3-Wood VS Driver

[Greg Root]

I'm new to the forum, so I'm sure this has been brought up before, but here it goes.

I have a Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 12 degree Driver, and the Big Bertha Alpha 3-Wood 15 degree (I think).

I slice the ball like crazy with the driver, but when I use the 3-Wood, I hit a nice baby draw with only losing about 5-yards in distance.

I understand the primary differences between the two clubs are loft and shaft length.

Would it be worth me having the shaft of the driver shortened to the same shaft length of the 3 Wood?

For now, I have removed the driver from my bag and added another Wedge, and use the 3-Wood from the tee.

I appreciate any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks.

[Mr. Desmond]

I'd work on the swing, but 44.5-45 inches will help.

Mine are typically 45-45.25 depending on the forgiveness of the head... like .25 inches matters...

You can trim to 45, put an extra wrap of grip for the lower hand and grip down .5 inches.

[Grumpter]

Are the shafts both the same stiffness? Is the Alpha 3-wood set to 'D" for draw or 'N' for neutral? I would say go try some other drivers but would avoid the 'latest and greatest' as you pay through the nose for them.

[mvmac]

I'm new to the forum, so I'm sure this has been brought up before, but here it goes.

I have a Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 12 degree Driver, and the Big Bertha Alpha 3-Wood 15 degree (I think).

I slice the ball like crazy with the driver, but when I use the 3-Wood, I hit a nice baby draw with only losing about 5-yards in distance.

I understand the primary differences between the two clubs are loft and shaft length.

Would it be worth me having the shaft of the driver shortened to the same shaft length of the 3 Wood?

For now, I have removed the driver from my bag and added another Wedge, and use the 3-Wood from the tee.

I appreciate any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks.

Even though this is an equipment thread, couldn't hurt to look at this thread. The issue isn't the shaft/loft, it's that you probably swing down and left, which isn't going to work out well for the driver, with 3 wood you can kinda get away with it (to a point).

Another option is to play a Callaway Mini 1.5 or a TaylorMade SLDR mini driver.

[DrvFrShow]

Another thing to consider is how often you have time to practice and how often will you practice.That's important. The driver is a club that requires more practice and if you don't have the time to put into it, cut your losses and enjoy the game more.

[billchao]

The driver is a club that requires more practice and if you don't have the time to put into it, cut your losses and enjoy the game more.

I'm not sure I agree with this. The driver is just a little different and most of the adjustments are made at setup. I practice with just a 7I and improvements also appear in my driver swing.

[Mr. Desmond]

And if one is not too confident in the driver, grip down and make a 3/4 swing or punch, and it still goes as far or farther than a fairway wood, especially in firm conditions.

[billchao]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billchao


I'm not sure I agree with this. The driver is just a little different and most of the adjustments are made at setup. I practice with just a 7I and improvements also appear in my driver swing.

And if one is not too confident in the driver, grip down and make a 3/4 swing or punch, and it still goes as far or farther than a fairway wood, especially in firm conditions.

I've honestly never had any success choking down on a driver. You can always get a Callaway Bertha Mini 1.5, though. It's great off the tee. I'm reviewing the club currently and will write an article on it in the near future.