FAIRWAY SHOTS - Prevent the Dreaded Slice

Golf Tip by Poh Eng Wah
Golf Professional
Member of Singapore PGA
Resident Pro at Queens Golf Range

	Most golfers tend to lose their tempo when hitting a shot with the fairway wood. One main problem is rushing the downswing causing an “over the top” action.  In this case, because the downswing is not along the recommended swing plane (between yellow lines shown in the picture), the result will usually be a ‘cut’ shot causing too much side spin and lost of distance due to the slice.
	Try not to think about ‘power’ as the body will tend to move before the arms can get into position. The tendency to try to hit it hard will cause lost of balance, resulting in a slice or topped shot.
	Instead, slow down the body movement and concentrate more on the hand action to allow the club to pass before turning the body to avoid blocking the swing through. Maintain a good tempo.
	Some players already have the correct swing to make the shot but cannot seem to get the ball nicely airborne and very commonly, a club with insufficient loft is selected. If you are facing this problem, consider using a hybrid, 7 or 5-wood instead of a 3-wood as a higher loft will make it easier to launch the ball.

FAIRWAY SHOTS - Tackling a ball in a sandy divot with a hybrid
Golf Tip by Emma Poh
Certified Golf Instructor
Resident Coach at Queens Golf Range

	Sometimes, you might hit a good drive down the middle of the fairway only to find that your ball has come to rest in a sandy divot. If the distance normally requires you to use a long iron, you can under this situation, choose to replace it with a hybrid instead as it will make the shot easier to execute.
	Set up the same way you would with a fairway wood, with the ball slightly forward in your stance.
	Keep your weight slightly towards your back foot.  Make clean contact by swinging through the divot and accelerate through impact.
	The key to this shot is the follow through.

FAIRWAY SHOTS - Using the Fairway Wood when ball is above feet and on an uphill lie
Golf Tip by Serene Poh
Certified Golf Instructor
Resident Coach at Queens Golf Range

	A full swing is possible when the slope is not severe. Stand not too wide apart with the feet firmly planted on the ground to create balance. The upper body would be more upright than usual, thus the swing plane will be slightly flatter. Eyes focussed on the ball, take away in one piece. Keep the left shoulder below the chin while extending your arms to create a wide backswing.
	Maintain the wide arc at the top even when the wrists have fully cocked.
	On the downswing, keep the swing in plane with a firm left arm. Turn the hips towards the target for the clubhead to travel on a shallow arc and let the lower body pull the arms through impact.
	Turn the shoulders and extend the arms fully through impact. The right arm should point towards the target when it is fully released.
	As the weight transfers to the left, the right heel begins to lift off from the ground. At finish, the right foot should be on its tip.