Best Fairway Woods 2019

Which one takes your fancy for the upcoming season?

best-fairways-2019-web

Best Fairway Woods 2019 - Joel Tadman talks you through the best fairway woods of 2019, how the performance compares and picks his favourite

Best Fairway Woods 2019

To take a closer look at the best fairway woods of 2019, click here.

Expand Best Fairway Woods

Best Golf Hybrid Clubs

Best Fairway Woods

A selection of the best fairway woods on…

Expand Best Golf Hybrid Clubs

Best Golf Hybrid Clubs

Best Golf Hybrid Clubs

Our guide to the best golf hybrids on…

Expand Best Compact Mid-Handicap Irons

Mid-Handicap Irons

Best Compact Mid-Handicap Irons

A look at a selection of the best…

Expand Best Putters

Best Putters

Best Putters

Read our guide on the best putters out…

We recently tested a wide selection of the best fairway woods of 2019, including those in the picture plus some additional models, on the launch monitor and the driving range to pick out any standout performers in different categories. We gathered data from shots hit from the deck but also hit them on the course off the tee.

Best for Looks Much of this comes down to personal preference. If you like a clean classic looking wood, you’ll likely steer towards the Titleist TS3 or the Mizuno ST190. If you’re seeking more alignment assistance, the TaylorMade M5 and M6 offer that. Some brands, like Cobra and Callaway, offer smaller-headed, lower spinning options that faster swing speeds may prefer.

Best for Distance The two longest on test were the Mizuno ST190 and the Callaway Epic Flash with the Mizuno just edging it. It produced the fastest average ball speed at 151.4 mph and the longest carries, partly down to it also generating the lowest spin, which could be a slight concern when hitting into greens. While we probably struck it better overall, it was pleasing to see the more solid strikes rewarded with ball speed and distance.

Best for Versatility The turf interaction of the Cobra King F9 Speedback was excellent, the Baffler rails helping the sole glide through the turf extracting the ball from good and bad lies with ease. It also produced fairly low spin off the tee, providing control without losing too much distance compared with a driver. The flat, smooth soles of the TaylorMade M6 and Ping G410 pushed it very close.

GM’s Choice The TaylorMade M6 combined a light yet powerful feel with good turf interaction and excellent distance. At £279, it also offers very good value and is a must-try if you’re looking for a new fairway wood in 2019.

For all the latest gear news and reviews, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x