new guy needs some help

[Cburch15]

so i just started playing golf last weekend with some friends, it was my first time ever now im hook! just got back from taking my first lesson today, my question is i dont have a 3w or driver yet, which do you think i should get first and why?

[Chubbs]

I would suggest a 3-wood as a beginner. Drivers are a double-edged sword... they're fun to hit, but hard to hit correctly. The 3-wood will give you a little more loft as a beginner, which means you'll get it up in the air easier, plus you can be more consistent with them. Once you get your swing down, and get really good with your 3-wood, then you can consider drivers. You're not at the point where a driver and a 3-wood will be a huge difference in distance, and a driver will just make you frustrated.

I didn't play with a driver for about the first 5-6 years of playing golf. I got to wear I could hit my 3-wood about 280yds off the tee, and didn't have a need. It's still my go-to club when I just want to feel comfortable over the ball.

Just my two cents.

PS. I tried to give a friend this same advice. He was in the exact same boat as you. He's hard-headed and didn't listen... plopped down about $300 for a driver, and now doesn't want to ever play again bc he can't hit it. Funny.

[radcochran]

I agree. But for some beginners the huge face gives them confidence that they can hit the ball. Rarely will they swing and miss with a driver. lol Whatever you get buy a used one off of e-bay. cause as a beginner, you are gonna tear the paint up on it. It's just a natural process

[Chubbs]

Yeah good point. Absolutely no need to go out and drop a small fortune on woods/metals right now. Just start off with something used from ebay or reputable site.

[meenman]

Since you are taking lessons, a 3 wood could be your best option (some may even suggest a 4 wood if you can find one)

Personally I tried to start out with a 3 wood - looking back at the videos when I took lessons my swing was really a mess. I did nothing but pull the 3 wood left off the tee. My slices with the driver were very much welcomed after putting shot after shot out of bounds left.

[WUTiger]

I would suggest a 3-wood as a beginner. Drivers are a double-edged sword... they're fun to hit, but hard to hit correctly. The 3-wood will give you a little more loft as a beginner, which means you'll get it up in the air easier, plus you can be more consistent with them...

Solid advice here. And, here's another benefit of starting with a 3W: You can use it off the tee and from the fairway, so you can put your practice time into one club, rather than spending time trying to get the driver working. You swing a driver a little different from other clubs, so avoiding the driver at first has its benefits in developing your basic swing.

If you could get a 3W and maybe a 5W (handy out of rough) that match, the two can be a good "team". And, good job on starting out with lessons. Makes the game a lot more fun when you know a little of what to do .

[Cburch15]

Ok I still think golf gax still has Nike 3w for 69.99 with 15 loft would that be ok

[jc650]

What about 1 of the high launch drivers that lots of companies produce. I think ping has a 12 or more degree driver. Best of both worlds big club head and a little easier to get into the air.

[BlueRidgeTitleist]

Years ago I would of agreed with most of you guys. But, In this modern Golf world Drivers have huge 460cc heads and are much more forgiveing. All the 3 woods are small heads and are not forgiveing at all. I use a 3 wood but have 40+ years of playing. You would be much better off with a good used driver with a 460cc head and reg. flex shaft

[Cburch15]

Would the Nike drivers be an example of the big heads? Those are they only ones I've seen that look really big

[Wildcat]

What clubs are in your bag right now?

[Scott_K]

I played my first few years with a 2 wood. I grew up in the school of make contact and hit it straight. Power comes second. The newer school of thought seems to be bomb it first and rope it in later. I'd go with the 3wood to start since it has a smaller sweet spot. Work on the swing with the instructor and get a reasonable shot together off the tee, then move that swing over to a driver.

[Cburch15]

I have a set of Taylor made rac 3-pw and a Taylor made hybrid 2

[jldavis73]

Years ago I would of agreed with most of you guys. But, In this modern Golf world Drivers have huge 460cc heads and are much more forgiveing. All the 3 woods are small heads and are not forgiveing at all. I use a 3 wood but have 40+ years of playing. You would be much better off with a good used driver with a 460cc head and reg. flex shaft

+1

A 460cc, higher lofted (10.5 to 12*) driver would be a great choice to learn with. To improve consistency, you could have the shaft trimmed. I had a buddy that carries a shortened Cleveland HiBore Monster 10.5*, and he CAN'T miss a fairway. Hits it about 240. The shaft is the length of my 6 iron. If you do something that dramatic, try adding a little lead tape to the head, or you won't be able to feel it.

[Cburch15]

i was looking something like this for my first driver Callaway FT-iQ I-Mix Driver my first says he can get it for 100 bucks for me? would this work?

[ks8829]

try both at your golf store and see what you hit the best and while you are there you can select which brand, degree, size, shaft stiffness, etc.

Have a knowledgeable store staff help you and make sure you try different clubs on the launch monitor.

[DannyG5]

Whatever you do, buy a used club. After you improve your game, then start looking to buy some new clubs.

[Cburch15]

yeah i was going to buy used or last year closeouts, but after gofling for a second time with a friend that plays d1 at ohio state, he told me not to get either a 3wood or driver and get a wedge, he said that because right now im only play par three course cause im just starting out...that sound about right?