The fairway is supposed to be the safe haven for all golfers. On any par-4 or par-5 hole, you want to hit your ball on the fairway as you head toward the green.
The fairway is the short grass that will allow the ball to sit up nicely and allow you to take your next shot from an ideal position. Most golfers love to hit the ball from the fairway, but some golfers struggle on the fairway because they are used to hitting from the rough.
Function
Courses are set up to reward golfers who hit the ball accurately. If you are playing a par 3, you are supposed to hit your tee shot onto the green. If you are playing a longer par 4 or par 5, you are supposed to hit your first shot onto the fairway. An accurate tee shot gives you the opportunity to go for the green or get close to it with your next shot.
Features
The fairway is cut very short so the ball is in a good position to hit. The grass will be about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in the fairway. When a drive stays on the fairway, the golfer does not have to search for the ideal spot to hit the ball. It will be prominent and inviting.
Significance
A ball hit from the fairway will not require any calculations or alterations. When the ball is in the rough from 150 yards, the golfer has to take a longer club–a 3- or 4-iron–to get it to the green. However, if the ball is in the fairway, you can take a 7-iron to reach the fairway. The longer grass of the rough tends to hold the blade of the club up and that’s why a longer club is required.
Potential
Hitting the ball from the fairway consistently gives a golfer a great chance to make a lot of pars and birdies. Keeping the ball in the fairway also allows the golfer to be relaxed as her round progresses.
Considerations
Some medium- and high-handicap golfers are uncomfortable hitting from the fairway because they are not used to hitting from the short grass. They get nervous when they have the ideal lie because they believe they should hit the perfect shot.
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