3 Wood Replacement?

[dvq9654]

For the last couple years, I relied on a 3 wood off the tee because my driver was weak / inconsistent. Recently, swing changes and chopping down my driver have resulted in a longer, straighter driver. This is great, but I don't find myself using / needing a 3 wood all that often because:

 

1) Driver seems to be more forgiving at this point and misses are longer and just as straight

2) I rarely hit a 3 wood off the deck because I don't find myself 240+ out and, even if I do, not sure blasting a 3 wood towards the green from 240+ is going to serve me well

3) I don't find myself playing conservatively off the tee with a 3 wood. Tend to use a 3 iron / 4 iron. This could change if I play more challenging / interesting golf courses, but I can reintroduce my 3 wood when that time comes

 

Would it make sense to throw a 5 wood in the bag or maybe a 2 hybrid? Any other creative ideas? I already have 3 wedges (not including PW) so don't really need to add there. The clubs at the top of my bag and rough distances (when playing well) are below.

Driver: 285+

3 Wood: 265 (off tee; don't really play from turf)

3 Iron: ~220

4 Iron: ~210

5 Iron: ~195

 

Realize there is no right answer, but trying to break through par / shoot low 70s more often, so thinking a little more critically about my bag. Thanks in advance.

[setter02]

As I'm now more on the bandwagon, a 4wd or even a 5wd would still be a good addition. Will still give you an option into par 5's with enough elevation to possibly hold them, another option off the tee that will be longer than your 3/4 irons, so holes where driver may short side you and leave an awkward yardage in. I used to just blast away with 3wds and get my 265+, now I'll carry an easy 235-245 and what ever roll out I get is just a bit of a bonus and play yardages accordingly. Also a safer otion off the tee for a couple par 5's for me, just smooth 4wd/4wd and I'm usually in nice shape.

[PorscheFan]

With that swing speed a low lofted lower spinning hybrid might be a stinger option off the tee and also useful off the turf.

 

I use a 17 deg Cobra F9 and it’s a weapon off the tee. I don’t use it to play conservatively off the tee... more where a driver would run out of room (e.g. dog leg).

 

I think Mizuno did a lower lofted CLK hybrid. Something along those lines might give you more options off of tee and turf?

[Chuck905]

My friendly side say go with a 4 wood for the right gap because you’re already a good 3 wood player.

 

 

 

 

[Pwood28]

I strongly recommend the Cobra F6 Baffler. It’s the easiest fairway wood that I have hit from the deck. It play in the 4 or 5 wood range depending on the loft setting.

[sergizmo]

2 hybrid (17-18*). Easier to hit and more versatile than a 5 wood. A 5 wood out of the rough is no fun. It will be shorter than 5 wood but still longer (probably in the 240 range) than your 3 iron.

[jah7838]

I 2nd the Baffler suggestion. It’s a compact club that you can adjust to the loft and distance that you’re looking for. Rails make it easy to hit out of any lie.

 

You can find good deals on them because it’s a few years old. Just pair it with your preferred fairway wood shaft and your good to go.

[Jackal66]

4 wood

[dvq9654]

Thanks, everyone. Some good ideas, which I'll definitely look into.

[Mych]

Try the Baffler, then ask again if that doesn't work.