in recommending it as one of the most forgiving fairway woods on the market this year.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood Review
Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood
While the changes in tech on the TSR3 driver were minimal, Titleist made significant changes to its TSR3 fairway wood, reconfiguring the way the hosel enters the clubhead and making significant weight savings in the process. The sole plate has also been made thicker, which makes the centre of gravity lower and deeper - a key ingredient for fairway wood performance, especially from the deck.
There is also the addition of the new SureFit CG weight track system that now has five positions instead of three, providing more adjustability for golfers seeking greater assistance in managing their ball flight and launch characteristics. It's not just the weighting system that has been improved, with the company introducing full face scorelines that undoubtedly make aligning the club face easier and makes it look more inviting to hit behind the ball.
Although this is a club that is versatile enough to suit a wide range of golfers, we think it's perfect for higher handicappers who are wanting to launch the ball higher, and who need help in aligning their shots.
- Read our full Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood Review
Wilson Dynapwr Fairway
As with the visually stunning Wilson Dynapwr drivers, the Dynapwr fairway woods boast a brilliant matte clubhead that is lit up by pops of red detailing on its head and sole. Wilson have refined the head on the club to create a generously sized pear-shape design that will inspire confidence at address for golfers of a wide range of abilities.
For this model, on the back of the sole Wilson have added a 12g weight. This is to provide greater stability and a higher MOI while will help players push through the golf ball and get the ball airborne more easily, making it a good option for the higher handicap player as well as the more accomplished golfer who prefers a high launch.
In testing we found it extremely easy to get the ball up into the air with this club, while turf interaction was also excellent as the Dynapwr cuts through thicker lies very easily. We enjoyed the feel and the sound too, with it delivering a muted 'thud' which will appeal to those who dislike metallic sounds on impact.
Forgiveness was also impressive thanks to the A.I. Technology created PKR2 face. In layman's terms, that means the club has varying layers of thickness across its face which results in faster and more consistent speeds on off-center hits.
Overall this fairway wood is a standout when it comes to style, feel and performance around the course.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Fairway Review
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Fairway Wood
The Ai Smoke Max D has been created to promote a high launch and draw-bias. That makes it ideal the higher handicap player, many of whom have difficultly getting the ball in the air and often suffer from a slice.
The white and grey crushed carbon sole looks beautiful, particularly when shimmering in sunlight and would definitely turn a few heads on the golf course. The Max D has a slightly more upright lie angle and larger head than the standard Max model and despite the head looking fairly large and a little closed at address, we think it holds its own visually against the best fairway woods on the market.
From a performance standpoint, we found that it did exactly what a Max D model is supposed to do - deliver consistent high draws. This must be thanks to the Ai Smart Face technology which is designed through collecting data from thousands of golf shots to create a face with varying thicknesses, creating multiple sweet spots the whole way across the face. This makes it incredibly forgiving, even on shots out of the heel which we found still travelled a good distance.
Where this club really excelled over the other models in the range was from the first cut of rough. The shallow face and high MOI helped the launch the ball effortlessly from the thick, wet rough and made advancing the ball down long par 4s and par 5s particularly easy, making this a great choice for any golfer who need a little help.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Fairway Wood review
Cobra Darkspeed Max Fairway Wood
Overall the Cobra Darkspeed Max fairway wood is an excellent option for those seeking forgiveness and more carry distance with their fairway woods, or for golfers who are fighting against a slice. The Max head is the most forgiving of Cobra's Darkspeed range of fairways and has been designed with ultimate forgiveness in mind and to promote a draw-biased shot shape.
Starting with the looks, Cobra has done an excellent job in making the Max fairway wood look every bit as premium and sleek as the LS model, which is not always easy to achieve. The stealth aesthetic looks great as does the matte carbon crown but they do make the head appear a little more compact than it actually is.
During testing the Darkspeed Max performed well and we were particularly impressed with the feel and acoustics. It felt hot and fast off the face and gave us a high launch, from both the fairway and rough. This makes it a good choice for those who struggle with their fairway woods.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Max Fairway Wood Review
Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway
If you're looking for something that is easy to hit from a variety of lies, the Srixon ZX Mk II is a fantastic club which will appeal to a range of golfers. It is an upgrade on the previous Srixon ZX fairway and boasts a new Cannon Sole that shifts the weight more towards the front of the club. The purpose of this improve the center of gravity and the forgiveness on offer.
We like the aesthetics of this club. The matte black finish is a nice touch, which when combined with some cool white detailing shows off the curves of the club very subtly. This club inspires a lot of confidence when you're stood behind the ball so it should appeal to those looking for more forgiveness in their fairway wood game.
During testing we really enjoyed the forgiveness and speed the face offered. That is down to a Rebound Frame and Dual Flex Zones that are found on the face of the club, which help to promote faster ball speeds off the face of the club. In our view, we think inconsistent golfers will really benefit from the consistency this club offers.
- Read our full Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Review
Mizuno ST-Max 230 Fairway Wood
Alongside the Mizuno ST-Z 230 and ST-G fairway woods we have the ST-Max 230, a model perhaps best suited for those slightly higher handicap players. As usual,, it looks fantastic with the bright blue Cortech Chamber TPU insert on the sole really giving shelf appeal. The gloss black and carbon fibre crown does provide a nice blend of classic and modern looks too.
During thorough testing it felt as good as a Mizuno club usually feels through impact and produced a solid 'thud' as the face collided with the ball. It did produce a fairly high ball flight too which will suit those players who need help getting the ball in the air, but perhaps won't suit those who play in the wind a lot.
It was from the fairway and even the first cut of rough where the ST-Max 230 fairway wood excelled as well. The high ball flight continued and Mizuno has also incorporated a ‘Speed Bevel’ - a modification to the leading edge to improve turf interaction and maintain speed from shots struck from the fairway.
Overall whilst there was nothing that blew us away about this fairway wood, we think it is a very solid option on the market and not only will it suit higher handicap players, but those with lower handicaps too.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-Max 230 Fairway Wood Review
Yonex Ezone Elite 4 Fairway
A fantastic club for higher handicap golfers or those with slower swing speeds, the Yonex Ezone Elite 4 is a great club that'll help you lift the golf ball into the air from a variety of lies. It boasts a premium shaft that is made of 85 percent graphite and has a slightly stiff tip that helps to promote stability, while also giving that higher launch which most high handicap golfers like to see.
One of the standout features of this club is the magnetic glossy blue glow on the crown of the club, which we think looks stunning when framed next to the golf ball.
The profile of the club head is one of the largest ever made by the brand and features a new design that pushes the weight of the club lower to deliver more stability making it one of the most forgiving fairways we have tested. That lower center of gravity produces the launch angle we like to see from a club that is more suitable to high handicap players, averaging around 12.5º, which translates to a high and floaty flight.
It certainly wasn't the fastest model we've tested but it delivers excellent consistency and reliable spin rates. This will please the golfer who doesn't swing it too fast and is looking for height and more carry distance.
- Read our full Yonex Ezone Elite 4 Fairway Review
Wilson Launch Pad Fairway
The Wilson Launch Pad fairway wood does exactly what the name suggests and therefore makes for a great addition to any high handicappers golf bag. You should also consider the driver too, as it's one of the best drivers for high handicap golfers.
The fairway woods are simple, uncomplicated and designed for improving golfers who need clubs which are easy to use and will correct some of their swing faults. In this case, the Wilson Launch Pad fairway will help dampen down a slice.
The most obvious thing you notice about the Wilson LP fairways is that they sit very closed and have an obvious draw bias. This naturally benefits the golfer who slices as it will help straighten up ball flight for the majority of mid to high handicap golfers who tend to come over the top on the downswing with an open face which promotes a left to right flight.
The Launch Pad flies high but still maintains a good distance as the shaft and head are well set up to keep spin rate down. This is a great value for money option for any golfer seeking to dampen down a slice.
- Read our full Wilson Launch Pad Fairway Wood Review
How we test fairway woods
When it comes to Golf Monthly's testing procedure, we use the same ethos and methodology for all golf products to make sure they are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible.
When it comes to golf clubs, we usually attend product launches so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
After we have an understanding here, our first port of call when hitting clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK.
We then do outdoor testing, usually on ranges at West Hill Golf Club, Surrey, The Wynyard Club in Teesside and at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club in Durham. We then put the clubs into play out on these golf courses.
Specifically for fairway woods, product testing is headed up by Sam De'Ath, supported by technical editor Joel Tadman.. Sam has experience of playing professionally on both the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tour. Sam also has extensive knowledge of golf equipment and what works for different types of golfer.
Both Sam and Joel are competitive low handicap golfers, able to efficiently test the biggest product releases and successfully communicate equipment technology and product features to a wide golfing audience.
What to consider when selecting a new fairway wood
Let's take a look at some of our top things to look out for when purchasing a new set of fairway woods...
Loft
Figure out the specific gap to be filled in your golf bag. Ask yourself how far does my driver go, and how far do your longest irons or hybrids go? Knowing this will dictate the ideal loft for your fairway wood.
Forgiveness
Some fairway woods are more forgiving than others, especially because many manufacturers create different models for different levels of player. For example, there are four different Cobra LTDx fairways with different head sizes, shapes and they are designed for different golfers. If you need as much help as possible, a larger head will work for you, whilst if you are a better player and strike is more consistent, then forgiveness may not be a key factor for you.
Adjustability
Most modern fairway woods come with a degree of adjustability, whether that’s loft, moveable weights or shaft fittings. Think about how important adjustability is to you, because you can change the characteristics of a club’s performance with a turn of a wrench. Or, you can keep things simple and opt for a non-adjustable model with a stock shaft you hit well.
Versatility
Fairway woods must work well off the tee, on the ground from different lies and even around the green. If you have a model that works in only one of these areas, then there may be plenty of improvement and flexibility in upgrading your fairway woods.
Looks
You have to like how a golf club looks, especially when looking down on the golf ball. The fairway wood is one of the most difficult clubs to hit, which is why you need something that gives you confidence and may even spark a pang of jealousy in your playing partners. Our advice is go and pick several models, see how they look and feel in your hands and test them in a variety of situations and lies.
Budget
Be aware of your budget. You can go for more premium models, such as the TaylorMade Stealth Plus or Callaway Rogue ST LS or you can opt for cheaper designs like the Wilson Launch Pad. Wherever you fall in budget, this guide will present you with good advice on buying a new fairway wood.
FAQs
What are fairway woods?
Fairway woods are versatile distance clubs that are designed to be hit from the tee, off the fairway and even from light rough, similar to a mini or small headed driver but with slightly more loft and a shallower face.
Traditionally, the size of a driver head ranges from roughly 440cc to 460cc, whereas a fairway wood often is from 140cc to 180cc. Fairway woods look similar in appearance to drivers but have smaller heads.
Fairway wood faces are much shallower than a driver, which keeps the COG (centre of gravity) lower, helping you to get the ball airborne.
Fairway woods are more forgiving than long irons and almost every Tour player puts one or two fairway woods in the bag.
What fairway woods should I carry?
From rocket 3-woods to soft-landing 11-woods, we help you decide!
This depends on three factors.
First, what ability level are you? Fairway woods are more forgiving than long irons, so if you are a beginner or a high handicap player we’d recommend putting as many fairway woods in the bag as possible, providing the lofts and gapping are correct. If you are a better player, then which woods you carry will depend on the following two factors.
Loft and gapping is the next point to mention. Fairway woods have to be able to fill the gap in the bag from the driver to your irons. Therefore, knowing how far you hit each club gives you insight into which yardages you need to fill with fairway woods. The best way of doing this is on a launch monitor with an experienced PGA professional or custom-fitter.
The final factor is the type of golf course do you play on? If you play a lot of links golf, then you’ll likely need to hit lower penetrating shots, whereas inland or parkland golf requires you to hit shots that fly higher and land softer on the fairway or green. Fairway woods are definitely more suited to target parkland golf rather than fast-running firm linksland golf.
The same logic applies to playing golf in windy conditions. Fairway woods are usually designed to give higher launch which makes them difficult to control in the wind, especially when compared to long irons or driving and utility irons.
What loft should a fairway wood be?
Manufacturers offer a range of fairway wood head styles and lofts, ranging from super-strong three woods at 13.5° to 7,9 or 11-woods which are designed for golfers who struggle to launch mid and long irons and want more confidence inspiring equipment to hit the ball further.
Each golfer is different, in their physical fitness, ability and approach to the game. A wide range of fairway wood lofts can provide options for senior players, women and juniors who want alternatives to hitting longer irons. Many established Tour winners have carried 7-woods when course conditions required high flying soft-landing ball flights on key par-5 holes and at long par-3’s.
For an easy way to check the best golf balls for slow swing speed players currently out on the market, we have pulled together this quick list to roundup the best choices. Click to view a more details review of each product, and we also have a price comparison tool to help you make the right purchase.
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