[airair]

This is how I differentiate the three clubs:

I have a driver with specs that (ideally) gives me the longest possible distance off the tee, carry and roll combined. Also it is important for me to have a face angle (open / neutral /closed)that fits with how I address the ball.

When I get on the wrong side of ca 135 meters, the approach shot gets increasingly more difficult. So if I can only get inside 135 with a driver I use a driver - unless there's a high risk involved.

The three wood probably has around 15 yards shorter carry of the tee and far less roll. It is also the longest club I have from fariway lies.

The 5 wood is the longest club in my bag that has something near a stop & drop performance on the green - and thus reasonably good distance control. I don't hesitate to use a 3 wood towards a green if there's room for a lot of roll - and I can get about the same result with a 3 wood with a little breeze into my face as a windstill 5 wood, but if I need a precise carry, 5 wood is usually the longest club I have from the fairway.

I have a hybrid that covers the 3-4 iron region. It also works reasonably well from light rough from around 150-160 meters. I also use the 5 wood from rough if I need some distance.

The rest of the bag - except the putter - is there to cover the spectrum from 75 - 165 meters full shot. I don't really care how far I hit a 6 iron as long as I have a good trajectory and a predictable distance.

But I do care how far I hit the driver, the 3 wood and the 5 wood, because all of them are my max distance option in different situation.

I am very picky about woods and hybrids. Lie angle, face angle and the shaft must fit the golfer. And getting the right gear here can make you a better golfer. The same goes with irons, but I find it much easier to get a reasonable fit there.

Thanks. Very informative. I haven't had anything with club fitting to do, so I have no idea how well fitted my clubs are.