Golf Digest Top-50 Teacher Gary Gilchrist says most fairway wood mishits come from swinging too long and losing balance. That extra length shifts your weight, steepens your swing, and leads to fat or thin shots.
To stay in control, shorten your backswing and focus on brushing the turf. Start with a narrow stance and shorter grip, then build into your full swing while keeping that compact feel. The result? Better contact, more height, and consistent fairway wood performance.