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Golfers love their fairway woods, but many struggle with one big decision: should you carry a 5 wood or a 7 wood? Both clubs can be game-changers, but they serve different purposes. In this guide, we’ll break down the loft, distance, forgiveness, and course strategy of each so you can confidently choose the right club for your bag.
7 Wood vs 5 Wood – Quick Comparison Table
| Club | Loft (°) | Average Distance (Men) | Average Distance (Women) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Wood | 18–19° | 180–220 yards | 150–175 yards | Distance off fairway & tee |
| 7 Wood | 20–22° | 150–190 yards | 130–155 yards | Higher launch, softer landings |
What Is a 5 Wood?
A 5 wood is often seen as the “distance weapon” in a golfer’s bag. With a loft of around 18–19 degrees, it launches lower than a 7 wood and travels farther.
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Distance: 180–220 yards for men, 150–175 yards for women.
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Best Use: Long approach shots into par 5s, tee shots on tight par 4s, or when you need distance but don’t want to pull the driver.
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Player Profile: Suits golfers with decent swing speed who can handle a longer shaft and slightly lower trajectory.
What Is a 7 Wood?
The 7 wood is sometimes called the “secret weapon” for mid- to high-handicap players. With a loft between 20–22 degrees, it launches higher and lands softer.
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Distance: 150–190 yards for men, 130–155 yards for women.
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Best Use: Long approach shots into greens, carrying hazards, replacing long irons or hybrids.
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Player Profile: Great for golfers who struggle to launch long irons or want more consistency and forgiveness.
Key Differences Between 7 Wood and 5 Wood
Loft & Distance
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5 Wood: Lower loft → more distance, less spin.
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7 Wood: Higher loft → slightly less distance, higher ball flight.
Forgiveness & Playability
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5 Wood: Requires cleaner contact; can be harder for beginners.
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7 Wood: Easier to hit, higher launch, softer landings.
Course Strategy
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5 Wood: Perfect for second shots on long par 5s or tee shots when accuracy matters.
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7 Wood: Great for approach shots, clearing hazards, and holding greens.
Player Profile
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5 Wood: Low to mid-handicappers, faster swing speeds.
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7 Wood: Mid to high handicappers, slower swing speeds, or anyone who struggles with hybrids.
7 Wood vs 5 Wood – Which Should You Choose?
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Choose a 5 Wood if: You need maximum distance off the deck or want a reliable backup to your driver.
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Choose a 7 Wood if: You value forgiveness, higher ball flight, and stopping power into greens.
Many golfers actually benefit from carrying both — using the 5 wood for distance and the 7 wood for precision.
Alternatives to Consider
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Hybrids (19–21°): Blend of wood forgiveness and iron versatility.
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Long Irons (3–4 iron): More control, but less forgiving for most players.
Conclusion
When it comes to 7 wood vs 5 wood, it’s all about your swing and your goals.
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5 Wood = Distance weapon.
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7 Wood = Forgiveness and higher launch.
If you’re a consistent ball-striker with speed, the 5 wood will shine. If you want easier launches and softer landings, the 7 wood could save you strokes.
Best advice? Try both on the range, track your distances, and see which one fits your setup. The right fairway wood can make golf not only easier, but a whole lot more fun.
