Percentage v Going for it.

[davemc1]

Hi all, I'm new to the game (3 months) and have most of my troubles when teeing off. The driver never comes out the bag, 3 wood isn't much better. However, I've stumbled upon teeing with my 23° hybrid. It's pretty consistent and travels about 170. Should I stick with the hybrid or go for broke with the 3? (Approx 210 yards when hit properly) thanks in advance.

 

[mashleyR7]

for the time being stick with the hybrid. better to be short but on the fairway than long in the rough or trees.

 

[Garush34]

Its better to get the ball in play first of all. Get some work done on the driver and 3 wood so that they are more consistent. It's better to be in the fairway than the trees.

 

[Odvan]

As above.

keep the ball in play from the tee and you put yourself in a position to score well. If your 23* does you well perhaps have a knock with a 20* or even a 17* before deciding to pop it in the bag. I hit my 17/20* wonderfully well off the tee and don't hesitate to use them on a hole whereby the percentage shot is the best option. Keep it in play!

At the same time, get down the range and gain as much confidence as you can from the big sticks and if it ain't meant to be, so be it. There's many on here that use 5w's and hybrids from the tee.

 

[Robobum]

Nothing better than having a good old rip with the driver though.

Try smashing it even harder. It may not improve your accuracy but it'll be fun

 

[Dellboy]

Where would rather be... 170 yards from the tee but on the short stuff, or 220-230 yards it the ruff or trees.

Just use the club you can hit the best, distance is good but it's no good if you waste your next shot or two getting out of trouble.

 

[virtuocity]

Hi all, I'm new to the game (3 months) and have most of my troubles when teeing off. The driver never comes out the bag, 3 wood isn't much better. However, I've stumbled upon teeing with my 23° hybrid. It's pretty consistent and travels about 170. Should I stick with the hybrid or go for broke with the 3? (Approx 210 yards when hit properly) thanks in advance.

What's the problem with the driver Dave? PS> Welcome!

 

[davemc1]

What's the problem with the driver Dave? PS> Welcome!

Horrible nasty slice. It's a no go zone.

 

[Garush34]

Horrible nasty slice. It's a no go zone.

might be worth going to see a pro for a lesson. It could be a simple set up change for the driver that could be causing the slice.

 

[Brian_C]

You're in the same boat as me. Keep the ball in play and use the hybrid.
I would advise some lessons.

 

[MadAdey]

The fact that you are new to the game but asking a question like this is good, it shows you are thinking about how best to get the ball round and make a good score. Not sure how well you are scoring already, but the first aim to any new golfer is to consistently break 100 so that you can play to an official handicap. Keep it in the fairway and do not have any 3 putts will easily see you do that on a regular basis.

 

[One Planer]

Golf is a game of percentages IMHO.

I try and think "It's not how far I hit the ball off the tee. It's what I have left when the ball comes to rest"

If, in your case, you hit it 170 onto the short stuff, that's better than 200+ but what you're left with is a lottery.

Some of the longer par 4's at my track I'll takes hybrid off, simply to keep me away from the trouble. Yes I give up yardage, but I'm in play with a clear shot to the green.

 

[davemc1]

I do try sticking with the hybrids but the big guns are screaming out at me. So I suppose the question is, do we play to have fun or to shoot lowest scores possible? That 1 shot when it goes right outweighs going in the trees a few times. Inexperienced golfer speak I suppose

 

[MadAdey]

I do try sticking with the hybrids but the big guns are screaming out at me. So I suppose the question is, do we play to have fun or to shoot lowest scores possible? That 1 shot when it goes right outweighs going in the trees a few times. Inexperienced golfer speak I suppose

The question to ask yourself what will give you more pleasure? Shooting low scores or spending time looking for balls on the off chance that you might just scream one down the middle.

 

[LewisR]

I was the same until recently. I would not tee off driver or 3w. Much preffered my 4i which I knew would go straight. After a lesson and several trips to the range taking only the big clubs I'm now at a stage where I will try it a couple times on the course. The balls are at least landing on or near the fairway now rather than oob

 

[virtuocity]

I do try sticking with the hybrids but the big guns are screaming out at me. So I suppose the question is, do we play to have fun or to shoot lowest scores possible? That 1 shot when it goes right outweighs going in the trees a few times. Inexperienced golfer speak I suppose

The thing is, you have a consistent miss. Nothing wrong with that. Why not aim left of target (say 9 o'clock to target even at first), point your clubface to 10 o'clock, swing across your toes making sure to keep your head back and then fade that big dog on to the middle of the fairway?

ETA- if you're only getting 190 off the driver doing this and your hybrid is getting you 170, then ignore all my advice. But if you're getting over 200 yards, then it's something to consider.

 

[Slab]

Three off the tee is never fun!

In a bunker would you even consider using a club that typically takes three to get out or a club you know will work most of the time?

 

[Sweep]

Go with the hybrid while you learn to hit woods off the tee. You are only just beginning, you have lots of time to progress to using woods successfully ​off the tee. I would advocate using the winter to lots of range time with your driver and 3 wood and as others have said, get some lessons and put into practice what you are taught.

 

[garyinderry]

the simple answer is you are not looking to shoot level par. 28 over par or better is your aim at the minute. do yourself a massive favour and lay up on every hole the next time you are out and see what happens.

if you are past the doffing stage, you might surprise yourself.

when I say every hole I mean, if you are outside say 150 yards after taking a hybrid off the tee. if its a short hole, go for it.

rome wasn't built in a day!

 

[woody69]

Distance off the tee is not important for a high handicap player. For a 400 yard hole it is far better to hit it 150, 150, 100 and 1 or 2 putt. You should be looking for pars and bogeys on "most" holes. When / if you get better and your ball striking becomes more consistent, this is when you can start thinking about "going for it" and trying to give yourself a few more birdie opportunities. By the time that comes around, you'll be so adept from 100 yards in that even if you miss the green you'll still have a great chance to scramble par / get a birdie.