Russell Hodges

Nov 15, 2024

8 minutes

Fairway woods are notoriously difficult to hit so beginners’ tend to stay away from them. But, finding the right fairway wood as a beginner can make a significant difference in your game, helping you gain distance and confidence on those challenging long shots into the green. 

Our picks are designed to offer extra forgiveness, making it easier to launch the ball high and keep it straight—two things every beginner can appreciate. Each model provides a unique balance of forgiveness, easy launch, and reliable distance, all while catering to different swing speeds and play styles.

Read on to explore which fairway wood might be the perfect addition to your bag and help take your game to the next level.

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1. Cobra Radspeed

The Cobra Radspeed fairway wood is designed with advanced weighting technology, which balances weight between the front and back of the head for a powerful and stable launch. With its oversized profile, it’s forgiving on off-centre hits, which is a bonus for beginners aiming for accuracy and distance.

However, due to its lower spin and penetrating flight, players with very slow speeds may struggle to achieve the launch they’re looking for. This model features an adjustable loft, allowing players to tailor the face angle by up to 1.5° lower for a more penetrating, powerful ball flight or up to 1.5° higher for a higher, more forgiving launch.

In my experience, the Radspeed gives a lower, more penetrating ball flight that’s particularly effective on windy days or for those who want a more controlled trajectory.

2. TaylorMade SIM2 Max

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max fairway wood is a great choice for players who want maximum forgiveness and distance. Many golfers with slower swing speeds have appreciated the high launch and generous sweet spot, both of which contribute to consistent, straighter shots.

Featuring TaylorMade’s V Steel technology, which redistributes weight for better turf interaction, this club helps you maintain speed and a consistent strike even from tougher lies. The SIM2 Max’s Twist Face technology also helps reduce side spin for straighter shots on mishits.

However, for those looking for lower trajectory or control over shot shaping, bear in mind this model is more forgiving than it is workable, which may feel limiting if you prefer a specific visual to your ball flight.

3. Cleveland Launcher HB

Looking for a driver designed specifically for easy launch, distance, that’s ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds? Then the Cleveland Launcher HB fairway wood is one to consider.

It has Cleveland’s HiBore crown that lowers the centre of gravity location, to promote a higher launch, helping players get the ball airborne easily – something that is traditionally difficult with fairway woods.

In my experience, this model delivers on forgiveness and distance, even when your swing isn’t perfect. The ultralight design and overall ease of use make it very beginner friendly.

However, note, the head is fixed with no adjustability option. Great if you’re looking for a point-and-shoot club that delivers from day one.

4. Ping G Series

Ping fairway woods have a reputation for forgiveness and consistency, which makes them great for golfers who want help getting their shots airborne and the G Series model is no different. The lightweight construction and low centre of gravity are perfect for slower swingers seeking high launch and low spin.

I’ve recommended the Ping G Series to a few players who struggle with consistency specifically hitting fairway woods off the ground. The larger face and low profile reduce the penalty on mishits and helps get the leading edge under the ball more often.

However, the Ping G Series fairway wood is on the heavier side compared to some ultra-light models, which might be noticeable if you’re looking for something that feels super light. Dragon-Fly technology and Turbulators on the crown help add some speed back, but it is something to be considered.

5. Titleist TSR1

Like the driver, the Titleist TSR1 fairway wood is specifically engineered for players with moderate-to-slower swing speeds who need help with launch and distance. It has a lighter overall weight, making it easier to generate speed and launch for a higher ball flight and more carry distance.

Players looking for consistent, straight shots will appreciate the TSR1’s stability, while the traditional Titleist look appeals to those who prefer a classic setup.

Although it excels in forgiveness, the TSR1 doesn’t provide as much shot-shaping potential as Titleist’s other models, making it best suited for golfers who are simply looking for a club that goes straight.

6. Callaway XR Speed

Designed to deliver solid distance and forgiveness, the Callaway XR Speed fairway wood, with its Hyper Speed Face technology, has consistent ball speed on both centred and off-centre hits.

I’ve seen players with slower swings benefit from the high launch and forgiving nature of this club, especially on longer fairway shots.

The aerodynamic head (which gives the XR Speed its name) also helps reduce drag, giving you a smoother, faster swing.

Like a few others in this list, there is no adjustability – the head is fixed. As a beginner, this should not put you off, but it might be a drawback for players who like to fine-tune their loft or shot shape.

7. Yonex Ezone Elite 4

The Yonex Ezone Elite 4 fairway wood is an interesting option for players who prioritise easy launch and high levels of forgiveness. It’s designed with an ultralight shaft and a unique crown structure that reduces weight while improving stability, helping players with slower swings generate more clubhead speed for the same input.

It’s especially forgiving on mishits, making it a confidence booster for beginners and slower swingers alike.

Due to its lightweight nature, some golfers may find it lacks the stability or feedback of heavier, more traditionally constructed fairway woods.

8. Wilson Launch Pad

The Wilson Launch Pad fairway wood is perfect for golfers looking to reduce their slice and hit straighter shots. The lightweight head and draw-bias design make it easy to square the face, helping players struggling with a slice to achieve a straighter ball flight.

As the name suggests, there is a focus on producing a higher launch angle to make it easier to get shots airborne, making it an ideal choice for players with slower swing speeds.

As the Launch Pad is built more for easy launch and directional correction than for versatility, it’s not as suitable for those who want to shape shots or adjust loft, etc. It’s such a good club that it was featured in our list of the best fairway woods under £150.

9. TaylorMade SIM Max

The TaylorMade SIM Max fairway wood is another forgiving, high-launch option that’s ideal for players needing a bit more consistency and speed. Its Twist Face technology helps improve accuracy on off-centre hits, and the V Steel sole is great for reducing friction with the turf. This makes it easy to use off the deck or from difficult lies.

For slower swingers, the SIM Max helps with launch (thanks to its speed pocket) and is particularly effective for achieving a higher trajectory and soft landing on the green.

The main drawback is its emphasis on forgiveness over adjustability, which may not appeal to players who want more control over trajectory and shot shape.

10. Callaway Paradym X

The Callaway Paradym X fairway wood is the biggest in the family and is designed to deliver extreme forgiveness and a higher launch, ideal for players with slower swing speeds seeking help with both distance and accuracy.

It has a generous clubface and a low centre of gravity, which work together to create a high, forgiving ball flight.

The Paradym X also uses a triaxial carbon crown to save weight and redistribute it for more stability, which can give slower swingers a big confidence boost.

However, it’s primarily built for launch and forgiveness, so might not be great for players looking for an alternative off the tee.

Choosing the right fairway wood as a beginner is about finding a model that can help you get the ball airborne, add distance, and maintain forgiveness on those long, challenging shots.

Each fairway wood we’ve covered brings unique benefits to your bag, from lightweight designs that increase clubhead speed to features that help correct common mishits like slices.

Shop Fairway Woods

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific swing speed and the level of forgiveness or launch height you’re aiming for.

With the right fairway wood, you can approach those long fairway shots with added confidence, knowing you have a reliable club that can help you reach your goals on the course.