Bag Setup between lofted woods, hybrids, and utility irons

[mg7n]

I'm starting to rework my bag around the 200-240 yard range and looking for feedback.

 

Right now I go:

• 4w (240)
• 3h (225)
• 4 utility iron (210)

 

The distance gaps aren't really the problem, but the trajectory and club use is where I'm trying to optimize. When I'm not hitting driver, I like to hit a low ball with the 3h. Currently have an Atmos Black that gives a low trajectory off the tee that runs. However, it's not a great setup hitting into greens. My 4wd is a TSR2 with a Tensei Blue 75 and the 4i is a T-MB with a Tensei hybrid shaft. Both launch reasonably high with decent spin.

 

I might be just overthinking it, but I'm often in a space where I'm torn between these clubs. Like I'm 220 out, but need to land soft. Trying to figure out what the right strategy is. Should I just try to find three shafts that all have the same reasonable trajectory and work on hitting low vs high? Should I try to give each club a different "personality" and just choke up to work the distance gaps? Again, maybe over thinking, but hoping I can learn from anyone else who went down this path.

[jlevitt9]

I am the same. I go:

 

19* Cally UW (my only FW) - 225-250

20* Srixon u85 - Only for off the tee. I really don't hit it into a green

23* 913hd Hybrid - 195 - 215 (can do anything with this, high and soft, or low draws)

T100 5 iron - 185 - 205

 

Lots of crossover, but I feel it covers everything. 

[ApostateDrive]

Could you explain more about wanting the low 3 hybrid shot? You're saying that there are times that you need a 220 yard soft landing shot, but are there times where you need a 225 yard low shot specifically because the shot is low?

[mxskier]

I am moving to the idea of hit clubs that go high and then flight them down or club up and punch something lower in wind. Not too high, obviously, but like I always want to have 105ish feet for my clubs (at sea level), then take height off. 

[mg7n]

6 minutes ago, ApostateDrive said:

Could you explain more about wanting the low 3 hybrid shot? You're saying that there are times that you need a 220 yard soft landing shot, but are there times where you need a 225 yard low shot specifically because the shot is low?

 

Mostly just a comfort thing. When I've got a tighter driving hole or something that keeps driver in the bag, I feel better about getting the ball on the ground quicker, rather than hitting a higher shot.

[mg7n]

11 minutes ago, jlevitt9 said:

I am the same. I go:

 

19* Cally UW (my only FW) - 225-250

20* Srixon u85 - Only for off the tee. I really don't hit it into a green

23* 913hd Hybrid - 195 - 215 (can do anything with this, high and soft, or low draws)

T100 5 iron - 185 - 205

 

Lots of crossover, but I feel it covers everything. 

 

Have honestly thought about moving from the 16.5 4W to an 18 5W just to close the gap between the 4W and 4i, which might solve the problem. I used to think that the crossover was a waste of clubs, but obviously haven't been able to let go of this one situation.

[Rbsiedsc]

I go currently ( am testing the DI but likely keeping it)

 

4w 240-270

18° DI 220-245

21°UW 215-230

 

then I go 5i as that and my 4i currently go about the same distance 

 

[ChipNRun]

1 hour ago, mg7n said:

I might be just overthinking it, but I'm often in a space where I'm torn between these clubs. Like I'm 220 out, but need to land soft.

 

With the bridge clubs, it's often necessary to shape the ball a bit to cover between situations.

• You describe your 4W as a versatile power club. Same with me: I've played 4W since circa 2012.
• 3H hits ball long and low, as a fairway finder.
• 4i with hybrid shaft: I've build that combo in the past.

And ... reality check: Most amateurs - including you - don't get the accuracy from the bridge clubs as from 7i on up. Hit the ball squarely, and adjust with short game.

 

For your long tweener shots...

• Can you hit a cut shot with a 3H?
• You hit 4i high... can you shave yards with a punchier shot, compress the ball less, and bounce the ball into 220 zone?
• If you swapped the 4i for a 4H, could you get more versatility for shaving or stretching yards, choking up or down, on certain shots? Sometimes you have to create a shot, rather than count on pulling a standard out of the bag.

[pdxhak]

IMO you described a good use case for a 7wd. It could replace both the 3h and 4ui.

 

[Drivingrangehero]

20 hours ago, mg7n said:

 

Have honestly thought about moving from the 16.5 4W to an 18 5W just to close the gap between the 4W and 4i, which might solve the problem. I used to think that the crossover was a waste of clubs, but obviously haven't been able to let go of this one situation.

I think that’s a good move or just get a Titleist TSR2 7W and play with the loft to dial it in, since you like the 4W you have 

I dropped my Mini Driver

 

3w (2013) Tight Lies 3W 14° at 42”

5W Tour Edge EXS pro 5w 18° at 41.5”

7w (2013) Tight Lies 7w 22° at 41”

5i Mizuno HMB 25° 

 

Honeymoon phase for me since I only have had two range sessions with the NOS 2013 Tight Lies 3W, but it’s going in the bag, and the Mini Driver is getting benched. 

According to the range sessions I’ve had with the Rapsodo MLM with some decent shape Pinnacle Range balls (I know range balls are not ideal, but it seems like I don’t see much of a difference in carry, unless it’s with a Driver) 

My 3W carry is 239y
My 5w carry is 227y

My 7W carry is 212y

My 5i carry is 194y

 

if I want to hit in between distances, I either choke down about 3/4 of an inch, play a high floaty one or do both. 

 

My home course has three par 3’s that are 216y, 228y, 201y

 

My last round I was in between clubs on the 228y and 201y, so I opted to choke up and hit something high and smooth and almost holed out from 228y with my 5w (landed 6ft in front of the flag, hopped a few feet and rolled to finish 6ft past the hole, oh and I missed the put 🤢) 

 

I was playing as a 2some with my Father in-law, so I tried busting my 5iron 201y on the other par 3 and pushed it right, maybe 3y short of pin high, but in the rough, so I hit another ball with my 7w for fun. I choked down, hit a high cut, it landed maybe 2y past pin high but 25ft right

 

I feel like it’s easier to control distance by choking up, shaping or flighting the ball with the same type of clubs, rather than mixing Hybrids, Utility irons, and Woods, at least in my experience. 
 

if it’s super windy, then you could always swap the 3h back in the bag and drop the 7w…… that’s what I do with my 20° Hybrid

 

.

 

 

 

Edited August 26, 2023 by Drivingrangehero
.

[Rbsiedsc]

9 hours ago, Drivingrangehero said:

I think that’s a good move or just get a Titleist TSR2 7W and play with the loft to dial it in, since you like the 4W you have 

I dropped my Mini Driver

 

3w (2013) Tight Lies 3W 14° at 42”

5W Tour Edge EXS pro 5w 18° at 41.5”

7w (2013) Tight Lies 7w 22° at 41”

5i Mizuno HMB 25° 

 

Honeymoon phase for me since I only have had two range sessions with the NOS 2013 Tight Lies 3W, but it’s going in the bag, and the Mini Driver is getting benched. 

According to the range sessions I’ve had with the Rapsodo MLM with some decent shape Pinnacle Range balls (I know range balls are not ideal, but it seems like I don’t see much of a difference in carry, unless it’s with a Driver) 

My 3W carry is 239y
My 5w carry is 227y

My 7W carry is 212y

My 5i carry is 194y

 

if I want to hit in between distances, I either choke down about 3/4 of an inch, play a high floaty one or do both. 

 

My home course has three par 3’s that are 216y, 228y, 201y

 

My last round I was in between clubs on the 228y and 201y, so I opted to choke up and hit something high and smooth and almost holed out from 228y (landed 6ft in front of the flag, hopped a few feet and rolled to finish 6ft past the hole, oh and I missed the put 🤢) 

 

I was playing as a 2some with my Father in-law, so I tried busting my 5iron 201y on the other par 3 and pushed it right, maybe 3y short of pin high, but in the rough, so I hit another ball with my 7w for fun. I choked down, hit a high cut, it landed maybe 2y past pin high but 25ft right

 

I feel like it’s easier to control distance by choking up, shaping or flighting the ball with the same type of clubs, rather than mixing Hybrids, Utility irons, and Woods, at least in my experience. 
 

if it’s super windy, then you could always swap the 3h back in the bag and drop the 7w…… that’s what I do with my 20° Hybrid

7w is a cheat code