When To Hit Driver Off The Deck (3 Situations)

Written by Todd in Online Golf Instruction

There are three key times when a golfer might consider a driver off the deck: 

  • When their 3 wood is not long enough to reach a par 5 in two.
  • If they are under a tree and have to keep the ball low.
  • There is a strong head wind and they must keep the ball low.

The driver off the deck is an option that some golfers use.

You will see the higher end golfer from time to time pull the driver from the fairway or rough to hit a shot on a par 5 for their second shot.

The shot is a high risk, high reward in many situations and the golfer must have some proper skill, technique and hand eye coordination to pull the shot off.

If you have never hit the driver off the deck, make sure your practice before you attempt the shot on the course.  Once again, while the high end reward might be there, there is high risk and you could end up in a bad situation.

When To Hit Driver Off The Deck?

Personal Experience: This isn’t a shot I hit often, but my main playing partner hits it very often. Much it comes down to confidence, personal preference and the quality of your 3 wood shot!

Let’s face, there are golfers that we all play with that go all out on every shot.  They are always trying to pull off the miracle shot because that is why they play the game.  They want the roller coaster ride and are seeking the thrill and the story behind hitting the driver off the deck from 265 yards and then making the eagle putt.

On the other hand, there is the golfer that plots their way around the course and takes great pride in producing a quality score and grinding out a impressive front nine and back nine over the 4 hours that it takes to play.


I have experienced this time and time again with the person I play the most golf with.  He hits the driver off the deck frequently, while it is not a shot I will attempt too often.  I feel confident in my wedges that I can make birdie on a par 5 even if I don’t reach the green in two.

Let’s dive into further detail on when to hit the driver off the deck.

If you have a slower swing speed, the shot might be extra difficult. Make sure you practice before you take it to the course!

Situation #1: When the 3 Wood isn’t Long Enough

Naturally, due to the lower amount of loft and the longer shaft, the driver is built to fly longer than the 3 wood.  The spin rate is lower and extra speed is produced due to the longer length of the club.  However, it was also built and designed to be hit off a tee, making this shot a difficult shot, but the ball can sure fly far when connected and executed properly.

If you find yourself in the middle of a par 5 with let’s say 260 left and your 3 wood only goes 235 yards on a good day, it might be worth the attempt at the driver off the deck.

If the ball is sitting up nicely in the fairway or rough and there is limited trouble around they green, give it a shot.  Understanding that the potential is a worm burner that only goes about 50 yards because the club is not engineered to hit without tee.

Another thing to take note of is if the front side of the green is open to a shot that will roll up.  Oftentimes with the driver off the deck, the ball will fly low and fast and have plenty of roll.  Making sure there isn’t a bunker right in the way of your entry onto the green is essential.

If there is a bunker in the way, you might go back to the 3 wood or even something less to keep yourself in play and with a comfortable number for your wedge.

Situation #2: You Find Yourself Under A Tree

Some golfers will use the driver to hit a low running, longer punch shot from in the trees.  In parkland style courses, it is very common to have narrow fairways with tree lined fairways, leaving you in the tree 2-3 times per round potentially.  The advantage of the lower flying driver shot is that you can maximize your distance and keep the ball low.  The potential disadvantage is a mishit shot that only goes 10 yards.  Once again, high risk, high reward.

You have to ask yourself if being 30 yards closer to the hole is going to make a difference.  If it is the difference between 90 and 120 yards, it might not be.  If it is a difference between 185 and 155 yards, it might be worth it.  Know your game and understand what your next shot is going to look like and if the rewards out weights the risk of the shot.

Situation #3: Strong Head Wind

We have all played golf on those blustery days and a long par 5 into the wind is a difficult challenge, especially when it is cold outside as well.

Finding yourself even 350 yards into a par 5 with a strong head wind can leave you feeling hopeless.  However, if you can hit the driver and keep it low and let it run out to 220 total yards, leaving you with 130 yards in, this might be a quality option.

Of the three situations, there is where I would be most likely to hit the driver off the deck.  I prefer to keep the ball low and in play.  In this situation, it could be the best option available.  Once again, we have to be sure to hit the ball first and not stub the ground behind the ball.

Hitting the Driver Off The Deck: Tips

  • Make sure you practice this shot in the 3 situations listed above.
  • Practice from different lies and see what works best for you.
  • Have an idea of how far your 3 wood flies vs how long your total distance is with the driver off the deck.
  • Try choking down for a little more control without losing too much distance.

Final Thoughts

A golfer has to know his or her personality and also what their competition is that day.  If you are playing stroke play and have a good round going, stick with the game plan and hit the 3 wood, hybrid or iron down the fairway and hit the 3rd shot on the green.  If you are playing match play and your partner has an advantage, depending on where you are in the match, consider the driver off the deck.

Have fun with the game and keep your mindset in the right place.  Golf should be fun and have fun practicing and playing whenever you get the chance!  Embrace the challenge and look forward to being able to attempt the shot and assess your skill and ability to pull the shot off!

Golfing on the coast brings new challenges, the low flying driver off the deck might be helpful!

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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