In our forums, our members have been discussing a matchup between fairway woods and hybrids for slower swing speed players. WRXer ‘chrisD46’ kicks off the conversation saying:

“For slow swing speed seniors (75 MPH) who aren’t going to increase swing speed with more training – what is your preference: Fairway Woods (5,7,9) or hybrids ( 3H – 6H)?

First, I carry a driver (12 degree) , a deep face , larger head #3 wood (15 degrees) strictly for off the tee , an older weak lofted #5 wood (20 degrees) and also an older weak lofted #7 wood (24 degrees). Irons are older weak lofted set of 4 iron through wedges. My  older 4 iron is a modern 5 iron  loft which I have great confidence using off the tee for tight fairways or on longer par 3’s into the wind off the tee.

I may also use the 4 iron for  punching out of the rough or for long controlled fairway roll out. *Moving on , my confidence with #5 & #7 woods off of the tee , fairway , bunkers, etc. is a mixed bag mainly I believe due to modern graphite fairway wood shaft lengths which promise more distance but result in inconsistent ball striking and mishits (i.e. lower percentage of nutted shots).

These same fairway woods heads are not heavy enough to utilize shorter graphite shafts for greater control so herein lies the dilemma for many like me: Live with longer length fairway woods,  inconsistent ball striking as well as ball distances and accuracy  OR go to shorter shaft length hybrids for greater confidence & control? …Let’s hear your thoughts and experiences either way for fairway woods vs hybrids for slower swinging seniors.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and top tips in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

• Jeff58: “4 wood, 7 wood, 4,5,6 hybrids. 7,8,9 etc iron. Your 3 wood probably goes as far as your driver most of the time, and there’s no way you’re keeping the ball in the air long enough with “long irons” to gap correctly. IMO get the new clubs fit at the same time to help ensure compatibility.”
• bellken: “If you are inconsistent with fairway woods due to shaft length, then, hybrids would be the answer. Something like the Titleist TSR1 or GT1 hybrids, which, resemble small headed fairway woods. Better consistency, leads to better scores.”
• rsballer10: “You probably want as many high lofted fairway woods as you can tolerate, then hybrids, then irons in that progression. The fairway woods have a longer shaft, and they tend to hit the ball higher than hybrids. You probably don’t need a 4 or 5 iron in the bag, and maybe not even a 6 iron.”

Entire Thread: “Fairway woods vs hybrids for slow swing players – GolfWRXers discuss”