99problemsbutapitchaint1
Assistant Pro
Hybrids do go like stink, for me i sucked with them until i learned hit them like irons v swing them like woods, i am sure you follow me
Taking the Driver out of the Bag?
- Thread starter RollinThunder
- Start date
Robster59
Tour Rookie
I tend to use my driver but (at the moment) I am pretty straight with it, finding the fairway more often than not.
On a tight course I would then consider knocking down to my fairways or irons but I would play it by ear.
I still do use a 3 iron but given it's an MX-900 iron, it's pretty much semi hybrid anyway so easy to hit.
On a tight course I would then consider knocking down to my fairways or irons but I would play it by ear.
I still do use a 3 iron but given it's an MX-900 iron, it's pretty much semi hybrid anyway so easy to hit.
TheCaddie
Challenge Tour Pro
I've just gone through a very similar thing.... I felt that hitting a driver was an absolute must, but it really isn't, hitting fairways is!!! There is no 'clubs used' column on the score board!!
For about a month I used a 5i off the tee, and I shot my best scores ever, just by getting it on the short stuff. If you are a high handicapper / beginner like me, then you should be looking to play bogey golf, target yourself 5 on every hole.... if you nail it you are still shooting 90 which is pretty good. Your course sounds very short, so a 4/5i off the tee, 7i and then wedge or maybe just a 7i, would get you there or there abouts in 2 or 3 shots. Your scores will come tumbling down and you will start to enjoy it a bit more.
In the meantime and in the background, get some lessons, get down the range, and get practicing with the 3w and Driver. Then, when you feel confident enough to take it out on the course, use them on the most open holes, if you do well on the open holes, next time, try it with the slightly tighter holes and see how you get on.
I've literally just been through this process, and today was my first round in a while with the 3w, and I was hitting it a good 40/50yds further down the track than I normally do, and straight! Was a great feeling. Shame my irons weren't on form today, but I still shot a score I was happy with, and left a good 5-7 shots out there where I know on another day I would nail. That's golf though!
Feel free to drop me a PM if you want to ask any questions as I this process has been really invaluable for me.
For about a month I used a 5i off the tee, and I shot my best scores ever, just by getting it on the short stuff. If you are a high handicapper / beginner like me, then you should be looking to play bogey golf, target yourself 5 on every hole.... if you nail it you are still shooting 90 which is pretty good. Your course sounds very short, so a 4/5i off the tee, 7i and then wedge or maybe just a 7i, would get you there or there abouts in 2 or 3 shots. Your scores will come tumbling down and you will start to enjoy it a bit more.
In the meantime and in the background, get some lessons, get down the range, and get practicing with the 3w and Driver. Then, when you feel confident enough to take it out on the course, use them on the most open holes, if you do well on the open holes, next time, try it with the slightly tighter holes and see how you get on.
I've literally just been through this process, and today was my first round in a while with the 3w, and I was hitting it a good 40/50yds further down the track than I normally do, and straight! Was a great feeling. Shame my irons weren't on form today, but I still shot a score I was happy with, and left a good 5-7 shots out there where I know on another day I would nail. That's golf though!
Feel free to drop me a PM if you want to ask any questions as I this process has been really invaluable for me.
Sats
Challenge Tour Pro
Spot on!
RollinThunder
Assistant Pro
What did the pro tell you to do with your hybrid? Do you hit down on the ball with it? Think its a mental thing with me but my shots just bend round left.[/QUOTE]
I use a PING G20 hybrid, so he reckons they're the type to like being hit down with, whereas before, I was trying to sweep it off the ground. I tend to use mine with the same stance and ball position as my 6-iron, maybe the ball a tiny bit further forward, but nevertheless, I swing it like a 6-iron, and it comes off lovely
That's the truth of it! I don't have a card on me at the moment, but there are a lot of short par-4s, which are anything from driveable 250-yarders, to dogleg 350-yarders, so getting 150-200 yards off the tee with a shorter club, would still leave a short or mid-iron to the green on even the most challenging of holes. There's only one par-5 too, and that's just short, narrow and straight
Like I said, the longer hitters' eyes light up when they see the length, but they don't consider the punishing width, and the bunkers that like to collect drives, so I do think a shorter club off the tee is the way to go. I'm having a course of lessons at the moment, so eventually we'll cover driving, but it's not a case of not being able to hit it, as someone mentioned before. I can strike it very well, it's just the width of the course which is very punishing, and I wouldn't hesitate giving the driver a go on another course than mine.
TheCaddie
Challenge Tour Pro
Are you a member of this club? Are there any courses that are near by, that are slightly longer in length that might be worth joining? Without knowing too much about the club or course, I think you potentially could get quite bored once you do start hitting it better.... it will also might be a harder to transfer your game to longer courses....
huds1475
Journeyman Pro
In response to OP.
You sound like you need more drivers. Than you can rotate them when they're misbehaving
You sound like you need more drivers. Than you can rotate them when they're misbehaving
Several choices. Go and get a driver lesson which will stand you in better stead if you go to other longer courses. Learn to hit a 3 or 5 wood and look at course management. I don't think you want to get too defensive or leave yourself too far back as you'll be hitting more club into greens
JARS
Hacker
I have spent this summer going up 0.1's. Played last months medal using 3 wood instead of the driver. Nett 72, CSS 75, cut 0.6, happy bunny 
I have had two driver specific lessons and still I struggle with it. Seriously thinking about a mini driver and ditch the big dog forever.
I have had two driver specific lessons and still I struggle with it. Seriously thinking about a mini driver and ditch the big dog forever.
duncan mackie
Money List Winner
There's a vital psychological issue on play here that hasn't been mentioned.
If you remove the driver then you ate stuck with the 3 - when you stand there wishing you had the driver you are beaten; it's not there so you try and force the 3.
Having the D in the bag you can choose to hit the 3 for the right reasons and aren't under pressure.
I rarely use a driver at thia time of year because of the hole layout rather than any issues with accuracy etc(although if you hit it 30 yds further is has to be more accurate, not just as accurate, to be in play.
Worst possible reasons to take it out the bag is because others are...
If you remove the driver then you ate stuck with the 3 - when you stand there wishing you had the driver you are beaten; it's not there so you try and force the 3.
Having the D in the bag you can choose to hit the 3 for the right reasons and aren't under pressure.
I rarely use a driver at thia time of year because of the hole layout rather than any issues with accuracy etc(although if you hit it 30 yds further is has to be more accurate, not just as accurate, to be in play.
Worst possible reasons to take it out the bag is because others are...
JARS
Hacker
Worst possible reason for using the driver is because others are!!!
TheCaddie
Challenge Tour Pro
I would suggest you keep it in the bag, the goal is to become well versed with it, but for now, use the 3w off the tee, and practise hard at the range / lessons with driver.
The reason why I say keep it in the bag is two fold. Firstly, you don't want to forget about it! It will be important as you improve. And secondly, there might be one hole where you feel brave and fancy giving it a go after a good session at the range or whatever!
The reason why I say keep it in the bag is two fold. Firstly, you don't want to forget about it! It will be important as you improve. And secondly, there might be one hole where you feel brave and fancy giving it a go after a good session at the range or whatever!
Troymcclure
Medal Winner
I rarely hit driver and I'm sure overall my scores are the better for it. My fiends try and encourage me with comments such as "you'll never improve if you don't use it" which might be true except I'd prefer to experiment at the range and with lessons than on the course. The reason for that is psychological - it's just too demoralising. I play for fun and constant searching for balls or provisionals hit as far left as the original went right, just ain't fun for me.
Anyway, a question for those with the same affliction. On the Par 4's that your wood/rescue/iron from the tee leaves a 3 iron or more for the 2nd (the wind gets up at my place!!), and the green is well protected, do you go for it with the 2nd or lay up for an up and down. Taking my 3 wood from the tee often leaves me with this dilemma.
Anyway, a question for those with the same affliction. On the Par 4's that your wood/rescue/iron from the tee leaves a 3 iron or more for the 2nd (the wind gets up at my place!!), and the green is well protected, do you go for it with the 2nd or lay up for an up and down. Taking my 3 wood from the tee often leaves me with this dilemma.
duncan mackie
Money List Winner
The objective from the tee for me is to get within a reasonable shot for my approach.
That isn't solely distance related.
As my tee shots don't always go the distance or direction I wish such decisions happen all the time!
So when I stand over my second shot I will reconsider my options given where I actually am - there are times I will take on 250 and others when I will decline 200.
Not carrying a 3 (or 4) iron rules them out anyway- I'm not good enough to use them
RollinThunder
Assistant Pro
Yes, I am a member, but as I've said before, there's a lot more to the course than its length. As striking improves, scores will get better, but no lmore or less than any other course. I will admit that my driving used to be the staple of my game, but I've had some lessons in the last couple of weeks, and the pro changed my grip and stance. Subsequently, driving feels more difficult, whereas irons are a pleasure to hit. I have a course of lessons booked, so no doubt driving will be on the agenda, and at the moment I'm in the transition period of getting used to some swing changes. For all I know I might go to the range this morning and hit it sweet as a nut
I never thought of that, and it's an excellent point. It brings into the equation the "could have, would have, should have..." method of thinking, and it's not something you want, especially in a comp.
Green Bay Hacker
Journeyman Pro
Pretty happy with the way it went except for the OOB on the last when I forgot to take the wind into account. The fear factor was not there today on the back swing and although I was still over swinging it did seem a lot more under control. 38 points in the bag so that is definitely something to work with.
MashieNiblick
Tour Winner
When I take the driver out of the bag I find it best to use mainly my right hand, with the left just adding stability if required. Make sure the stance is good. Balance is all important. I try to grip firmly but not tightly and then make a smooth movement up and at a slight angle, in plane with the bag until the the grip is fully clear. Trying to add too much acceleration too early can result in nasty jerky pulls. The difficult part I find is the transition to removing the head cover but as long as I don't snatch at it I can release it fairly easily.
