Why is my 3w distance longer than my driver?

[customdusty]

As I'm still learning the game and working on my swing, I've been through club fitting and launch monitors several times now and did a few lessons at Golf Tec. Each time I'm told I should be using stiff flex shafts and I do, but with an exception that I'm confused about. Typically I tee off with my Callaway XSteel 3 wood with regular flex shaft, which I hit straight or with a very slight draw, about 270 yds. I also own a TaylorMade R5 driver with a stiff shaft that I typically hit 270-275 yds. Because of the little difference in distance and the better control with the 3 wood, I really never hit the driver.

My swing speed is typically in the 105-106 mph range with these clubs, and closer the 96-97 with a 6 iron.

Is it just the difference in shafts that is causing this?

[sean_miller]

As I'm still learning the game and working on my swing, I've been through club fitting and launch monitors several times now and did a few lessons at Golf Tec. Each time I'm told I should be using stiff flex shafts and I do, but with an exception that I'm confused about. Typically I tee off with my Callaway XSteel 3 wood with regular flex shaft, which I hit straight or with a very slight draw, about 270 yds. I also own a TaylorMade R5 driver with a stiff shaft that I typically hit 270-275 yds. Because of the little difference in distance and the better control with the 3 wood, I really never hit the driver.

Are you hitting these distances out doors, on the course, or this all launch monitor data? It sounds like a shaft issue.

BTW - I'm still learning the game and working on my swing too.

[jamo]

It could just be that you make better contact the shorter 3 wood. Or it could be a shaft issue.

[CrazyXGolfer]

Maybe you are swinging the clubs with 2 different swing paths or it could be a shaft issue, I I would say swing issue.

Does your 3 wood come out much flatter then your driver?

[birdiedream]

What is the loft of your 3W and your driver? I was thinking loft but it can't be with your swing speed.

If you can hit straight or slight draw with your 3W and get 270, why do you need a driver on any course? You are longer than Kenny Perry with his driver. If you are this long and still have a 22 handicap your swing is probably not very repeatable or your short game needs improvement.

[bkoguy07]

How do you hit a 3 wood 270? Launch monitors aren't always accurate, NOT saying you can't just saying sometimes they aren't as accurate as one would think..

[customdusty]

The lofts are 15 degrees on the 3 wood and 9.5 deg. on the driver.

All of my distances are those that are taken on the course. I feel like my swing is identical with the two, but like was mentioned that I'm a 22 handicap and not as consistent as I'd like and although I hit quite long, I do struggle with accuracy. I am more accurate with the 3 wood than the driver and as a result I think that I just swing the 3 wood harder because I'm more confident with it and feel like I strike it better than the driver most of the time.

I typically don't have the need to hit driver, but I certainly would if I were able to control it as well as gain yardage. Unfortunately, I just don't have the right club in the bag.

[customdusty]

How do you hit a 3 wood 270? Launch monitors aren't always accurate, NOT saying you can't just saying sometimes they aren't as accurate as one would think..

With the right conditions I quite often hit 300yd tee shots with the 3 wood. I hit all of my clubs long except the driver - which leads me to believe I don't have the right fit. The only distances I base anything off of are the distances on the course. The launch monitor I have have been on typically shows all of my clubs to play shorter than they do.

[chilly]

This should be interesting...

[max power]

With the right conditions I quite often hit 300yd tee shots with the 3 wood. I hit all of my clubs long except the driver - which leads me to believe I don't have the right fit. The only distances I base anything off of are the distances on the course. The launch monitor I have have been on typically shows all of my clubs to play shorter than they do.

Swing easier/controlled and lower your handicap.

[bplewis24]

This should be interesting...

lol...my thoughts exactly.

Brandon

[Zeph]

I'm somewhat in the same boat pretty much. I can hit the driver well, but on average I'm probably around 220. The 3 wood is maybe 210-220.

I've never been fit for any of my clubs, so that could be part of the problem. Also that I rarely use my driver, so when I first use it, I want to make sure I find the fairway. Pretty sure I got better club head speed with my 3 wood, since it is shorter and with a lighter club head. Easier to swing.

[sean_miller]

I'm somewhat in the same boat pretty much. I can hit the driver well, but on average I'm probably around 220. The 3 wood is maybe 210-220.

A good driver is one that you feel comfortable enough to use often. Not saying you will, but you could. It should also be noticably longer than your 3-wood or there's no point having it in the bag.

[customdusty]

A good driver is one that you feel comfortable enough to use often. Not saying you will, but you could. It should also be noticably longer than your 3-wood or there's no point having it in the bag.

Exactly my point. So should I change the shaft on the driver or try something else?

[sean_miller]

Exactly my point. So should I change the shaft on the driver or try something else?

I'd look at both. Maybe that shaft in that club is shorter for you, but put either one with another setup and voila!

[allin]

As I'm still learning the game and working on my swing, I've been through club fitting and launch monitors several times now and did a few lessons at Golf Tec. Each time I'm told I should be using stiff flex shafts and I do, but with an exception that I'm confused about. Typically I tee off with my Callaway XSteel 3 wood with regular flex shaft, which I hit straight or with a very slight draw, about 270 yds. I also own a TaylorMade R5 driver with a stiff shaft that I typically hit 270-275 yds. Because of the little difference in distance and the better control with the 3 wood, I really never hit the driver.

I haven't a clue, without seeing you swing there are just to many possible causes, but I would love to average 270 with my driver let alone my 3 wood.

[Nike Markiie]

lol...my thoughts exactly.

Plus 3............

[Wiley]

The 3wood set-up might be more fitting for your swing than your driver is. If this is the case you could possibly carry the ball farther with your 3wood. I'm guessing that your driver fit is probably off.