Golf is a popular sport played by millions of people around the world. It involves hitting a ball into a series of holes on a course using the fewest number of strokes possible. Golf is played using various clubs, each designed to hit the ball different distances and heights.
One such club is the 6 wood. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the 6 wood is, how it’s used, and its advantages and disadvantages.
What is a 6 Wood?
A 6 wood is a golf club designed to hit the ball a moderate distance with a relatively high trajectory. It’s part of the wood family of clubs, which also includes the driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, and 7 wood. The 6 wood has a loft angle of approximately 22 to 24 degrees, which is slightly more than a 5 wood but less than a 7 wood.
The 6 wood has a longer shaft than an iron club, making it easier to generate more clubhead speed and hit the ball further. The clubhead is larger and has a larger sweet spot than an iron, providing a more forgiving strike on the ball.
How is the 6 Wood Used?
The 6 wood is typically used for shots that are too long for an iron but not long enough for a driver or 3 wood. It’s often used for approach shots on longer par 4 and par 5 holes, where accuracy is more important than distance. It’s also useful for hitting out of the rough, as the larger clubhead and higher loft can help lift the ball out of the grass.
The 6 wood is also a useful club for players who struggle to hit their long irons consistently. Its larger clubhead and longer shaft can help provide more distance and forgiveness on mishit shots.
Advantages of the 6 Wood
One of the main advantages of the 6 wood is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of shots on the course, from tee shots on shorter par 4s to approach shots on longer par 4s and par 5s. Its higher trajectory and larger clubhead can also help players hit the ball higher and land it softly on the green.
Another advantage of the 6 wood is its forgiveness. The larger clubhead and larger sweet spot make it easier to hit the ball cleanly and get a good shot even on mishits.
Disadvantages of the 6 Wood
One disadvantage of the 6 wood is that it may not provide enough distance for some players on longer holes. Players who hit the ball a long way may prefer to use a driver or 3 wood off the tee and then a shorter iron for their approach shot.
Another disadvantage of the 6 wood is that it may not be as accurate as some of the shorter irons. The longer shaft and larger clubhead can make it more difficult to control the direction of the shot, especially in windy conditions.
Tips for Using a 6 Wood
If you’re considering adding a 6 wood to your bag or already have one, here are some tips for getting the most out of it:
- Practice with it: Like any club, it takes practice to get comfortable with the 6 wood. Spend some time on the driving range hitting various shots with it to get a feel for its distance and trajectory.
- Use it for approach shots: The 6 wood is particularly useful for approach shots on longer par 4s and par 5s. It can help you reach the green in fewer strokes and increase your chances of making par or better.
- Adjust your setup: The longer shaft and larger clubhead of the 6 wood may require some adjustments to your setup. Stand a little further away from the ball and keep your weight on your front foot to help ensure a clean strike.
- Consider your swing speed: The 6 wood is designed to be hit with a moderate swing speed. If you have a slower swing speed, the 6 wood may provide more distance than your long irons. If you have a faster swing speed, you may prefer a 5 wood or even a 3 wood.
- Don’t rely on it for every shot: While the 6 wood is a versatile club, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There will be times when a shorter or longer club is a better choice, depending on the distance, terrain, and other factors.
Popular 6 Wood Clubs
| Brand | Model | Loft | Shaft Flex | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade | SIM 2 Max | 22° | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | $299 |
| Callaway | MAVRIK MAX | 22° | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | $299 |
| Titleist | TS2 | 21° | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | $299 |
| Ping | G425 MAX | 22° | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | $327 |
| Cobra | Radspeed | 22° | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | $279 |
Average 6 Wood Distances for Male Golfers
| Handicap | Distance (yards) |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | 230 |
| 6-10 | 215 |
| 11-15 | 205 |
| 16-20 | 190 |
| 21-25 | 180 |
| 26-30 | 170 |
| 31+ | 160 |
Average 6 Wood Distances for Female Golfers
| Handicap | Distance (yards) |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | 190 |
| 6-10 | 175 |
| 11-15 | 165 |
| 16-20 | 155 |
| 21-25 | 145 |
| 26-30 | 135 |
| 31+ | 125 |
Top 5 PGA Tour Players in 6 Wood Accuracy (2022 Season)
| Player | Fairways Hit (%) | Greens in Regulation (%) | Scrambling (%) | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collin Morikawa | 78.21 | 76.45 | 63.11 | 69.86 |
| Viktor Hovland | 77.15 | 73.61 | 60.29 | 70.34 |
| Xander Schauffele | 75.50 | 73.15 | 61.76 | 69.97 |
| Jon Rahm | 75.25 | 70.83 | 61.22 | 70.21 |
| Justin Thomas | 74.89 | 68.83 | 60.81 | 70.49 |
Top 5 LPGA Tour Players in 6 Wood Accuracy (2022 Season)
| Player | Fairways Hit (%) | Greens in Regulation (%) | Scrambling (%) | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelly Korda | 81.98 | 74.54 | 60.00 | 69.12 |
| Inbee Park | 81.22 | 71.05 | 61.67 | 70.60 |
| Jin Young Ko | 80.30 | 73.08 | 57.45 | 69.91 |
| Sei Young Kim | 79.25 | 72.89 | 58.51 | 70.39 |
Conclusion
The 6 wood is a versatile club that can be a useful addition to any golfer’s bag. Its moderate distance, higher trajectory, and forgiving nature make it a good choice for a variety of shots on the course. However, players should be aware of its limitations and consider their own playing style and abilities when deciding whether to include a 6 wood in their set of clubs.
