ckrug Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 Hello, I am a 13.1 current handicap, and have trouble hitting a 3 wood. My current bag is mavrik driver 9 degree, mavrik 3 wood, and tour 2 hybrid, just upgraded from “improvement irons” to Mizuno pro 223 irons. I absolutely love the irons and crush my driver considering the elevation I am playing, but cannot figure out my fairway wood/hybrid. Would a driving iron be better for me as I have a good swing speed to hit it off the deck and can hit the Mizuno 223 irons pretty consistently as a 13.1? I play around 4,200 ft elevation in Reno, NV and originally from Truckee, CA and end up playing a lot of golf even higher elevation. I am a bigger guy with baseball background and can hit the ball further than the average golfer(7 iron 195-200 yd at my elevation). I have a gnarly hook(call it a big draw) with my old irons and hit the Mizunos pretty dead straight/ slight draw. It is great seeing the ball flight in a straighter line finally with much less offset and a more controlled club. But, when I get to a par 5 I know I could get there with a 3 wood but never execute the shot it has me questioning if I could be doing something different to help out with a bogey or double on a par 5 that kills a round. I guess my biggest question is; can I hit a driving iron as far as a 3 wood? And would it be a reasonable thing to put in the bag if my swing speed and conditions of the golf I play are sufficient enough? I have played golf for a long time but recently have been more interested in getting better instead of just smacking a ball around. I was a college athlete and my competitive edge is coming out and would love to put it towards something I am passionate for. thank you give me as much input as possible. GolfSpy_SHARK, Shapotomous and Josh Parker 3 Quote Just want to get better at this frustrating game I love. Driver: Callaway Maverik Max Fairway: Maverik 3w, 2 Hybrid Irons: Mizuno Pro223 4-pw Modus 950g shaft extended 1" with MC plus 4 Grips Wedges: Vokey SM8 52, 56, 60 Putter: Ping Anser 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shankster Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 I go straight from driver to 2 iron. I would see if you can demo one before purchasing. You should not expect it to go as far as a 3 wood, I am adding a 2 Hybrid back to my bag (Mizuno) lofted at 14° to be my “3wood” then to the 2 iron. I might ditch my 3 iron because it is 19° and I’m bunched up at the top of the bag, plus I can’t recall the last time I needed a 3 iron shot. Club head speed is a necessity to get proper launch conditions for the 2 iron. As a long iron over woods guy I vote yes, get a 2 iron. Mine is my “3 wood” currently, for a few more weeks. But I got it for a specific reason, I was playing the wind a lot in Oregon, and even more so now in Hawaii. It’s a perfect club for my wind needs. ckrug, Josh Parker and GolfSpy_SHARK 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AP Major Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 I’d recommend giving 5 wood a try. I’d guess if you’re hitting 7 iron that far you’d get some good distance out of it and the trajectory works well with sticking the green when going for a par 5 in two. You could even take a 7 wood for a spin but I prefer the 5 personally. I have an 18* driving iron - a 2 iron - but it tends to have a lower ball flight, even at faster swing speeds. I almost solely use it off the tee in the wind or as a fairway finder for that reason. A driving iron is pretty much just that, a driving iron. Josh Parker, ckrug and GolfSpy_SHARK 3 Quote WITB D - Callaway Rogue ST Max LS 9* 3w - Ping G400 14.5* 5w - Ping G400 17.5* (adj. to 18.1*) 2i - Wilson Staff Utility 18* 4i - Wilson Staff Utility 24* 5i-PW - Wilson Staff Blades (2019) 50* - Wilson Staff ZM (8* bounce) 56* - Wilson Staff HT (10* bounce) P - Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy_SHARK Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 The biggest thing is lofts. I currently go 9* driver, 13* 3 wood and then a driving iron which is an 18* 2 iron. I am not sure if tbere are any lower lofted driving irons or not that would get you close to the loft you would need. But I can say I really enjoy the driving iron but don’t think it’s going to cover that gap you need for a 3 wood. TJ Hall, Shankster, Josh Parker and 1 other 4 Quote Check out my reviews: G710 Irons Official Review I MC Shaft & V Series Putter Official Review 2022 Forged Tec's Official Review I Nitron Push Cart Official Review WITB: Weapons of grass destruction (link to WITB) Traverse is filled with all this shiny metal and tracked by RadSpeed 8* - MotoreX F1 6X SIM 3W - Project X HZRDUS Green U505 Driving Iron 17* - Project X HZRDUS Black SpeedZone 4H - Project X HZRDUS Black 2022 King Forged Tec's 4-PW - KBS $ Tape 130 48 (SM8), 52 & 60 (SM7) - Nippon Modus 125 S ER2VI PROV1X #19 Are you a veteran? Check out the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Thread! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredBoomer Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 I don't have a 3-wood, but I bag both a driving iron AND a 5-wood, even though they both go roughly the same distance. I don't care. They're two totally different shots, and I want both. ckrug and AP Major 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shapotomous Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 I think you should hit up a local big box used club place that has similators and hit a few DI's off the turf. See how you hit it and what distance you are getting. Tee distance and off the deck distance may be way different for you. I dont think you will get the 3w distance but maybe it will be more consistent contact and be longer than the 2h. What loft is your 2h? ckrug 1 Quote Modern Bag: G410 LST 10.5*, Hzrdus Smoke RDX 6.5 Flex; 915F 3w, Diamana S+ 70 S flex; Mavrik 18* 5w; JPX 919 HM Pro 4i; JPX 900 Forged 5 - PW, PX LZ 6.0; Edison 2.0 49*, 53*, 57* KBS Tour 120 S; Heppler Fetch; Ball - MTB-X; Bag - Jones MyGolfSpy Edition! Shot Scope H4, MG600 Rangefinder Classic Bag: Driver - Persimmon; 3w - Speed Slot; 5w - Tour Block; 3 - pw - Dynapower; sw - Ram Tom Watson; putter - bullseye standard or flange. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissionMan Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 I have a driver, 3.5W and 2 iron. The 2 iron is my go to club 90% of the time outside of driver. I only hit the 3W if I really have to. The 2 iron is marginally shorter than a 3W so it depends a little on a couple of things: How long do you hit the ball and how much do your fairways run. ckrug and Josh Parker 2 Quote GT2 10° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 60 GT2 16.5° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 70 TSR2 18° HZRDUS Black 6.0 4G 2 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 4 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 T150 5- PW (44) Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105 Stiff Vokey SM9 48.10 F Grind, Vokey SM9 54.10 S Grind, Vokey SM9 60.08 M Grind, L.A.B DF3 Armlock Grip Master Tour Wrap Grips Garmin Z30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredBoomer Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 (edited) 1 hour ago, MissionMan said: I have a driver, 3.5W and 2 iron. The 2 iron is my go to club 90% of the time outside of driver. I only hit the 3W if I really have to. The 2 iron is marginally shorter than a 3W so it depends a little on a couple of things: How long do you hit the ball and how much do your fairways run. There's a 1.5º gap between your GT2 3-wood, which Titleist actually calls a 4-wood on their spec sheet, and your TSR2 5-wood. That could very possible be a workable gap for you individually-- that's between you and TrackMan to determine-- but it would be a blatant overlap for me. I don't mind overlaps between different kinds of clubs, but for me, not with the same type of club that hits the same type of shot. I also notice that on your long irons, you go with the .370" hybrid version of the .335" shaft on your woods rather than match your middle irons. I find that to be the right move for me as well. I've only now noticed that you referred to it as a 3.5 wood. Sorry. Edited August 31 by RetiredBoomer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissionMan Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 (edited) 6 hours ago, RetiredBoomer said: There's a 1.5º gap between your GT2 3-wood, which Titleist actually calls a 4-wood on their spec sheet, and your TSR2 5-wood. That could very possible be a workable gap for you individually-- that's between you and TrackMan to determine-- but it would be a blatant overlap for me. I don't mind overlaps between different kinds of clubs, but for me, not with the same type of club that hits the same type of shot. I also notice that on your long irons, you go with the .370" hybrid version of the .335" shaft on your woods rather than match your middle irons. I find that to be the right move for me as well. I've only now noticed that you referred to it as a 3.5 wood. Sorry. You’re correct. It’s a 4w. I referred to it as a 3.5 because mine is configured to be .75 degrees lower than the standard 4 wood. i raised the question (at my fitting) of not using my 3w much as my driver is generally as accurate and my 2 iron is long enough on short holes. I’m also comfortable with driver of the deck in strong winds. The only time I tend to use a 5W is when I need extra carry in rain due to the increased spin. This (the 3.5) was a good compromise for me, meaning a had a slightly more lofted 3w that I could carry all the time, use it for extra loft over the 2 if needed to get over something like a tree or curve. The interesting part is I actually hit it as long as my old TSR 3W. (240) Edited August 31 by MissionMan Josh Parker and RetiredBoomer 2 Quote GT2 10° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 60 GT2 16.5° Project X HZRDUS 6.0 Black 5G 70 TSR2 18° HZRDUS Black 6.0 4G 2 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 4 Iron T200 Utility HZRDUS Black 6.0 T150 5- PW (44) Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105 Stiff Vokey SM9 48.10 F Grind, Vokey SM9 54.10 S Grind, Vokey SM9 60.08 M Grind, L.A.B DF3 Armlock Grip Master Tour Wrap Grips Garmin Z30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Parker Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 17 hours ago, ckrug said: Hello, I am a 13.1 current handicap, and have trouble hitting a 3 wood. My current bag is mavrik driver 9 degree, mavrik 3 wood, and tour 2 hybrid, just upgraded from “improvement irons” to Mizuno pro 223 irons. I absolutely love the irons and crush my driver considering the elevation I am playing, but cannot figure out my fairway wood/hybrid. Would a driving iron be better for me as I have a good swing speed to hit it off the deck and can hit the Mizuno 223 irons pretty consistently as a 13.1? I play around 4,200 ft elevation in Reno, NV and originally from Truckee, CA and end up playing a lot of golf even higher elevation. I am a bigger guy with baseball background and can hit the ball further than the average golfer(7 iron 195-200 yd at my elevation). I have a gnarly hook(call it a big draw) with my old irons and hit the Mizunos pretty dead straight/ slight draw. It is great seeing the ball flight in a straighter line finally with much less offset and a more controlled club. But, when I get to a par 5 I know I could get there with a 3 wood but never execute the shot it has me questioning if I could be doing something different to help out with a bogey or double on a par 5 that kills a round. I guess my biggest question is; can I hit a driving iron as far as a 3 wood? And would it be a reasonable thing to put in the bag if my swing speed and conditions of the golf I play are sufficient enough? I have played golf for a long time but recently have been more interested in getting better instead of just smacking a ball around. I was a college athlete and my competitive edge is coming out and would love to put it towards something I am passionate for. thank you give me as much input as possible. I would go try a 4w and see how it hits. Much easier than 3w but almost as long for me and I can control shot shape. ckrug 1 Quote Titleist GT3 11* Tensei 1k blue Titleist TSR2 4w 16* Titleist TSR2 5w 18.75* MKII ZX 5's (4-6) w/ KBS Tour V MKII ZX 7's (7-PW) w/ KBS Tour V Vokey SM9 Wedges 50* 54* 58* DF2.1 Putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC Golf Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 As others have noted, I believe it should be a choice between 2 iron and 5W. With your swing speed a 2 iron at your index is possible, but you may find it easier in most course conditions to use a 5W. In thick rough, a 2 iron is tough to hit vs a 5W. Good luck with your testing… Quote TSR 3 9.0 Autoflex 405x - Official Tester 2024 TSi 3 15.0 GD Tour AD - DI 6S Stiff Utility 2 Iron 18.0 - Nippon NS Pro 650GH Stiff / TS3 21 Hybrid Tensei AV Blue 65 HY Stiff 4 - 9 101T Irons - KBS Tour Lite Stiff - Official Tester 2023 Vokey SM9 46 F - 10 BV105 Stiff Vokey SM9 52 F - 12 Nippon NS Pro 950 Stiff Vokey Forged (Japan) 56 M - 10 DG S200 MG3 60 - 12 - Nippon NS Modus3 Tour 105 Stiff Champions Choice Newport 2+ Button Back - 35” / Pistolini Plus Z-Star Diamond Players 4 bag Official Tester - 2021 & Current Club Sensor User Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckrug Posted September 9 Author Share Posted September 9 On 8/31/2024 at 3:34 AM, GolfSpy_SHARK said: The biggest thing is lofts. I currently go 9* driver, 13* 3 wood and then a driving iron which is an 18* 2 iron. I am not sure if tbere are any lower lofted driving irons or not that would get you close to the loft you would need. But I can say I really enjoy the driving iron but don’t think it’s going to cover that gap you need for a 3 wood. Awesome, Thanks for the insight. I will be looking out for a 2 iron to try as well as a 5 wood that others keep saying. GolfSpy_SHARK 1 Quote Just want to get better at this frustrating game I love. Driver: Callaway Maverik Max Fairway: Maverik 3w, 2 Hybrid Irons: Mizuno Pro223 4-pw Modus 950g shaft extended 1" with MC plus 4 Grips Wedges: Vokey SM8 52, 56, 60 Putter: Ping Anser 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR237 Posted September 9 Share Posted September 9 Given your swing speed and elevation, a driving iron could be a great option. It's easier to control than a 3-wood aI believe especially off the deck, and you’ll likely see good distance, though it may not go as far as the 3-wood in all situations. Since you’re already hitting the Mizuno 223s well, transitioning to a driving iron could give help on par 5s without sacrificing much yardage. ckrug 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louis_Posture Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 On 8/30/2024 at 10:40 PM, ckrug said: I guess my biggest question is; can I hit a driving iron as far as a 3 wood? No offense intended but you're asking the wrong question. Specifically, driving irons are designed for accuracy. Consider that if one can hit a driving iron off the par 4 and par 5 tee boxes consistently straight and 225 yards, he is well positioned to shoot 72 or better on any golf course in the world. Remember, distance is overrated and accuracy is underrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Parker Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 5 hours ago, Louis_Posture said: Remember, distance is overrated and accuracy is underrated. I wouldn't say distance is overrated at all... It has been proven that distance can create more chances for lower scores. That's not to take away from accuracy, but I would much rather have a wedge in my hand than a 6 or 7 iron. My dispersion is going to be much tighter which means more chances to make a lower score. Quote Titleist GT3 11* Tensei 1k blue Titleist TSR2 4w 16* Titleist TSR2 5w 18.75* MKII ZX 5's (4-6) w/ KBS Tour V MKII ZX 7's (7-PW) w/ KBS Tour V Vokey SM9 Wedges 50* 54* 58* DF2.1 Putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredBoomer Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 My personal experience is that the modern, hollow driving iron with internal tungsten weighting is MUCH more forging to hit than any one-piece solid iron down to the #4 or 5. They're nothing like the butterknife blade 1-iron and 2-iron that I remember from my youth. I don't play mine from the fairway however, because it lands too flat and hot to hold greens, and it isn't great hitting from less than perfect lies. If you're not just looking for something to back up your driver on tight driving holes, then there are other alternatives to consider. I have no use for hybrids, for example, but most players hit them just fine. cnosil 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vandyland Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 (edited) Driving irons have less gear effect which has made me trust them more and more off the tee. They aren't quite as forgiving or explosive off the face as a hybrid BUT generally the snap hook risk is greatly reduced. The driving iron (for me) can be one-dimensional in that unless I have a perfect lie in the fairway I am generally only hitting it off the tee. I am currently experimenting with only carrying a Driver and a 21* Utility Iron at the top of my bag. Then I go 5i on down in my standard irons. This leaves me with just 12 clubs in the bag but less options can usually benefit me AND these are 12 clubs I really trust. The 4W / 5W / Hybrid clubs that I have all have let me down as much as they have succeeded. Edited September 17 by vandyland cnosil 1 Quote STZ 230 9.5* / Pro Fli-Hi 21* MALTBY TS1-IM 5-GW Equalizer II 54* / Carnoustie 60* L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 HackMotion Official Review -- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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