Driver v 3 wood

[Matty6]

Need a bit of advice ladies and gentlemen. I've only been playing since August 15 and as with most newbies, I struggled at first with my driver. My 3 wood I got on with well pretty much straight off. Recently I have spent a lot of time working on my driver. I'm now a lot more comfortable hitting driver and I am getting consistent results, which I'm thrilled about.

My main issue now is that I only manage to hit my driver around 200-230 yards; even when I hit it cleanly (well, it feels like I've hit it cleanly). With my 3 wood, I regularly hit 250+. Also, it doesn't look like I get anymore carry with my 3 wood than driver. I haven't had a lesson on my drivers yet so I'm going to get something sorted in the next few weeks. My driver is adjustable so I can reduce the loft. Should that make a difference to my driver distances? I did try with a reduced loft previously and I struggled a lot.

 

[bobmac]

Do you ever take a divot with the driver?

 

[Matty6]

Do you ever take a divot with the driver?

I have done, yes. Sometimes, I also sky my driver.

 

[bobmac]

Try moving the ball forward in your stance 2-3 inches towards the big toe of your front foot

 

[UlyssesSky]

First of all, congratulations to your 3 wood distances! The average 3 wood carry on the PGA Tour is just over 240 yards, so even if you factor in roll your 250+ yards are right up there with the big guys!

For most newbies and slower swingers, it's better to play a higher lofted driver to get the ball in the air and increase carry and overall distance. But if your swing speed is high enoug to hit a 3 wood 250+ yards, you should be able to get the ball in the air even with less loft, so you could give it a try.


But honestly, before you start tinkering with your driver, go get a lesson and let the pro decide what could work best for you.

 

[Matty6]

Try moving the ball forward in your stance 2-3 inches towards the big toe of your front foot

I currently line up the ball to the inside of my heel on my front foot. Should I line up the ball more towards my big toe?

 

[Matty6]

But honestly, before you start tinkering with your driver, go get a lesson and let the pro decide what could work best for you.

Yeah, thats a good point. Think I'll hold off on playing around with varying lofts.

 

[bobmac]

I currently line up the ball to the inside of my heel on my front foot. Should I line up the ball more towards my big toe?

Without seeing your swing its a bit of a guess but I'd definitely try it, maybe best at the range first

 

[WWG]

Need a bit of advice ladies and gentlemen. I've only been playing since August 15 and as with most newbies, I struggled at first with my driver. My 3 wood I got on with well pretty much straight off. Recently I have spent a lot of time working on my driver. I'm now a lot more comfortable hitting driver and I am getting consistent results, which I'm thrilled about.

My main issue now is that I only manage to hit my driver around 200-230 yards; even when I hit it cleanly (well, it feels like I've hit it cleanly). With my 3 wood, I regularly hit 250+. Also, it doesn't look like I get anymore carry with my 3 wood than driver. I haven't had a lesson on my drivers yet so I'm going to get something sorted in the next few weeks. My driver is adjustable so I can reduce the loft. Should that make a difference to my driver distances? I did try with a reduced loft previously and I struggled a lot.

I am impressed. I started at the same time as you, and my best drive is about 180 yds. In fact there is a no one in my entire club that hits over 200 yds at this time of year.

 

[Foliage Finder]

Yeah, thats a good point. Think I'll hold off on playing around with varying lofts.

+1 for get a lesson! I've been playing for about 18 months now and I still can't hit driver for toffee. Had a lesson last week and by the end of it in my own little practice I hit a straight, high, long drive scattered amongst the usual dross. The feeling was great, and without the pro, I'd not have been able to do it.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Driver - 200-230
3 Wood - 250 plus ?!?

Forget using a driver then

 

[Sybez]

This might be of help to you - http://www.adamyounggolf.com/how-to-increase-your-angle-of-attack/

 

[WWG]

Are you sure your not getting feet mixed up with yards. To be able to hit a 3 wood 250 yards in the winter is nothing short of amazing. This would equate to hitting the ball over 300 yards in the summer with a 3 wood, which in my opinion could only be done with partial use of a canon.

 

[selwood90]

Get a pro to take a look at you. I had similar issues when I started. Hit my 3 wood like a dream, but suffered a massive slice with the driver and terrible distance. I went for a lesson, had a few minor things changed. Like, ball position, tee height, feet alignment and to flare my lead foot out slightly. And on my day now I'd say it's the best club for consistency in my bag.

 

[Matty6]

Are you sure your not getting feet mixed up with yards. To be able to hit a 3 wood 250 yards in the winter is nothing short of amazing. This would equate to hitting the ball over 300 yards in the summer with a 3 wood, which in my opinion could only be done with partial use of a canon.

My 250 3 wood distance is when the weather is milder than now. The last time I hit it 250 was in the barmy 18 degree weather in December! My 3 wood at the moment is considerably less in these cold bitter months!

 

[Matty6]

Thanks for all the tips folks. Great font of knowledge as always!

 

[drewster]

a 250 yard , 3 wood after less than 6 months in the game !!!! It must be time to leave beginner level and go up to intermediate on PGA Tour 2016 !!!!!!!

 

[Matty6]

I think I'll get some driving distances from the GC2 when I have my lesson, just to be sure of my numbers! Ive been using the distance markers on the course to gauge my driving distances. Maybe my maths needs a little brushing up!

 

[ruff-driver]

:rofl:

 

[Matty6]

:rofl:

:swing: