Episode #93: Why You Should Leave 3W in the Bag

In this edition of 5-minute Friday learn why you should leave 3-wood in the bag more often. And how a fairway finder can change your golf game! 

For many golfers, the decision to hit driver or a 3 wood off the tee can be a difficult one. While a 3 wood may offer more control, hitting driver more often can actually be the better choice.

Why You Should Hit Driver Instead of 3-Wood

Here are five reasons why driver is the play (unless there is trouble):

Distance

One of the main reasons to hit driver more often is distance.

While a 3 wood may be more accurate (only about 3% more accurate for 5-handicaps according to this Golf Monthly study), hitting a driver can help golfers gain valuable yardage off the tee.

This can make a big difference on longer holes and can even help to set up shorter approach shots. After hitting it 200 yards in high school and more than 285 yards now, I can say hands down that I'd rather play a longer ball even if it's not as accurate. 

Confidence

Hitting driver can also help to build confidence which can positively impact other areas of your game. 

While it can be intimidating to hit a longer club off the tee, successfully hitting driver can give golfers a boost of confidence. This can translate to other areas of the game, such as hitting longer approach shots or playing more aggressively.

Work with your driver relentlessly in practice so that you can feel confident on the tee. 

Better Angle

Another advantage of hitting driver is that it can oftentimes provide a better angle into the green.

By hitting the ball farther off the tee, you will usually have a better angle, not to mention a shorter club. This can be especially beneficial on courses with tricky greens or tough pin placements.

More Opportunities

Hitting driver more often can also create more opportunities on the course.

By hitting the ball longer off the tee, you can set yourself up for better approach shots and easier putts. This can lead to more birdie opportunities and even the occasional eagle.

Adjustments Can Be Made

Finally, hitting driver more often doesn't mean that you can't adjust your strategy when needed.

If a particular hole calls for a more accurate shot off the tee, golfers can still choose to hit a 3 wood or other club. The key is to have the confidence and ability to hit both clubs effectively, allowing for more options on the course.

Plus, you can easily adjust your driver to hit a "fairway finder." Simply choke up one inch and tee and the ball lower to hit a more controlled ball flight.

Or, if you want to hit different shot shapes with a 3-wood, you can change the ball position. Play the ball more up in your stance to hit a fade and more toward the middle to hit a draw. 

Just remember, while hitting a 3 wood may offer more control, hitting driver more often can be the better choice for many golfers. With the ability to hit the ball farther, build confidence, create better angles, and create more opportunities on the course, hitting driver can help improve your game and hopefully shoot lower their scores. 

Follow to Drop 5–10 Shots Without Swing Changes 

• Follow on TikTok
• Follow on Instagram  
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching
• Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf
• Join “Practice Like a Pro” - FREE Video Series 
• Buy my new golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)