Forget the driver, I'm using my 3W off the tee!

[phillyk]

It depends on the hole. I can't vote here because there's not really an option that fits my style.  350-390: I tee off with 4-iron; 390-430: I tee off with 3-wood; 430+: I'll use driver.  But, it also depends greatly on the layout of the hole.  Where the trouble is, if the hole is shorter, can I drive the green or get close if there's not much trouble, should I instead use a mid-iron...etc.  I have hit my 3-wood and driver equally well lately, so I don't really favor one over the other.

[Mattplusness]

I'm pretty comfy with my driver. Only time I take 3W is when there is trouble 260+

[RGoosen]

Originally Posted by njcl13

If i can hit my 5w or 3w good then i can hit my driver good,if i'm hitting my 5w and 3w bad then i'll hit the driver bad - 3W and driver,there is nothing between them other than the driver has less loft and a longer shaft,assuming your woods are all the same make,same shaft and flex then being good with the 3W but bad with driver then that can only be due to two things,loft or length of shaft,a flatter degree on the face,or the longer shaft which may indicate the degree of the driver is too much for you,so buy a higher lofted driver {assuming you dont already use the highest degree lofted driver already},or cut the shaft down an inch so it matches up with your 3w

That is the extent of my basic understanding of the problem....

The driver should typically be played more forward in your stance, the shaft is longer, and the idea is to not use a decending blow when you hit the driver.

The 3 wood is played slightly forward in your stance, the shaft is shorter, the loft is higher, and the swing is similar to a hybrid in terms of sweeping it of the tee that is barely off the ground.

The 3 wood is for accuracy and the driver is for distance when it is needed.  Watch pros on the weekends and see which holes they pull the driver out vs 3 wood.  Shorter holes that are narrow = 3 wood/hybrid/long iron.  Long wide par 4's and wide par 5's = driver the majority of the time