I just read a science fiction story taking place in the American Southwest where 'fairway' is used to mean a fair's 'midway' (and the story uses midway later). Was it a poor editing job (a few other examples cropped up), or is that a usage in some regions? BTW, I have only known 'fairway' as associated with a golf course.
Were it any large ground other than a fairground, fairway would simply mean the more or less natural passageways about it. But as it is, in the context of a fair, fairway does sound like an unintended mix-up, just because it contains the word fair.
I think fairway is also, in a liberal manner, short for golf course.
Are there other sporting grounds called course? Obstacles course is one. Others are court or field for how large they are.
RobertB said
Are there other sporting grounds called course? Obstacles course is one. Others are court or field for how large they are.
There is race course and cross-country course (one of which my granddaughter ran was on a golf course).