Last Updated on June 30, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
With only being able to carry 14 clubs in the bag, sometimes you must make some tough decisions. I’m a 5 wood person, and I won’t bore you with the details or the process but the 3 wood just wasn’t a fit for my game. If you are currently debating between the 3 wood vs. 5 wood, I’ll give you some of the best tips and things to look for to know which one is best for you. If you have room in your bag for both – you may still get some information about where to use each.
3 Wood (Pros and Cons)
The best thing about the 3-wood is the distance; the worst thing is that it’s hard to control. Here are a few other pros and cons to consider.
Distance is great
Although you won’t get driver distance from the 3 wood, it’s pretty darn close. The 3 wood is also a good option if you try to hit par 5’s in two shots.
Lower ball flight (wind cheater)
The 3 wood has a lower loft, usually in the 13-15 degree range. You can cut through the wind quite easily making it a good club for golfers who play windy courses.
More versatile than the driver
The driver is great from the tee, but off the deck it’s a lot harder to hit. Luckily the 3 wood is easier (still not the easeist). In addition, if you have a lie sitting up in the first cut of rough, the 3 wood is also a good choice.
It’s hard to get it airborne
Many golfers struggle to get the ball airborne with their 3 wood. If their swing speed is slower, there is not enough loft to easily lift the golf ball off the ground.
Not as forgiving as other fairway woods
With the lower loft and, you have to strike the 3 wood precisely to get the best results. Higher handicappers and beginners tend to see a good shot here and there, but not enough to make it worth keeping in the bag.
Who Should Play the 3 Wood?
The golfers who tend to do best with the 3 wood are those with faster swing speeds who can make consistent contact with the center of the face. For the most part, these are low—to mid-handicappers.
As a scratch golfer and a professional, I still prefer the 5 wood for it’s consistency. However, when you can strike it perfectly, the 3 wood wins the distance game.
5 Wood (Pros and Cons)
The best thing about the 5 wood is the consistency and easy launch, the worst is that sometimes the distance isn’t enough to go further than your favorite hybrid.
Easy to get up off the ground
The 5 wood generally has a loft of about 19 degrees. You’ll have a much easier time getting this one up in the air. It lands a little softer and is even somewhat forgiving from the rough.
More versatile than the driver or 3 wood
The 5-wood can be used from the tee, fairway, and rough. It’s easier to hit this one even when your lie isn’t perfect.
Distance is not the best
The distance from the 5 wood can be similar to a 3 hybrid. It just doesn’t go as far, and you’ll see 30 or more yards less than your driver (sometimes more like 40). In addition, the ball flight is a little higher on the 5 wood, making it harder to control on those windy days.
Who Should Play the 5 Wood?
Most golfers should use the 5-wood. If you struggle with precision or need a little help getting the fairway woods up in the air, the 5-wood is the way to go.
I find that because I’m more confident in my 5 wood, I can hit it almost as far as I do with the 3 wood.
Loft Gapping Considerations
When deciding between the 3 wood and 5 wood, make sure that you also consider any loft gapping issues you may have to deal with. You don’t want two clubs with the same loft.
If you have hybrids or utilities with loft close to the fairway wood, think twice about the 5 wood. Also, remember you can purchase fairway woods with an adjustable loft.
Sometimes, the 4 wood is the solution!
