The Secret to Hitting More Fairways: Mastering the Fairway Finder Tee Shot
- Eric J. Mac Donald
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Every golfer dreams of stepping onto the tee, launching their drive straight down the middle, and setting up the perfect approach. But let’s be honest—finding the fairway consistently can be a challenge, especially under pressure. Enter the Fairway Finder Tee Shot, a reliable shot designed to maximize accuracy while still maintaining solid distance.
In this article, we’ll break down how to develop a fairway-finding tee shot that keeps you in play and lowers your scores.
What is a Fairway Finder Tee Shot?
A Fairway Finder is a controlled tee shot that prioritizes accuracy over distance. While it may not be the longest drive in your bag, it will keep you out of trouble and give you a consistent advantage on tight holes or when accuracy is a must.
Key Elements of a Fairway-Finding Tee Shot
1. Tee Height and Club Selection
Consider teeing the ball slightly lower than normal. This encourages a more controlled launch and helps reduce spin that can cause the ball to curve offline.
You don’t always have to use a driver! A 3-wood, hybrid, or even a long iron can be a better choice on tight fairways.
2. Adjusting Your Setup for Control
Play the ball slightly back in your stance (about one ball position behind your normal driver setup).
Narrow your stance slightly to promote better balance and control.
Keep more weight on your lead foot to encourage a more stable and controlled strike.
3. Swing Thought: Smooth and Short
Think 80% power, 100% control—take an easy, controlled swing instead of going for max distance.
Shorten your backswing slightly to prevent excess movement and promote solid contact.
Focus on making center-face contact to improve consistency and reduce spin.
4. Ball Flight and Shot Shape
A slight fade or a gentle draw can be a great go-to fairway-finding shot, depending on your natural swing tendencies.
If you’re struggling with accuracy, favor one side of the fairway to give yourself a margin for error.
5. Pre-Shot Routine for Confidence
Pick a specific target, not just the fairway in general. A tree, bunker edge, or distant landmark helps with alignment.
Take a deep breath, visualize the shot, and commit to the swing.
Stick to a consistent routine—doing the same thing before every tee shot builds trust in your process.
When to Use a Fairway Finder
Tight fairways where accuracy is more important than distance.
Pressure situations (first tee, tournament rounds, or when playing well and wanting to avoid mistakes).
When your driver isn’t cooperating—having a reliable fairway-finding alternative can save your round.
Final Thoughts
A fairway finder tee shot is a weapon every golfer should have. While hitting bombs is fun, keeping the ball in play is what leads to lower scores. By practicing a controlled, reliable tee shot, you’ll build confidence off the tee and set yourself up for better approach shots.
Start working on your fairway finder today, and watch your scores improve!
Next Steps
✅ Head to the range and experiment with different clubs and ball positions.✅ Focus on tempo and balance rather than power.✅ Track your fairway hit percentage and see how this adjustment improves your accuracy!
Stay Connected
Need help dialing in your fairway finder? Book a lesson with me today! Visit www.ericjmacdonaldpga.com to improve your game!
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