Nail the Narrow Fairways
Tight fairways—those narrow, nerve-wracking stretches of green that seem to taunt you as you prepare to tee off are as unforgiving as they are challenging. With hazards lurking on either side, a tight fairway can feel like you're standing on a tightrope, hoping you don’t veer off course.
But here’s the thing: playing tight fairways with confidence is completely within your control. Sure, it might take a bit of strategy and a shift in your mindset, but with the right approach, you can handle these tricky holes like a seasoned pro.
In this golfer’s guide, we’ll break down several tried-and-true tips to help you play tight fairways with confidence—whether you're 50 and looking to sharpen your game or a seasoned golfer who wants more consistency. From club selection to mental preparation, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s turn those intimidating fairways into scoring opportunities.
Topics Covered in This Guide
1. Club Down to Control Your Shot
Why This Helps
How to Practice
On the range, hit a few practice shots with your fairway wood, hybrid, or long iron.
Focus on hitting straight shots with a controlled swing.
Practice hitting these clubs at varying distances to give yourself more control over the trajectory.
When you're on the course and facing a tight fairway, resist the temptation to go for distance and choose the club that gives you accuracy.
Pro Tip: Sometimes less is more—clubbing down is a strategy that’ll leave you with a better approach shot and a less stressful round.
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2. Aim for the Center of the Fairway
Why This Helps
How to Practice
Visualize the fairway and imagine a line running down the middle of it.
When you're on the tee, aim for that line, not the flag.
Even if your drive isn't perfectly straight, the center of the fairway will give you a higher chance of recovery.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the width of the fairway or where the trouble lies, aim for the widest part and give yourself a bigger target to work with. Confidence is key here!
3. Focus on Swing Tempo, Not Power
Why This Helps
How to Practice
On the range, focus on making slower, more deliberate swings.
Take a few practice swings without a ball to get a feel for a smooth tempo.
When you hit the ball, try to keep the tempo the same throughout the entire swing—from takeaway to follow-through.
Pro Tip: To reinforce a smooth tempo, try counting in your head as you swing (e.g., “one-two” for the backswing and “three” for the downswing). This keeps your swing in rhythm.
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4. Visualize Your Shot Before You Take It
Why This Helps
How to Practice
Before you tee off, stand behind the ball and visualize the entire shot—from your stance to the ball landing in the fairway.
Picture your ball traveling along the ideal line, avoiding all hazards.
Focus on staying relaxed and trusting your plan.
Pro Tip: The more you practice this mental imagery, the more naturally it will come to you during a round. It’s all about creating that visual confidence.
5. Trust Your Course Management
Why This Helps
How to Practice
Look at the hole layout before you tee off and identify any hazards.
Plan your shot—decide whether it’s better to take a safe shot to the middle of the fairway or if you can go for a more aggressive line.
Stick to your plan and don’t be swayed by temptation (we’ve all been there when we think we can “go for it,” only to end up in trouble).
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to lay up and play the hole in stages. Sometimes hitting the fairway with a 3-iron is better than trying to hit a driver and risking disaster.
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Turn Tight Fairways into Your Playground
Tight fairways don’t have to be your worst nightmare. With a little bit of strategy, the right mindset, and the confidence to execute, you can navigate these challenging holes like a seasoned pro. Remember, it’s not about trying to crush every shot—it’s about being smart, playing within your limits, and staying in control.
To better golf,
Matt Stephens
Inventor & Co-Founder, GoGolf365
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