Thinking of changing my set makeup for long range..thoughts?

[Jack Lee]

I've been playing a set that leans toward short range for a while now. My current set is driver, 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4-pw, 52, 56, 60. I'm finding myself with a big gap in the long end of my set. I hit about 245 with my 3 wood and 200 or so with my hybrid. I'm thinking of going to a set makeup of driver, strong 3 wood, high loft 3 wood (or 4 wood), 3 hybrid, 4-9, 48, 54, 60. That would leave me versatile on the short end and close the gap in my long end. What are you folks thoughts on that change? And who makes a 4 wood or high loft 3 wood that folks would suggest trying? Thanks! Jack Lee

[trackster]

I don't think I would switch at all.  How often do you find yourself needing to hit a shot that is in the 200-220 range?

From what you have said in your post, you seem like a long hitter with your 3 wood and are likely even longer with your driver.  Based on those distances, it unlikely that you are going to need to address a gap at the long range, because your second shots are going to come from 200 and in.  If the handicap in your profile and the distances you have mentioned are correct, then chances are your are missing greens in regulation. Thus a setup focused more towards the short game (like you already have) seems to be better suited for you.

[David in FL]

I could see that gap being a problem, if you're playing longer courses, especially if they have longer par-3's. You could more easily just swap the 3 wood for a 5 wood or something that you can hit well, and in the 225 range and be done with it. I'm not a big fan of 60* wedges for high handicap players in the first place, so I'd absolutely encourage you to drop that. Either fill that long gap, or better yet, replace it with a dedicated chipper and still drop the 3-wood in favor of something a little more lofted.

[GangGreen]

I carry a 5 wood (Callaway X2 Hot) to fill the gap between my 3 wood and 3 hybrid.  I'm not a long hitter and, for me, it's my 200 yard club.  I love it but my home course is fairly short and very tight so I get a fair amount of use out of it off the tee.

[WUTiger]

Here's the long end of your bag:

• Taylormade SLDR 430 10.5 degree driver
• Cobra sz hyper steel 3 wood (240 yards)
• A7 19 degree hybrid (200 yards)

I'm assuming your C-sz 3W (came out about 2003) is the 15.5º version.  If  you wanted to fill the gap and could find one, the C-sz 5W (18º loft) might do it for you. BUT, this would give you only 2.5º loft difference between 3W and 5W = possible distance bunch-up.

One thing you might consider is the Callaway XHot FWs. (3W 15º / 4W 17º / 5W 19º). Should be able to get them for under $100 each. For you, the 3W and 5W would give you 4º loft difference and ¾ inch shaft length difference. This would give you in-between coverage but not bunch up too much on yardage.

Also, the Callaway X2Hot FWs have the same loft and shaft-length specs, but might be a bit more expensive.

TM has the RBZ Stage 2 FWs with similar gapping. (Avoid original stock RBZ FWs, - the shafts are way too light for someone with your distance).

I carry a 5 wood (Callaway X2 Hot) to fill the gap between my 3 wood and 3 hybrid.  I'm not a long hitter and, for me, it's my 200 yard club.  I love it but my home course is fairly short and very tight so I get a fair amount of use out of it off the tee.

But, here's a valid point also:

I don't think I would switch at all.  How often do you find yourself needing to hit a shot that is in the 200-220 range?  ...

You would probably do better by working on your short game and overall swing. The distance gap at 220 yards is not what's keeping you from breaking 100. Adding to what @trackster said, you would get quicker improvement from spending the $$ on lessons, and worry about the long gap a couple of seasons down the road.

[Jack Lee]

To this point, my issue bringing my handicap down was consistency. Thin/topped shots or big pushes. I recently got a little help with that and am coming along really fast in getting those out of my game. I do a lot of sand work with my sixty degree wedge when I'm in a steep bunker (common where I play) or short sided. It's actually one of my better clubs. I still have my old 5 wood and might try pulling my pitching wedge for a round or two and replacing it with that and see if it helps. My big concern in looking at this at all is that the courses I play have a lot of doglegs that force shorter tee shots. I have situations that call for that middle range between my 3 wood and 3 hybrid more often than I'm comfortable not being able to address, especially as I get more consistent. My driver has turned monstrously long since my last bit of help and I've hit my 3 wood for what my girlfriend guessed at about 250 in recent rounds. I just worry about being able to hit a shot in that mid range between 250 and 210 and have it stick without worrying about flying the green. Maybe it will prove to be over thinking an issue I won't see as often as I think as my game improves. I'd still love to hear impressions from folks that have carried 4 woods or high threes that they liked. JL

[WUTiger]

I don't hit nearly as long as you do, but I have been playing a 4W + 7W for the past three seasons, and really like it. I pulled my 4i in favor of a 4H, which goes a little further and is a more reliable. (I also have SLDR irons, but that 4i is a superb driving iron).

Given the playing conditions you describe, here's an alternative:

Keep the 3W, drop the 3H and the 4i , and add back a 2H and 4H . This would spread out your long-end distance gaps to maybe 15 or 20 yards. Something to consider.

[nick1998bunker]

For the most part I personally have no need for a 3 wood. I would recommend dropping the 3 wood and adding another hybrid