5 Wood Vs 3 Hybrid: Which One Should You Have In Your Bag?

You are allowed only 14 choices of golf clubs to use while playing on the golf course. Therefore it makes sense to choose the clubs that will benefit your golf game the most. 

We have gone back and forth several times through the years between keeping the 5 wood vs 3 hybrid in the bag. The performance from each is a bit different and you have to be smart about what suits your game the best.  

5 Wood Vs 3 Hybrid: What Is The Difference

The biggest difference between the 5 wood and the 3 hybrid is the shape of the clubhead. One is built as a fairway wood, and one is a mix between an iron and fairway wood. 

With the design of these two clubs being different, the performance is considerably different and will create a variation in the golf shots you can hit. 

Loft

The standard loft of a 5 wood is 19 degrees, and the standard loft of a 3 hybrid is also 19 degrees. However, both a 5 wood and a 3 hybrid can have lofts running from around 18 to 21 degrees. 

With two golf clubs having the same loft, they should technically fly the same distance. However, this is not always the case. 

Club Length 

The 5 wood is a little longer than the 3 hybrid. The difference is typically around an inch to a half inch, depending on the manufacturer and any customizations that may have been made to the club. 

The total club length for a 5 wood is usually between 41 and 42 inches, considerably shorter than the 3 wood and driver. 

The club length in the 3 hybrid is closer to 41 inches and sometimes even slightly less. 

The longer a golf club is, the further you can hit it. This, of course, requires you to also have a fast swing speed to hit the ball solidly when swinging with a longer golf club in your hands. 

Ball Flight

The hybrid club ball flight is more like an iron ball flight, and it will typically be a bit higher, with more spin. Fairway woods are hit more on the upswing as opposed to the downswing, and it can create a more leveled-out ball flight. 

Great players are often able to control the flight of the ball and the trajectory, but many golfers are stuck with what the club is capable of. Keep in mind that some golf clubs have an adjustable loft or launch that will impact the ball’s flight. 

Forgiveness

One of the reasons that people like a 5 wood compared to a 3 hybrid is because it is considered a very forgiving 5 wood. However, when put up against a 3 hybrid, the club won’t feel as forgiving to people. 

The thing that we find most interesting here is that the 5 wood is one of the more forgiving fairway woods, and the 3 hybrid is one of the least forgiving hybrids. So when you compare these clubs against other similar golf clubs, the forgiveness factor can be a little tricky. 

I can tell you from experience that the amount of forgiveness in both golf clubs is really similar. In fact, they are both considerably better than trying to swing a 3 iron, and that is all any amateur player needs to know! 

Distance

Most people hit their fairway wood a bit further than they hit their hybrid. With the clubs having the same loft, this difference in the distance comes from the total length of the golf club. 

Remember, too, that distance is a mix of ball speed, a center strike on the golf club, and equipment that fits the specific needs of your game. 

Spin 

Spin on the golf ball will impact how it flies and also how it reacts when it lands. The spin on a 5 wood is more likely to be a forward spin that encourages extra roll and distance. 

With a hybrid, there is a bit more control in the way the ball is hit and therefore you will notice that there is more backspin on your golf shots. 

Players tend to need a mix of high and low spin golf clubs in their bags. The key is to put together the perfect combination to work for your skills and the strengths and weaknesses of your game. 

How To Choose Between 5 Wood Vs 3 Hybrid 

As you saw when I was explaining the difference between the 5 wood and the 3 hybrid, there was no clear winner as one club being better than another. That’s because this decision is more about which is best for you, not which is the better golf club.

Here are the factors to keep in mind when choosing between a 5 wood and a 3 hybrid. 

Swing Speed

The faster your swing speed is, the easier it is to hit the longer golf club. Those with fast swing speeds should see great trajectory and distance from a fairway wood. 

However, when your swing speed slows down a bit, the hybrid clubs tend to be more accurate and easier to be consistent with. 

In fact, many golfers that struggle with keeping their swing speed up will switch to hybrid irons overall and have them throughout the entire set. The hybrid typically has a low center of gravity, making it easier for slower swing golfers to get the distance and flight they need. 

Set Makeup 

What is your current set makeup like? 

We highly recommend having at least one hybrid and at least one fairway wood. Each time we play golf we run across different situations that require certain equipment. 

If you are playing with a set of clubs that does not have a fairway wood or a hybrid, you may struggle to get something that is the right fit for your needs as a player. The current set makeup needs to blend well from the driver to the irons and vice versa. 

Some players skip putting the 3 wood in their bag because it can be a little harder to hit. If this describes you, we would recommend going with the 5 wood as you will want to bridge the gap between driver and irons with some type of a hybrid.  

Attack Angle

Some golfers are great at hitting down, and through their golf shots, others will be better at sweeping the ball. 

Take a look at your golf swing on video and see if you tend to be a little more steel or shallow on your approach to the ball. Shallow-swinging golfers will do really well with the fairway wood. 

Those that have more steep swing should benefit from the 3 hybrid. Although golfers can learn how to adjust their attack angle, it is always best to go with something that is a bit more natural. 

Distance Needs

Some players looking to add long game clubs to their bag need distance, while others need accuracy and control. If you are a golfer seeking pure distance, the fairway wood is the better choice. 

With lower spin rates and a more penetrating ball flight like stinger shots, most golfers see about 10 yards more with a 5 wood than they do with a 3 hybrid. According to the College of Golf at Kaiser University a stinger shot is a control shot that flights the ball at a lower than normal trajectory, reduces the spin of the golf ball, and causes the ball to roll out farther than a higher trajectory shot.

Remember that all golfers are looking for extra distance in their game, but with these clubs, you must fill the distance gaps you need. If you hit one of your fairway woods and hybrids the same distance, you are probably not varying your performance enough. 

Player Handicap 

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether or not handicap comes into play when choosing between a 5 wood and a 3 hybrid. This really should not impact your decision one way or another. 

Many lower handicap players struggle with long irons or can’t stand fairway woods. Your preference for the 5 wood or the 3 hybrid comes down to your ability to make great contact with the center of the clubface with either of these clubs in your hands. 

You should consider the forgiveness of the individual 5 wood or 3 hybrid you choose and make sure that matches your skill level. 

Some Uncommon Questions Answered

 Can adjusting the loft on a 3 wood make it as forgiving as a 5 wood?.

Adjusting the loft** on a 3 wood can increase its forgiveness by making it easier to launch the ball higher. However, it won’t entirely match the forgiveness of a 5 wood due to differences in shaft length and overall club design. The 5 wood’s shorter shaft and higher natural loft inherently make it more forgiving.

** Adjusting the loft on a 3 wood involves using the adjustable hosel, a feature available on many modern fairway woods. Some clubs also allow you to adjust the lie angle independently of the loft, so make sure to explore all options available on your specific club model.

• Check the Adjustability Feature: Ensure your 3 wood has an adjustable hosel. This feature is usually found on the neck of the club where the shaft meets the clubhead.
• Use the Wrench: Most adjustable clubs come with a special torque wrench. Insert this wrench into the screw located on the hosel.
• Loosen the Screw: Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the screw. This will allow the clubhead to move and adjust its position.
• Choose the Desired Loft: Once the screw is loosened, you'll see a series of settings or markings on the hosel. These markings indicate different loft options, such as "+1," "-1," or standard settings. Rotate the clubhead to align the desired loft setting with the indicator line on the hosel.
• Tighten the Screw: After selecting the loft, tighten the screw by turning the wrench clockwise until you hear a click. This sound indicates that the clubhead is securely locked into the new loft position.
• Test Your Adjustment: After adjusting the loft, take the club to the range to test the new settings. Adjusting the loft may also affect the club's lie angle, so it's essential to ensure the new configuration works well with your swing.

While swing mechanics are the primary factor in shot shape, the design of the fairway wood can influence it as well. A 5 wood, with its higher loft, tends to produce more of a draw bias, while a 3 wood, due to its lower loft and longer shaft, is more likely to produce a fade if mishit.

Yes, there is a noticeable difference in turf interaction between a 3 wood and a 5 wood. A 5 wood generally has a wider sole and a higher loft, which makes it easier to glide through the turf without digging. This makes it more suitable for hitting from tight lies or rough compared to a 3 wood, which can be more prone to digging into the ground due to its lower loft and narrower sole.

A golfer with a smoother, slower tempo might benefit more from a 5 wood, as its higher loft and shorter shaft can help maintain consistent timing and control. Conversely, a golfer with a faster tempo might prefer a 3 wood, which requires a more aggressive swing to achieve the desired distance and ball flight.

Absolutely, the type of ball you use can influence which fairway wood performs better. For example, a softer ball with higher spin may pair better with a 3 wood to help control the lower trajectory, while a firmer, lower-spin ball might work well with a 5 wood to enhance distance and height. Testing different ball and club combinations can help optimize performance.

Each of these clubs can be beneficial from a performance standpoint as long as they are the right match for your golf game. 

Typically speaking, golfers seeking pure distance go with the 5 wood, while those with more of a concern about control will go with the 3 hybrid.

One of the most important things is to choose golf clubs that give you a variation in the types of shots that you can hit. By understanding the strengths of each of these clubs and considering your unique needs, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your performance on the course.