The Secret To Hitting Your 3-Wood by Sean Foley:
If I asked what your carry distance is with a 9-iron, you'd probably give me a specific yardage. But what about your 3-wood? Not really sure? That's because if you're trying to chase a 3-wood up the fairway on a long par 4 or par 5, you're going to be tempted to swing it harder than if, say, you're hitting it on a par 3. I'll bet there's no consistency to your tempo with this club.
My advice is to swing your 3-wood with the same amount of effort every time. In fact, swing it with the same tempo as you do your 9-iron. Remember, it's not necessarily your swing speed that makes a 3-wood shot go a long way—it's the design of the club: the longer shaft, the lower loft, the hotter clubface.
To hone a smooth, consistent action with your 3-wood, go to the practice tee and alternate shots with your 9-iron and 3-wood. Your goal is to feel like you have the 9-iron in your hands when you're hitting the longer club. Then, take that feeling to the course.
