Do you really need a driver in your bag?

[dbuck]

On the course I play most often, I could probably make my longest club be my 3 hybrid and not change my score. On the other hand, there are not many holes where a slightly errant driver is a penalty, and it is fun!

[RickK]

I carry my driver but let the yardage of the hole, shape of the hole, and the type/location of trouble on the hole dictate whether I hit driver, 3wood, or hybrid.  I think it is all about course management.

If I can get within 130 yards of the green with something other than driver, I'm not hitting driver.  And, I definitely don't like yardages less than 85 yards where I have to carry some sort of trouble.

Now, if I am just out playing for fun, no bets, nothing to lose...I will hit driver almost every opportunity I can just to see what kind of shots I can pull off with it.

[Dave2512]

I've gone back and forth, mostly because in the past it was hard to control and I hit a 3w longer than most. I've put in a considerable amount of practice over the winter and with a new shortened driver I've straightened it out. Now I can't imagine playing without it. It's a strategic difference as much as a distance difference. Mostly on short par 5's. Which were still reachable when my longest club was 3w but a good driver on these holes gets me to 5h and 6i 2nd shots. I still don't pull it every time there's a par 4 in front of me, just when the risk justifies it. If for no other reason than the courses I've played many times feel different playing that way.