1st Post Here, Need some help with bag setup

[jwalker497]

I need some help with finishing my bag.  Below is what I have so far.

1. Putter
2. LW @ 60* = 50y
3. SW @ 55* = 70y
4. GW @ 50* = 90y
5. PW @ 45* = 110y
6. 9i @ 41* = 120y
7. 8i @ 37* = 130y
8. 7i @ 33* = 140y
9. 6i @ 29* = 150y
10. 5i @ 25*= 160y
11. 4H @ 22* = 170y
12.
13.
14. Driver = 10.5* = 230y

As you can see, I have 2 slots open that I need to fill.  My longest iron is a 5iron @ 25* which I hit 160-165.  Then I have a hybrid @ 22* which I hit about 170-175.   The way I see it I have 3 options.  I would GREATLY appreciate any input and advice you guys and gals have.  I need to figuere this out and I just cannot seem to make a decision.  I really need some feedback.   So here are my 3 options, unless you have other suggestions.

Option A .  Strong 3W @ 13* & 4W @ 16.5*.  The reason for this is that I struggle with the driver (Yes I am taking lesson and  working on it and making progress, but nevertheless, that strong 3W I can hit almost as long as my driver off the tee.  It's really comforting having a backup driver.  I also like it for Par 5s and shorter Par 4s. Driving has been my biggest bane so it's nice t0 have.  However, Since the strong 3 is not very good from the fairway, in fact not good at all -  the 4W would be used for shots 185-195.   The 4W wood goes about 190ish and this would create a gap between my 4H and the 4W.  If I go this route, here is what it would look like...

11. 4H @ 22* = 170y
12. 4W  @16.5* = 190y
13. 3=W @ 13* = 210 (tee only)
14. Driver = 10.5* = 230y

Option B . Standard 3W @ 15* & 5W @ 18*.   I forget the strong 3W and I go with a standard 3W @ 15* Which would be a compromise for a better fairway wood while still having a backup driver,  This would sacrafice a tiny bit of distance as compared to the strong 3, but it might give me a more versatile club in the regular 3W.  Then I go with a 5W which I could use @ 185yards. Here's what it would look like. This option might give me the best coverage in yardage gaps and best overall compromise, However, I am just not sure what role the 5W would play.

11. 4H @ 22* = 170y
12. 5W  @ 18* = 185y
13. 3W @ 13* = 200 (tee & fwy)
14. Driver = 10.5* = 230

Option C .  Same as Option B, but I replace the 5W with a 3Hybrid.  So I have the Standard 3W @ 15* & 3Hybrid @ 19*  This is the same scenario as above.  I Just don't know which club, the 5W or the 3H would be more versatile.  My woods have a tendency to fade a little so maybe I should go with the 3H, however, then I don't really have a FW wood.   With this route, I will have 2H and a 3W.

1. 4H @ 22* = 170y
12. 3H  @19* = 180y
13. 3W @ 15* = 200 (tee & fwy)
14. Driver = 10.5* = 225

So that's it - Which do you think I should go with and why??  Any help would be appreciated!!  I thank you in advance for any input or advice you can offer.  THANKS!!!!

[trackster]

From what you described option B I would say.

With option A you are carrying 2 clubs that can only be hit off the tee.  Sacraficing 10 yards isn't really anything when you can hit the club off the deck or tee.  Plus 200 yards off the tee is a good plenty most of the time.

I guess it doesn't matter if you go with 3 hybrid or 5 wood.  You won't even be able to recognize that 5 yard difference most time.  Just go with the one that you hit the best.

[jwalker497]

I was kind of leaning towards Option B or C.  I just don't know which would be preferred the 3H or the 5W.  What are the pros and cons of each?

[shades9323]

You would have to go hit them to see. I went with option c.  I might also suggest you pick up a strong 3 and leave your driver at home for a while. When I am struggling with the driver I only hit my strong 3 off the tee.

Originally Posted by jwalker497

I was kind of leaning towards Option B or C.  I just don't know which would be preferred the 3H or the 5W.  What are the pros and cons of each?

[johnclayton1982]

I use option C as well.  If you struggle off the tee, you are going to end up in the rough alot, and your 5W is going to do very little for you out of the rough.  Further, you can get a 3h in a low enough loft that it is the same as a 5 wood.  Take a look at the first-generation burnder superlaunch rescue hybrids.  The 3 hybrid is 18* and is great out of the rough.  It is my favorite club, and if you get first-generation (not the white ones) they are really cheap ($99 at my local Dicks) for a great hybrid.  I would go option C, unless you are in the fairway a ton.  But since you said driving is your bane, I would suggest a 18* rescue club.

[JoelCochran]

First, welcome to the Sandtrap!

I'm somewhere between A and B. I carry a strong 3 (13*), a 5 wood (18*), and a 3H (19*) instead of a 4H.  I use the 3 wood primarily off the tee, the 5 wood is one of my most reliable clubs and it usually isn't worth the extra few yards to try to hit the 3.  I rarely go for par fives in 2 so it isn't really an issue for me to be able to hit the 3 wood off the ground.  If you anticipate needing 3 wood off the fairway, then I would look at option B.

Loft isn't everything: my 18* 5 wood goes about 225 and my 19* 3H goes about 200.  The 5 wood has a bigger head, larger sweet spot, and longer shaft, so I hit it farther.  I'm also more confident with it - it really comes down to what you prefer.  If you hit the hybrids easier, then consider a 2H or 3H.  If you are worried about having a gap between clubs, I would go with the longer option because you can always grip down or use a partial swing to hit it shorter.

[jwalker497]

I am suprised Option C is the leader, I would have figuered Option B.

Even though I love the strong 3, I figuere a standard 3 would be very similiar and would give me better chance to hit off the turf.  As for the 5W - I am leaning towards the Adams XTD Hybrid-Fairway, this seems to be a nice balance of a hybrid and a fairway wood.  Might be a nice transition from the 4H to the 3W.  To me that 5W/3H/3I area is very tricky to fill.

Does anyone have any experience with the Adams XTD Hybrid-Fairway (5 @18*)

[shades9323]

No, but if you are looking for a strong 3 that is good off the tee and off the deck, look at the Adams Insight BTY.  With Adams reputation, I would bet that the club you are looking at is great.

Originally Posted by jwalker497

I am suprised Option C is the leader, I would have figuered Option B.

Even though I love the strong 3, I figuere a standard 3 would be very similiar and would give me better chance to hit off the turf.  As for the 5W - I am leaning towards the Adams XTD Hybrid-Fairway, this seems to be a nice balance of a hybrid and a fairway wood.  Might be a nice transition from the 4H to the 3W.  To me that 5W/3H/3I area is very tricky to fill.

Does anyone have any experience with the Adams XTD Hybrid-Fairway (5 @18*)