9-Wood Explained: Loft, Distance And Whether You Need One

The 9-wood is a bit of a golf underdog. Not many players talk about it, even fewer carry one. I may even go so far as to say it’s still regarded as a high-handicap golf club. However, that seems to be changing. Thanks to its high launch, soft landings and surprising distance, the 9-wood is carving out a spot in some players’ bags, especially as an alternative to 4-irons or even 5-hybrids. In this guide, we’ll break down what a 9-wood is, how far it goes, where it fits in your bag and whether you should get one.

Loft of a 9-wood

Most 9-woods have a loft of 23 to 26 degrees, depending on the brand. This places them just a notch above a typical 7-wood (21 degrees) and in line with many 4-hybrids or even 5-irons.

The high-lofted 9-wood allows the ball to launch higher and land softly, which is exactly what many average male players need when trying to hold greens from 180 to 200 yards out.

Average distance for a 9-wood

A 9-wood usually flies 10 to 15 yards shorter than a 7-wood. Based on distance data from Shot Scope, here is a basic idea of how far a 9-wood would go for a 15-handicap and 25-handicap golfer.

15 handicap: 160 yards 25 handicap: 150 yards

Of course, strike quality and swing speed matter.

When should you use a 9-wood?

The true benefit of a 9-wood isn’t distance. If your game struggles because of a lack of distance off the tee or on long approach shots, it’s probably not the club you are missing. Here are some situations where using the 9-wood makes sense.

Approach shots on par-4 holes where height and stopping power matter. Out-of-light rough or fairway bunkers, where longer irons might dig or come out too low. When replacing a 4-iron or 4-hybrid that’s inconsistent or tough to launch. To simplify shaping—many golfers find the 9-wood easier to turn over or hit straight compared to long irons.

9-wood vs. 7-wood: How much difference is there?

For some golfers, the issue with adding the 9-wood to the bag is a lack of room in the bag. If you are debating between a 9-wood and a 7-wood, it may be worthwhile to use a launch monitor to check your distances.

You’ll likely see about 10 to 12 yards’ difference but the 9-wood will fly higher and land softer. It’s also just a little easier to hit out of the rough.

What can a 9-wood replace?

If you’re adding a 9-wood, you’ll likely have to remove something else from the bag. It commonly replaces:

4-iron: Most common swap. 9-wood is easier to launch and softer into greens. 4-hybrid: Similar loft, but different launch and turf interaction, some players like the feel of a wood better than a hybrid. 5-iron: Especially for players who prefer fairway wood shaping and ball flight and struggle with swing speed.

Who should consider a 9-wood?

If professional golfers like Tommy Fleetwood are putting a 9-wood in the golf bag, there is no reason any amateur should avoid one. What it will likely come down to is performance, yardage ranges and the type of golf course you play.

Going for a fitting could help you narrow down which 9-wood is best for you and if it deserves a spot in the bag.

Who makes 9-Woods?

Not every manufacturer has a 9-wood in the lineup. Here are a few of the options you have available for 2025:

Callaway Elyte 9-Wood TaylorMade Qi35 9-Wood Tour Edge Hot Launch X525 9-Wood

Final thoughts

For some players, the 9-wood is a club that comes in and out of the bag, depending on the course. For others, it’s a permanent fixture that helps bridge yardage gaps or boost confidence from tough lies.

If you haven’t hit one yet, give it a shot on a launch monitor and compare it to your current long game setup. You might just be surprised by how useful it is.

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