I love this game but........

I played a competition at work at the weekend and had the best run of holes I have ever had.  After starting badly (1st - 8, 2nd - n/r) I then went on a run of par, par, bogey, par, bogey, par, par, par.  I nearly wet myself and had myself convinced I'd cracked it.

I even went on to finish not too badly (bogeys and doubles) until a stunning 10 on the 18th.  What I would give to manage that early run across 18 holes.  And then, we played in the afternoon where I managed to go around in about 114 with some spectacular comedy drives where, on occasion, the tee went further than the ball.

Having just read David's post on percentage golf, if I'd had the guts to take a 3 or 4 iron off the tee on some holes rather than automatically reach for the driver on everything that wasn't a par 3, I reckon I would have had a seriously solid round, as the majority of my issues on the morning round were off the tee.

Everything in my game stems from a decent drive - some days I hit 9/10 and others I hit 1/10.  Just realising when that bad day is shaping up and playing safe off the tee would make a huge difference.  I'll see if that logical thinking survives the next round I play.  Somehow though I just know that the driver will call me to it on any fairway which looks inviting, no matter how I've been hitting it....

I also wish I had a 'go to' club, but with my level of consistency, it can change each round.  Currently it's my pitching and sand wedges, but they ain't much use off a tee.

If your driver isn't performing, what's your 'go to' club for a solid tee shot?

Stevie

I turn to my 18 degree hybrid off the tee when the driver and me just aint friends!

My driver more often than not behaves and I feel much more confident that I will hit that straight off the tee than an iron.  I have been known to use my driver for a second shot on longer holes too. 

I played Donnington Grove today for the first time and took a 3 wood on two of the par 4's purely as they 310 and 317 yards and it left me a full PW as opposed to a part swing or bump and run, plus it took some danger out of play. 

As an aside, for those playing in the open qualifier at Donnington next month, the course was in very good condition and the greens running fast and true. 

3 Iron, straight down the middle. Works every time!

LOL

I used a driver today at Blue Mountain and actually reached the green on the first par 4!!

Showing off? I didnt mention that I 3 putted that green

Steven, use the club you're most comfortable with. I use my one iron and if I strike it well there's not that much difference between that and the driver.

I only wish that was the same club every round I play Patrick.

When my driving is good - it's good.  Might nobble one in a round but pretty steady, get good distance and will generally be hit with a slight draw.

When it's bad - slice, hook, 20 yard bobble off the heel etc etc etc.  I never know until the 1st tee, and can never tell what I'm doing different.  Gotta love this game....

  just for 1 week leave your driver in the garage ( this takes a strong mind ) and see how it go's if you don't take it you can't be tempted