Golf Guide | 2025

06 GOLF GUIDE 2025 M A N I T O B A

Summer 2025

PHOTO BY TODD LEWYS

DARRIN KEATS, OWNER OF THE CADDY SHED, SAYS GOLFERS OF ALL SKILLS LEVELS WOULD BENEFIT FROM ADDING A VERSATILE 7-WOOD TO THEIR BAG.

BY TODD LEWYS T

here’s a fascinating trend happening on pro tours around the world: an increasing number of players on both the PGA and LPGA Tour are choosing to put lofted woods – in many cases a 7-wood – in their bag. Clear evidence of this came to light on the PGA Tour at the recent

of players. “When people come in and say they’re struggling to hit their long irons, even their hybrids, I tell them one thing – that loft is your friend.” There’s a reason why a more lofted club is more user-friendly, says Keats. “Not only does it help get the ball up in the air, but the extra spin created by the greater loft also helps you hit the ball straighter. The shaft in a lofted fairway wood might also be a little longer than on a long iron, which could help generate a little more distance.” He says there’s a reason why today’s lofted fairway woods are so much better than they were a few years ago. “The manufacturing process is so exact that the weight is put down in a spot that optimizes both ball flight and forgiveness. That makes them a better choice than a hybrid because they’re designed to help you hit it high and straight. The extra spin they generate also makes it easier to hold greens on longer approaches.” At the same time, lofted fairway woods also yield another advantage. “They’re great all-around club that can be used off the tee or out of the rough,” says Keats. “They can get you out of trouble and help you find the fairway more often when accuracy is at a premium.” As for affordability, it’s a matter of what you can afford to spend. “We can get you into older used 7-woods for between $99 and $150 or so. New woods range in price from about $279 and $299 for Cleveland and Tour Edge, and $450 and up for top-name brands. We can help you find the one that fits your budget and game the best. “ So, what’s the moral of the story here? “Ditch your 5-iron and add a 7-wood and maybe even a 9-wood,” he says. “A lofted wood will help you play better and enjoy playing more. That’s what the game is all about.”

PGA Championship. That’s where world number one Scottie Scheffler used a 7-wood to hit high, lofted approaches to dominate the par-fives on his way to a five-shot victory. A couple of weeks earlier, Sepp Straka used his 7-wood in the same manner to win the Truist Championship. Derek Ingram, men’s golf coach for Golf Canada, says elite players have come to realize that a 7-wood – which roughly approximates the loft of a 5-iron – gives them an advantage on long approach shots. “Tons of PGA Tour players have started to add lofted fairway woods to their bags in the last year or so,” he says, noting that two of his players, Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith, have added a 6-wood, and 7-wood, respectively. “They’re much easier to hit than long irons, and even more versatile than hybrids. Plus, they are better out of the rough and fairway bunkers.” He adds that today’s new lofted fairway woods – which are far superior to models that came out even five years ago – come with a big built-in advantage. “They go higher but not too high and will land softer. PGA Tour players and low handicaps like the fact they land soft with less spin than earlier version and even hybrids. Most golfers like the flight and greater stopping power. Give them a try, they are way easier to hit and are more forgiving.” Darrin Keats of the Caddy Shed says he’s noticed this trend and is recommending lofted fairway woods to increasing numbers

RETURN OF THE 7-WOOD

WITH WEIGHT SET DOWN LOW, A 7-WOOD IS EASIER TO HIT - AND MORE VERSATILE - THAN A 5-IRON.