Which three clubs you pick to add to your bag at the beginning of a round can make a big difference in how you score. At this point, I don’t have an algorithm I can recommend, but I do have some basic questions you can ask yourself that might make the selection process a bit more strategic.
What is the golfer’s Average W rating?
Obviously, knowing your golfer’s tendencies can be a big aid. But even if you aren’t expert in reading APBA player cards, you’ll at least have some sense of whether they are a long-hitter by their Average W. In my opinion, golfers with Average W’s from 1 – 3 can be considered longball hitters, those with Average W’s from 4 – 6 are average, and anything higher than that is a short-hitter.
Are the fairways narrow or wide?
If several holes have less than 15 yards of fairway on either side of the centerline, you probably won’t be using your driver all that much (especially if there is any crosswind or headwind). If the course tends to play long (either because of its actual length or your golfer’s Average W rating), you will probably want a 3W in your bag. Otherwise, a 4W may do just fine. However, if there are costly consequences for missing the fairways (water, deep rough, bunkers), you may prefer to tee off with a 2I.
What clubs do you need for the par 3’s?
Look at each par 3 before beginning the round and decide what clubs you will need to tee off with. Otherwise, it is very easy to find yourself in a situation where you are apt to come up short of the green with one club or overshoot with another.
Do your club selections leave any major gaps?
Most “W” column shot results have a total distance difference of 15 – 20 yards per club. For example, the total shot distance for a ball hit from the FW that lands in the FW with a 4W is about 15 – 20 yards more than a 5W (assuming identical PRN’s). With the three clubs you’ve chosen, are there any differences of 25 yards or more? While minding these gaps is important, in my view, it shouldn’t be your only consideration. You need to look at the cost/benefit of switching to a different club to close that gap.
Do you really need a hybrid?
A hybrid can come in handy in those rare situations when you need pinpoint accuracy, but it can be a risky club to use when there’s wind. Wind effects are doubled with it, and even on Calm days that can limit when you’re likely to use it. Instead, a 5W or 2I from the fairway or tee will give you nearly the same result.
I’d love to hear what other players’ strategies are. Feel free to comment below.