Driver or 3W?

[Meady]

I'm looking at buying a driver but I'm also considering a 3w instead. As a beginner I'm not sure which would be most useful. My club shop has some of the Cleveland HiBore XLS drivers for 99 quid at the mo (brand new) but they also have the Cleveland Launcher 09 3Ws for 109 quid. Obviously I'll try before I buy but I just wondered if anyone had any advice for beginners in this area.

 

[Imurg]

In all honesty, if you really struggle to hit the driver then get a good 3 wood - the Launcher will be a good one - and learn to hit that. You'll probably get similar distance - ok a bit shorter - but you'll be on the short stuff a lot more and that's a big step to improving.
When your swing gets better then think about a driver.

 

[USER1999]

Drivers are still hard to hit, despite the big head. 3W are usually easier, but not that easy either.

Try both, and if you feel you hit one better than the other, go with that, but be honest with yourself.

If you can't hit either then save your money. You don't need a big stick in the bag if you can't hit it reliably. It will just get you in trouble. You may find being short but straight is a better bet until you get a more consistent swing.

 

[KeefG]

In all honesty, if you really struggle to hit the driver then get a good 3 wood - the Launcher will be a good one - and learn to hit that. You'll probably get similar distance - ok a bit shorter - but you'll be on the short stuff a lot more and that's a big step to improving.
When your swing gets better then think about a driver.

I've gone completely the opposite way, I used to be able to hit my 3W lovely but have fell out with it now and have no confidence with it at all.

My driver on the other hand is out of this world, its an oldie but dear god i've got it working well now!!

Try them both out fella and see which one works best for you.

 

[Meady]

So would a 5W be even easier and a safer bet?

 

[KeefG]

Looking at your setup you already have, why not try the driver, if you get on with it then buy it, and when you can afford it try something like a 17* hybrid to bridge the gap from your 23* to your driver?

Just a suggestion though as hybrids are a lot easier to hit that 3 & 5 woods.

 

[Espada]

I never use a driver but tee off with a 3 wood instead. I would really strongly suggest that you go to your local club and ask them for a fitting, explain what you want and they will advise you accordingly. As a beginner (like myself) you might struggle with even the most forgiving of drivers.

 

[Meady]

I played a round last weekend and had 4 drives with a friends really old 11 degree bertha driver. Hit 3 fairways with decent drives but I think it was more luck than judgement. That said, is a massive head driver easier to hit than a teeny old one?

 

[bluenose10]

I have been a bit "hit or miss" with the driver recently so am using my 3 wood at the moment which is always straight but my driver can go anywhere!! I a relatively new starter to golf so am shooting about 90 - 95 so im not sure im the best to give any advice but i find i have good and bad days with both. . .

 

[pro_slice]

id go with the 3 wood. It should be easier to hit, you should get good distance with it and it is a more versatile club

I <3 my 3 wood

 

[fade_away]

I tried both the launcher 3 wood and the hibore xls 3 wood last weekend. Ended up buying the hibore xls 3 wood. Very pleased at the moment. Very long and easy to hit.

Played 9 last night without my driver and did not feel as though I was losing too much lenght. This might be the way to go.

 

[Meady]

OK 3W it is I think. So now I need to know which one to buy. I'll try a few but anyone recommend a super forgiving club that would suit me? I like the look of the launcher but what else might work?

 

[Meady]

Nice one fade. That's good to know. And thanks for all the other advice too. This place is great.

 

[KeefG]

OK 3W it is I think. So now I need to know which one to buy. I'll try a few but anyone recommend a super forgiving club that would suit me? I like the look of the launcher but what else might work?

The Ping G5 is apparently a belter, never used one myself but i've only ever heard good things about it.

 

[slugger]

FWIW, I tried a few different launcher 3 wood specs at a demo day recently and it was the best 3 wood i've hit. Once i have the spare cash, it'll be in my bag to replace the old wilson staff df6 i picked up for £20.

 

[Adi_Dassler]

I'm looking at buying a driver but I'm also considering a 3w instead. As a beginner I'm not sure which would be most useful. My club shop has some of the Cleveland HiBore XLS drivers for 99 quid at the mo (brand new) but they also have the Cleveland Launcher 09 3Ws for 109 quid. Obviously I'll try before I buy but I just wondered if anyone had any advice for beginners in this area.

I recently bought a Nicklaus 'claw' 3 wood on the advice of a pro at American Golf ( I know all about the better margins on that particular brand for AG) after hitting a few balls on the range I happily bought it.It hasnt consigned my driver to the bag forever, but I certainly use it at alot more than I thought I would.
It's probably about 30 yards shorter than my driver, but as a 15 handicapper I'm happier being shorter on the short grass than longer in the boondai, I feel much more in control of direction with it.
I got it for £90, so it's about the same price range as you are looking at.

 

[Macster]

Ravenson: New isnt always best way to go until you find something to suit, and you can waste lots of money.

I have a very old Callaway WarBird 5wood, and recently picked up the same club in a 4Wood, for the extra 10/15yds, and quite simply, it goes a mile.
Small head, steel shaft, and very powerful, gets me 240yds off the Tee.
Ideal as it sits between a 3 & 5. *Simples*

See here http://www.golfbidder.co.uk/product/315510/Callaway_War_Bird.html

Possibly the best £36 you could spend.

 

[Espada]

I had a fitting recently and tried several clubs and ended up getting a Benross 3 Max. It really is about finding one that suits you personally. Your local club will probably give you a fitting for free and let you try out several clubs with a PGA pro who will watch your swing and listen to what you say about the clubs and advise you accordingly. There is no obligation to buy so it really is worth having a go.

 

[Meady]

Custom fitting sounds good. Never had that. There's a demo day up near me next week for Callaway. Is this a good place to sort something like this. What happens on demo days? Are things cheaper?

 

[Doh]

Sometimes they can be cheaper but what you really go for is to try all the equipment with the advantage of having some expert advice?

Dont be pushed in to buying anything if your not sure you want it.