Most golfers do not have the swing to benefit from a 43-inch club with only 13-15 degrees of loft - the modern 5-wood can be a far better option.
When fitting a 3 or 5-wood the main considerations are the ability to strike the ball in the middle of the club, sufficient clubhead speed to achieve optimum launch, and whether the club is intended to be used on both tee and fairway.
Fairway wood head sizes have not increased in proportion to drivers, remaining in the 160-200cc range. Better golfers may prefer the appearance of smaller fairway clubheads, but the higher handicap player might be better suited to a bigger head, that promotes confidence and forgiveness.
Face height is another specification to be taken into consideration. The low profile or shallow faced woods can boost trajectory, so should suit the less accomplished players, but larger impact areas can be problematic out of the rough.
Creating the right pattern
Fitting fairway woods for length is the same as fitting drivers and irons: fit the length that produces the most consistent on-centre strikes. For the 3-wood, start with a 43" test club using impact tape, so the golfer can hit a few shots. The impact impressions will tell you whether the golfer can handle the length. If they can't, ask them to choke down in half-inch increments until the impact pattern tightens on the face. It is rare that a club golfer can control a 3-wood that is longer than 42".
The specifications of the remaining fairway woods can then be set based on the length of this initial 3 or 5-wood. As manufacturers use different specifications for their fairway woods, use the loft of the club when fitting, and not the number stamped on the clubhead.
Another unique consideration for fairway woods is shaft weight, as fairways should be fitted with heavier shafts than drivers. The heavier shaft provides better feel and control when hit off the ground and the heavier shaft also helps with consistent distance control.
