Which wood/hybrid should I look to buy?

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Following today's game, I have come to the conclusion that I am probably missing at least 1 club. I have a Wilson Spine 10.5° driver (which I can drive 240 yds), then an Adams IDEA Pro Gold 18° Hybrid (hitting average average 190 yds), then of course my irons 4-PW, GW & SW. Today I certainly had at least 3 occasions where I was left either a 200, 215 or 225 yd shot. Can anyone suggest the kind of club/s I should consider purchasing to help fill the gap? Many thanks...

 

[Twire]

Sounds like you need a 3 wood.

 

[Region3]

Agree with 3-wood.

I have a 19* hybrid rather than 18 like you, and I carry my 3-wood about 15 yards further than the hybrid.

You can't really think about filling the gap as such, unless you use your driver off the deck, or have a specific distance you must hit off particular tees.

I tried a 5-wood when I bought my clubs, but there was only 5yds difference between that and the hybrid and the hybrid filled the gap better.

How about going back to AG on the launch monitor, hit your driver and hybrid and see how far it says they go, then hit clubs until you find one that you like and fills the gap nicely.

I know launch monitors aren't always to be trusted but it should at least be out by the same factor for each club.

 

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Thanks for the swift reply. Yes, I was thinking perhaps 3 Wood, but can you recommend actual loft and make/model at all? Plus, should I use another hybrid or wood? Unfortunately, a visit to my local American Golf Store for advice only made things more confusing; I asked the shop about a 15° Wood. The store assistant told me an 18° Fairway Wood would travel further than my 18° hybrid. They suggested - if I wanted a Fairway WOOD- trying a 5 wood (= 18°?), or an additional hybrid of say 14°/15°. Any clear advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you...

 

[Twire]

I recomended a 3 wood because the loft on average for these is around 15 degree. This would sit nicely in between your driver and 18 degree hybrid. You might get a few extra yards from a 5 wood against your hybrid, but for what you gain, it might be better just to choke down a little and hit a 3. I removed my 5 wood from the bag when I bought my 19 degree rescue/hybrid because there was only about 10 yards difference.

As to what manufacturer to recomend.....go out and hit as many as you can, and see what suits you.

 

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

That's great, thank you. That's really what wanted to clarify. OK, I'll now try out a selection of 3 Wood/15°s...

Thank region3, launch monitor testing would certainly help get me an answer. Plus it gives me an excuse to have fun checking out new products...

Thanks again both of you - much appreciated.

 

[golf_bug]

what about a 16 degree hybrid?

A 3 wood can be difficult to hit off the deck, but can be a good driver alternative. A low lofted hybrid may be more versatile though.

I have the reverse problem at the moment of having too many clubs. 4iron, 22deg hybrid, 5 wood and 3 wood. I am going to trade in the hybrid and 5 wood for a 19 deg hybrid to fill the gap better between 4iron and 3wood.

 

[RGDave]

Buy a wilson spine or fybrid 3 wood with the same V2 shaft.

If you have an 18 degree rescue, why would you want a 5 wood? Whoever is suggesting this is an idiot.

I wouldn't suggest a lower loft hybrid "just" because it seems the right club (which it might be) - you've still got to hit it and neither a 3 wood or 3 wood equivalent hybrid is exactly a doddle, unless you are good player.

If I was 220 from the green, I'd hit a 3 wood.....or not even bother some times, depending on how I've been playing.
t.b.h. on a difficult hole with lots of bunkers (where I get a shot) you might see me deliberately hit a 5 wood just short of the green/traps and try for a chip and 1 putt.

So much depends on your standard......

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Its an interesting point. Personally I'd be loooking at a 3 wood as adefinite as apart from anything else it gives you another option off the tee. I think my bag is top heavy with a 5 wood which I hit about 200 and a 3 hybrid which I hit about 185. I use my 5 wood on a number of the par 3's which I can't get to with my hybrid off the whites especially now the approaches to the greens are starting to get wet. I use both the hybrid and the 5 wood on the longer par 4's and 5's so both have a use

 

[USER1999]

Hitting a 3w off the deck is something I find difficult. I am probably not alone. I have now decided to get rid of it, as it is too inconsistent for medal use. If I need to hit 230, then I will lay up. My chances of getting onto the green from 230 are remote anyway, so I use anything from a 5i, 4i, 3 hybrid or 5w to lay up to a safe distance. If I don't trust it enough to medal with, then it isn't going in the bag. Oddly, my 5w goes the same distance as the 3w in 90% of cases, as I just hit it better, and straighter.

 

[borntorunsean]

im with murph here. i dont carry a three wood, if my second shot is within my 5 wood zone i go if not an easy 6 or 7 iron to leave a good yardage for a full or half swing wedge.

 

[feary]

Get the three wood it will fill the gap.

 

[Imurg]

It took me a while to find a 3 wood that I could hit cleanly and reasonably consistantly. Now I wouldn't be parted from my Titleist 906F4 - got the 3 and 5 with the VS Proto shaft. Prone to the odd tug left but all-in-all pretty decent. Hybrid is the 585 24 degree. I can hit this nigh-on 200 or choke down and hit it 180.
Having a club or 2 that you can hit a variety of shots with can make life a lot easier.