|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Golfers have always debated whether a 3 wood or a 4 wood deserves a spot in the bag. On paper, the clubs look similar — both are fairway woods, both can be used off the tee or turf, and both fill the gap between driver and hybrids. But the differences in loft, distance, and playability can make a huge impact on your game.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 3 wood vs 4 wood so you can decide which one fits your swing, skill level, and playing style.
What Is a 3 Wood?
The 3 wood is the most popular fairway wood in golf, usually carrying 15° of loft (sometimes adjustable between 14°–16° depending on the club).
-
Distance: Average golfers hit a 3 wood 200–240 yards.
-
Use Cases:
-
Off the tee on tight par 4s when driver feels risky
-
Long approach shots on par 5s
-
Punch shots from light rough
-
Because it produces a lower trajectory and more roll-out, the 3 wood is often called a “mini driver.” But while powerful, it’s also one of the hardest clubs to hit consistently off the fairway.
What Is a 4 Wood?
The 4 wood is slightly higher-lofted at 16.5°–17°, sitting right between a 3 wood and a 5 wood.
-
Distance: Typically 190–225 yards, depending on swing speed.
-
Use Cases:
-
Off the fairway when you need height and carry
-
Safer option for golfers who struggle to launch a 3 wood
-
A replacement for both a 3 wood and 5 wood in some bags
-
The extra loft makes the 4 wood easier to get airborne, with a higher peak height and softer landing. This is especially useful for players with moderate swing speeds or those who prefer forgiveness over raw distance.
3 Wood vs 4 Wood: Key Differences
Let’s compare the two side by side:
| Club | Loft | Avg Distance | Best Use Case | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Wood | 15° | 200–240 yds | Off the tee, long par 5s | Moderate–Hard |
| 4 Wood | 16.5°–17° | 190–225 yds | Fairway shots, higher launch | Easy–Moderate |
1. Loft & Launch
-
3 wood: lower loft = lower flight, more rollout.
-
4 wood: higher loft = easier launch, softer landing.
2. Distance
-
3 wood is longer by ~10–15 yards, but only if struck well.
-
4 wood sacrifices a little distance for more consistency.
3. Forgiveness
-
4 wood is easier to hit cleanly, especially off the turf.
-
3 wood demands more precision and swing speed.
4. Versatility
-
3 wood is better off the tee when accuracy matters.
-
4 wood is more versatile across lies and better for fairway play.
When to Use a 3 Wood
-
Tee shots on narrow par 4s where you don’t trust your driver
-
Long par 5s where reaching in two is possible
-
Players with faster swing speeds who can elevate a lower-lofted club
Pro tip: If you’re confident off the deck, the 3 wood gives you maximum distance potential. But many golfers only use it as a “mini driver.”
When to Use a 4 Wood
-
Fairway shots requiring height and carry
-
When you struggle to launch a 3 wood
-
For mid-handicap golfers seeking more forgiveness
-
To simplify your bag setup by replacing both a 3 wood and 5 wood
Pro tip: Many modern golfers carry a 4 wood plus hybrid instead of the traditional 3/5 wood combo.
Should You Carry Both?
You could, but bag space matters. With only 14 clubs allowed, most golfers don’t carry both a 3 and 4 wood.
-
Option 1: Driver + 3 wood + hybrid(s) → great for stronger players.
-
Option 2: Driver + 4 wood + hybrid(s) → better for mid-handicappers and beginners.
-
Option 3: Driver + 3 wood + 5 wood → works if you want more fairway coverage but leaves fewer hybrid/iron spots.
👉 If you already carry a 5 wood or hybrid, the 4 wood might overlap less and give you better gapping.
Which Is Best for Beginners?
For most beginners and mid-handicappers, the 4 wood wins:
-
Easier to launch
-
Higher ball flight = softer landing
-
More forgiving on mishits
-
Still offers solid distance (most beginners won’t notice the 10–15 yard gap)
The 3 wood can be intimidating for new golfers, especially off the deck. If you’re just starting out, the 4 wood will give you more confidence and consistency.
Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Fairway Wood
-
Get a custom fitting – loft, shaft length, and flex make a huge difference.
-
Try both on a launch monitor – numbers don’t lie.
-
Think about your bag setup – avoid overlap with your driver, 5 wood, and hybrids.
-
Play to your strengths – if you rarely hit 3 wood well off the turf, consider swapping it out for a 4 wood.
Conclusion:
The decision comes down to your swing speed, confidence, and bag setup:
-
Choose a 3 wood if you want max distance off the tee and have no trouble launching it.
-
Choose a 4 wood if you want forgiveness, easier launch, and a more versatile fairway option.
-
Best of both worlds? Try both during a fitting session and see which gives you the numbers and confidence you need.
At the end of the day, the right fairway wood is the one that makes you feel confident standing over the ball.
FAQ
Q1: Is a 4 wood easier to hit than a 3 wood?
Yes. The 4 wood has more loft, making it easier to launch the ball higher and land it softer. It’s often more forgiving for beginners and mid-handicappers.
Q2: How much distance difference is there between a 3 wood and 4 wood?
On average, a 3 wood carries 10–15 yards farther than a 4 wood, but many golfers hit the 4 wood more consistently, which can make real-world distance nearly equal.
Q3: Should I carry both a 3 wood and 4 wood?
Most golfers don’t need both, since they take up valuable space in the 14-club limit. Choose based on your swing speed and bag setup — stronger players often prefer 3 wood, while casual golfers may benefit more from a 4 wood.
Q4: Which is better off the tee, 3 wood or 4 wood?
The 3 wood is better for maximum distance and a penetrating ball flight, while the 4 wood is easier to control and launch higher when accuracy is more important.
Q5: Which fairway wood is best for beginners?
The 4 wood is generally the best option for beginners because it’s easier to hit off the ground, more forgiving, and gives a higher launch.
