Driver vs 3 Wood

[Collie]

Hi Guys
A problem I have always had is consistency off the tee with my driver(Fusion FT-5, 9,5dgr tour model, stiff shaft), and drivers before this one. When I use the 3 wood off the tee I'll hit it pretty damn well(for me), will hit the fairway 9 out of 10 times with average(220m) 3 wood distance. But with the driver it's a different story. Duckhoods more prominent than the big fade. Would the 3 wood and driver swing off the tee be pretty much the same? Is it a confidence thing?

[Martin Levac]

Re: Driver vs 3 Wood

I think it's a question of our perception but more than just that. I think it's also a question of the tools themselves. Let's compare the driver (1w) and the 3w.

Driver:

Longer
Lower loft
Larger head

3w:

Shorter
Higher loft
Smaller head

Just knowing about those differences will affect our perception of the easy with which we can use the clubs. For instance, we may think that a larger head will "forgive" our mistake more than a smaller head so we swing with greater force but with less control. Conversely, we'd swing with greater control but with less force when using the 3w.

In fact, the length of the club is an even greater factor in our ability to use it. A longer club is more difficult to use than a shorter club. Because it is longer, it is more flexible and thus more difficult to control. Because it is longer, it will amplify our mistake that much more than a shorter club.

Do you strike the ball best with a 2i or a 8i?

[BrianW]

Re: Driver vs 3 Wood

Hi Collie,

As a single digit handicapper you seem to be managing well with it.

The swing with the two woods should be similar, the length of shaft will create a shallower swing plane. If you are getting duck hooks with the driver I would suggest you tee the ball a little further back, say 1.5 inches inside your left heel, tee it fairly high with at least half the ball sitting above the top of the grounded driver. 70% of your weight of the back foot at address, slight backwards spine tilt. keep your head behind the ball through impact and make sure you are hitting slightly upwards.

Sounds like you are catching the ball low on the face and towards the toe. Try some impact tape or spray on the clubface and see what is happening, then you can make some informed adjustments.