Golfers all over the world are always looking for ways to enhance their game.
One of the most common questions they have is which wood is best for them – 7 wood or 9 wood?
The answer to this question is not as simple as one might think.
7 Wood vs 9 Wood
Each type of wood has its own advantages and disadvantages and it’s important to understand these before making a decision. In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of 7 wood and 9 wood and explore which one is better for your golf game.
This post will explore the strengths and weaknesses of 7 wood and 9 wood and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your golf game.
Related: How far should you hit a 7 wood?
Advantages of 7 Wood
The 7 wood is a great club for golfers of all levels. It has a shorter shaft than the 3, 4 and 5 woods, making it easier for golfers to control the clubhead. The shorter length also allows for increased accuracy and shot consistency.
The 7 wood also has a higher loft angle than 3, 4 and 5 woods, making it easier to get the ball up in the air. This is especially beneficial for golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne.
In addition, the 7 wood loft provides for extra forgiveness, which allows for more margin for error on mis-hits.
This is great for golfers who don’t always hit the ball perfectly.
Finally, the 7 wood is a great club for golfers who like to hit high, soft shots. Its higher loft angle makes it easier to hit a high, soft shot that lands softly on the green.
Related: 7 wood vs 3 iron
Advantages of 9 Wood
The 9 wood is also a great club for golfers of all levels. The extra loft allows for increased power and distance for those that struggle to launch a golf ball with the long to mid irons, making it ideal for golfers who want to hit the ball farther, but might lack some swing speed.
Its extra loft also allows for increased accuracy and shot consistency.
In addition, the 9 wood has a great deal of forgiveness and launching abilities, giving the golfer who struggles with accuracy and distance the extra benefits they need.
Finally, the 9 wood is a great club for golfers who struggles with their irons. The 9 wood is an excellent replacement for several of the mid irons currently in the bags of many golfers.
Related: What club would a 7 wood replace?
7 Wood vs 9 Woods: Tested and Thoughts
Goal: Determine how far I carry a 7 wood and 9 wood
Considerations: Should I replace my 6 and 5 irons with these 2 clubs?
Process: I used my Skytrak Launch Monitor and Prov1 golf ball to measure each shot
Skill Level: My current skill level is around scratch and have a driver swing speed at 108mph on average.
| Shot # | 7 Wood Distance | 9 Wood Distance |
| 1 | 185 | 175 |
| 2 | 187 | 173 |
| 3 | 184 | 176 |
| 4 | 189 | 178 |
| 5 | 190 | 180 |
| Averages | 187 | 176.4 |
Thoughts: I believe I have greater control of my irons from a start line perspective, but was very impressed with the ability to launch the ball high and far with these clubs.
I would recommend these clubs for golfers with driver swing speed of 90 miles per hour or less. It is time to use some of the great technology in the game of golf. The two groups I see using these clubs most frequently are senior golfers or golfers with a slow swing speed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between 7 Wood and 9 Wood
When choosing between 7 wood and 9 wood, there are a few factors to consider.
The golfer is going to want to consider the following:
- Current strengths and weaknesses throughout the bag.
- Type of course you play most often
- Where there might be gaps in your yardages.
For example, if you struggle with your 6 iron and you would hit a 7 wood a similar distance, it might be the perfect replacement.
Or if you only currently carry 13 clubs and have a gap in the 160 yard distance and the 9 wood would be the perfectly slotted club, go with the 9 wood.
Finally, if you play a course that has certain length par 3s that you currently struggle with, the 7 wood or 9 wood could be a quality addition to your bag.
The Best Golfers Who Use 7 Wood and 9 Wood
Some of the best golfers in the world rely on 7 wood and 9 wood to hit a variety of shots. For example, Dustin Johnson is known for using a 7 wood to hit high, soft shots that land softly on the green. Six total Ryder Cup Participants in 2021 used a 7 wood during the competition.
Dustin Johnson is also known for using a 9 wood to take on certain par 3s that have a long forced carry.
Dustin Johnson is a testament to the fact that 7 wood and 9 wood can be used for a variety of shots and situations. It’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of both clubs in order to maximize your performance on the course.
Related: 9 wood vs 5 Hybrid: which one should I use?
How to Master 7 Wood and 9 Wood
Mastering 7 wood and 9 wood takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Make sure to practice with both clubs. Spend time hitting shots with both 7 wood and 9 wood so you can get comfortable with each club.
Make sure you measure the distance you hit each club and consider the yardage gaps that might exist with your current club setup.
Focus on accuracy. These are scoring clubs! You want to hit these clubs a consistent distance and as accurate as possible.
Make sure to practice hitting shots with both clubs until you can hit them consistently and accurately.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different types of shots with each club so you can understand the strengths and weaknesses of each club.
With enough practice and patience, you can master both 7 wood and 9 wood and become a better golfer.
Related: Do I need fairway woods?
Fairway Wood Selection Tips
When it comes to choosing the right woods for your game, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your swing speed. If you have a slower swing speed, a 7 wood is your best bet. If you have a faster swing speed, a 9 wood is your best bet.
- Consider your accuracy. If you’re more accurate and want a specific distance, a 9 wood is your best bet. If you need more distance, but still want the benefit of a highly lofted fairway wood, a 7 wood is your best bet.
- If you need more distance, you might need to test out and consider a 3, 4 or 5 wood for your swing and game.
7 Wood vs. 9 Wood – Pros and Cons
When it comes to 7 wood and 9 wood, each type of wood has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of each club:
7 Wood Pros:
- Shorter shaft allows for increased control and accuracy.
- Higher loft angle allows for easier launch and softer landing.
- Larger club head allows for more forgiveness on mis-hits.
7 Wood Cons:
- Shorter shaft limits distance and power.
- Higher loft angle can make it harder to hit low, penetrating shots.
9 Wood Pros:
- Extra loft helps increase the launch angle
- Great replacement for mid to short irons
- Easy to hit high
9 Wood Cons:
- Might not provide the distance you need
- Might not be as versatile with a certain shots that a mid to short iron can produce as far as ball flight.
7 Wood vs 9 Wood – Final Thoughts
Both clubs provide a great amount of versatility and are a great choice for golfers of all ability levels, but especially for the golfer with slower swing speed, the senior golfer, the junior golfer and most women golfers.
The ability to launch a shot higher and further from various lies will help golfers hit and hold more greens, providing for an opportunity to make more birdies on mid to long par 4s or those difficult par 3s.