Best 3 Wood For A High Handicapper- Up Your Golf Game
Updated: Apr 8
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If you've landed on this blog, it's likely that you're on the hunt for the best 3 wood for a high handicapper.
You're seeking the perfect club that will not only match your skill level but also improve your performance on the golf course.
We understand that being a high handicapper can be a challenge, especially when you're striving for better accuracy and distance with every stroke.
The struggle to find the right 3 wood that caters to your specific needs can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available in the market.
With years of experience in golfing, and having gone through the journey from high handicapper to low, we've spent considerable time testing, reviewing, and recommending the best golf equipment for players at different skill levels.
We've walked in your shoes and understand the complexities involved in choosing the right club.
Whether you're new to the game, stuck at a high handicap level, or simply a golf enthusiast wanting to improve your game, this guide is designed for you.
Our goal is to help high handicappers gain the knowledge they need to make an informed choice about their golf clubs, starting with the pivotal 3 wood.
Remember, every golfer has been in your shoes at some point, trying to find the equipment that helps them play their best game.
We're in this journey together, and with our expertise and your dedication, we can help you find the best 3 wood that will contribute significantly to lowering your handicap.
If you are a beginner then check out our Beginners Guide to Golf
If it's not a 3 Wood your looking for then take a look at our post on The Best Beginner Golf Irons
The Best Overall 3 Wood
Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood
The Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood stands out as the best overall beginner 3 wood due to its combination of forgiveness, distance, and feel. Its forgiving design aids beginners in maintaining accuracy and consistency, even on off-center hits.
The club's remarkable distance capabilities instill confidence in newcomers, allowing them to confidently cover longer fairways. Additionally, the comfortable feel upon impact enhances the overall golfing experience.
The Big Bertha 3 Wood offers a compelling choice for novice golfers. While it might not suit highly skilled players seeking advanced shot-shaping, its performance attributes and design make it an excellent investment for newcomers, supporting their growth and enjoyment on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
The Best Budget 3 Wood
Rife RX7 Fairway Wood
The Rife RX7 3 Wood stands out as the top budget-friendly option, catering to beginner golfers with its affordability and quality features. Emphasizing forgiveness, it aids newcomers in maintaining accuracy on off-center hits, building their confidence.
The RX7 3 Wood also boasts impressive distance capabilities, essential for longer fairway shots. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the club's design offers a comfortable feel upon impact, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
The RX7 3 Wood excels as a budget choice. While it might not suit highly skilled players seeking advanced shot-shaping, its performance attributes and design make it a valuable asset for beginners.
The Rife RX7 3 Wood becomes an excellent investment for those looking to improve their game without breaking the bank, providing a supportive tool as they progress on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
The Most Forgiving 3 Wood
Srixon Zx 3 Wood
The Srixon ZX 3 Wood shines as the ultimate forgiving choice from our selection, blending forgiveness, distance, and feel. Its standout feature is the forgiving design that offers a lifeline to beginners, mitigating the impact of off-center hits and ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout their rounds.
This forgiveness extends a helping hand to novices, boosting their confidence and enhancing their overall performance. The club's impressive distance capabilities empower newcomers to confidently navigate longer fairways, while the satisfying feel upon impact adds an enjoyable tactile dimension to the game.
The Srixon ZX 3 Wood becomes a reliable ally for those seeking forgiveness as they embark on their golfing journey, aiding in their skill development and making their time on the course more enjoyable.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
Scottsdale Golf:
The Best Premium 3 Wood
Callaway Paradym 3 Wood
The Callaway Paradym 3 Wood reigns as the finest premium option, offering a fusion of features tailored for beginners. Its focal point on forgiveness stands out, aiding novices in maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Enhanced distance capabilities and satisfying impact feel elevate its premium status.
Rated at 4.6 out of 5 by The Golf Grange, the Paradym 3 Wood is a standout choice. While not fully meeting advanced players' preferences, its performance and design make it an excellent investment for beginners. It bolsters development, enhances the experience, and aids progress on the course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
What we look for in a 3 Wood for a high handicapper & beginner
When assessing the best 3 wood for high handicappers, we prioritize three key factors: distance, forgiveness, and feel.
If you are looking for your next set then check out our post in The Best Beginner Golf Sets
Distance is crucial because a well-crafted 3 wood can cover significant ground, often proving to be a game-changer on par-5 holes or long par-4s.
It's all about optimizing your shot to go further, getting you closer to the green with fewer strokes.
Forgiveness is a vital attribute, particularly for high handicappers.
A forgiving 3 wood is designed to minimize the impact of mis-hits, ensuring that off-center shots still travel a good distance and stay on course.
Lastly, the Feel of a club encompasses the feedback and control you experience when the ball is struck.
A 3 wood with good feel can improve your confidence and skill, allowing for better precision and response on each swing.
Together, these three elements can make a substantial difference in your game, leading to lower scores and more enjoyable rounds.
A long game is great but if you are looking for something for your short game then check out our post in The Best Beginner Putters
Our Choice Of The Best 3 Wood For High Handicappers And Beginners
Taylormade Stealth 3 Wood
The Taylormade Stealth 3 Wood is an appealing option for beginner golfers due to its combination of forgiveness, distance, and feel.
Its large clubhead and optimized weighting provide forgiveness on off-center shots, helping beginners maintain better consistency in their game.
The club's design facilitates good distance, allowing novices to cover the fairway with confidence. The feel of the Stealth 3 Wood is comfortable, providing a satisfying sensation upon impact and contributing to the golfer's overall enjoyment.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros:
- Forgiving clubhead design aids in maintaining accuracy on mishits.
- Impressive distance capabilities help beginners cover more ground.
- Comfortable feel upon impact contributes to a positive playing experience.
Cons:
- Some experienced players might find the forgiveness excessive, leading to potential loss of shot-shaping control.
- Advanced golfers seeking precise workability might feel limited by the forgiving design.
The Taylormade Stealth 3 Wood is a solid choice for beginner golfers seeking forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it might not cater to the preferences of highly skilled players, its performance and design features make it a valuable asset for those still developing their skills on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Callaway Rouge St Max 3 Wood
The Callaway Rogue ST Max 3 Wood presents an attractive choice for novice golfers due to its impressive combination of forgiveness, distance, and feel.
For beginners, the club's oversized clubhead provides a larger sweet spot, minimizing the impact of off-center hits and allowing them to maintain better accuracy. The club's optimized design helps generate substantial distance, giving beginners the confidence to cover longer fairways.
The Rogue ST Max 3 Wood also offers a pleasing feel upon impact, which contributes to an enjoyable and satisfying playing experience.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pros:
- Oversized clubhead enhances forgiveness, helping beginners maintain accuracy even on less-than-perfect shots.
- Excellent distance capabilities provide beginners with the confidence to tackle longer shots.
- Comfortable feel upon impact adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Some advanced players seeking more workability might find the club's forgiveness limits shot-shaping control.
- The club's design might feel overly forgiving for experienced golfers looking for a more challenging experience.
The Callaway Rogue ST Max 3 Wood is a highly commendable choice for beginner golfers who value forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not cater to the preferences of highly skilled players seeking more control, its performance attributes and design elements make it a fantastic asset for newcomers looking to enhance their game on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Srixon Zx 3 Wood
The Srixon ZX 3 Wood presents an appealing option for beginner golfers due to its combination of forgiveness, distance, and feel.
For novices, the club's forgiving design minimizes the impact of off-center hits, aiding in maintaining better accuracy and consistency on the course.
The ZX 3 Wood is also known for its impressive distance capabilities, giving beginners the confidence to cover longer fairways.
Additionally, the club provides a satisfying feel upon impact, enhancing the overall playing experience and ensuring a comfortable connection with the ball.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Pros:
- Forgiving design assists beginners in maintaining accuracy, even on mis-hits.
- Remarkable distance capabilities empower newcomers to handle longer shots with ease.
- Pleasing feel upon impact adds a tactile element to the golfing experience.
Cons:
- Highly skilled players seeking workability might find the club's forgiveness limits their ability to shape shots.
- Some golfers might prefer a more classic design, as the ZX 3 Wood's appearance is distinct.
The Srixon ZX 3 Wood is a solid choice for beginner golfers who value forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not cater to the preferences of advanced players seeking maximum shot-shaping control, its performance attributes and design features make it an excellent asset for individuals new to the game, assisting them in improving their skills and enjoying their time on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
Scottsdale Golf:
Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood
The Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood offers compelling features that would attract a beginner golfer, making it a great choice for those starting out.
The club's forgiving nature is particularly beneficial for novices, as its design minimizes the impact of off-center hits, helping them maintain accuracy and consistency in their shots.
This forgiveness is complemented by impressive distance capabilities, giving beginners the confidence to cover longer fairways with ease. The Big Bertha 3 Wood also provides a comfortable and satisfying feel upon impact, enhancing the overall golfing experience for newcomers.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Pros:
- The forgiving design aids beginners in achieving accuracy even on mishits.
- Remarkable distance capabilities empower novice golfers to handle longer shots confidently.
- The comfortable feel upon impact adds to the enjoyment of playing the game.
Cons:
- Highly skilled players seeking precise shot shaping might find the club's forgiveness limiting in that aspect.
- The club's design might not appeal to golfers who prefer a more traditional or classic appearance.
The Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood is a fantastic option for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not fully cater to the preferences of advanced players seeking intricate shot control, its performance attributes and design elements make it an excellent investment for newcomers to the sport, supporting their growth and enjoyment on the golf course.
Check out our in depth review of the club here: Callaway Big Bertha 3 Wood In Depth Review
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Tour Edge Hot Launch 3 Wood
The Tour Edge Hot Launch 3 Wood presents a compelling choice for beginner golfers due to its qualities that align well with their needs.
For someone new to the game, the club's emphasis on forgiveness stands out as a key benefit. Its design minimizes the negative effects of off-center hits, allowing beginners to maintain accuracy and improve consistency.
Additionally, the Hot Launch 3 Wood offers impressive distance capabilities, which is particularly beneficial for novices looking to cover more ground on the fairway. The club also provides a comfortable and pleasing feel upon impact, contributing to an enjoyable experience for those just starting out in golf.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.2 out of 5.
Pros:
- Forgiving design aids beginners in maintaining accuracy even on less-than-perfect shots.
- Impressive distance capabilities provide the confidence to handle longer fairway shots.
- Comfortable feel upon impact enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- More advanced players seeking advanced shot-shaping control might find the forgiveness of the club limiting in that aspect.
- The club's design may not resonate with golfers who prefer a more traditional or classic appearance.
The Tour Edge Hot Launch 3 Wood is an excellent choice for beginner golfers who value forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not fully cater to the preferences of highly skilled players seeking intricate control, its performance attributes and design features make it a highly effective tool for individuals new to golf, supporting their improvement and enjoyment on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Cobra RadSpeed 3 Wood
The Cobra Radspeed 3 Wood offers compelling features that would attract a beginner golfer, making it a strong consideration for those new to the game.
One of its standout qualities is its exceptional forgiveness, which is highly advantageous for novices. This design minimizes the impact of off-center hits, allowing beginners to achieve better accuracy and consistency as they learn and improve.
The Radspeed 3 Wood also delivers impressive distance capabilities, providing beginners with the confidence to handle longer fairway shots.
Moreover, the club offers a satisfying feel upon impact, contributing to a positive playing experience and helping beginners develop a good connection with their shots.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.7 out of 5.
Pros:
- The forgiveness-focused design aids beginner golfers in maintaining accuracy even on mis-hits.
- Impressive distance capabilities empower newcomers to tackle longer shots confidently.
- The comfortable and satisfying feel upon impact enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Highly skilled players looking for intricate shot shaping might find the club's forgiveness to be slightly limiting.
- The club's design might not appeal to golfers who prefer a more classic appearance.
The Cobra Radspeed 3 Wood is an excellent choice for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not completely cater to the preferences of advanced players seeking nuanced control, its performance attributes and design elements make it a fantastic option for those new to golf, helping them build their skills and enjoy their time on the course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Rife RX7 Fairway Wood
The Rife RX7 3 Wood presents an intriguing option for beginner golfers, offering qualities that cater to their needs and improvement.
The club's emphasis on forgiveness is particularly appealing to newcomers, allowing them to achieve better accuracy even on off-center hits. This enhances consistency and builds confidence in their shots.
Additionally, the RX7 3 Wood boasts impressive distance capabilities, giving beginners the tools to tackle longer fairway shots with ease. The club's design also prioritizes a comfortable and responsive feel upon impact, enhancing the overall golfing experience for those just starting out.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pros:
- Forgiving design assists beginner golfers in maintaining accuracy even on mishits.
- Impressive distance capabilities provide the confidence to handle longer shots.
- Comfortable and responsive feel upon impact adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Players seeking advanced shot shaping might find the forgiveness aspect somewhat limiting.
- The club's design might not resonate with those who prefer a more classic or traditional appearance.
The Rife RX7 3 Wood is a strong choice for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not cater to the preferences of highly skilled players seeking intricate control, its performance attributes and design features make it a valuable asset for individuals new to the sport.
It supports their development, helps them enjoy the game, and provides the tools to make consistent progress on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Callaway Paradym 3 Wood
The Callaway Paradym 3 Wood offers enticing features that would capture the interest of a beginner golfer, making it a compelling choice for those new to the game.
The club's standout quality is its emphasis on forgiveness, which is especially valuable for novice players.
This design minimizes the impact of off-center hits, helping beginners maintain accuracy and consistency as they learn and progress. Moreover, the Paradym 3 Wood boasts commendable distance capabilities, providing beginners with the confidence to tackle longer fairway shots.
Additionally, the club offers a satisfying feel upon impact, contributing to a positive playing experience and fostering a solid connection between the golfer and their shots.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.6 out of 5.
Pros:
- The forgiveness-focused design aids beginner golfers in achieving accuracy, even on mis-hits.
- Impressive distance capabilities empower newcomers to handle longer shots with confidence.
- The comfortable and satisfying feel upon impact enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Highly skilled players who seek precise shot shaping might find the club's forgiveness slightly restrictive.
- The club's design might not resonate with golfers who prefer a more classic or traditional appearance.
The Callaway Paradym 3 Wood is a standout choice for beginner golfers, delivering forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not fully cater to the preferences of advanced players seeking intricate control, its performance attributes and design elements make it an excellent investment for those new to golf.
It supports their development, enhances their playing experience, and aids them in making consistent strides on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Titleist TRS2 Fairway Wood
The Titleist TRS2 3 Wood offers compelling features that would appeal to a beginner golfer, making it a strong contender for those starting their golf journey.
The standout attribute for beginners is its impressive forgiveness, which greatly aids in maintaining accuracy even on off-center hits.
This feature supports consistency and helps novices improve their overall game. Additionally, the TRS2 3 Wood delivers substantial distance capabilities, providing beginners with the confidence to tackle longer fairway shots.
The club's design also ensures a satisfying feel upon impact, enhancing the overall golfing experience for those new to the sport.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Pros:
- The forgiveness-centric design helps beginner golfers maintain accuracy, even when shots aren't perfectly centered.
- Impressive distance capabilities empower newcomers to handle longer shots with ease.
- The satisfying feel upon impact adds to the enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Highly skilled players seeking advanced shot shaping might find the club's forgiveness slightly limiting.
- The club's design may not resonate with golfers who prefer a more traditional or classic appearance.
The Titleist TRS2 3 Wood is a solid choice for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and a satisfying feel.
While it may not fully cater to the preferences of advanced players seeking intricate shot control, its performance attributes and design elements make it an excellent option for individuals new to the game.
It supports their improvement, enhances their golfing experience, and empowers them to develop their skills on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Scottsdale Golf:
Discount Golf Store:
Taylormade Sim Max 2 3 Wood
The Taylormade Sim Max 2 3 Wood offers compelling features that would attract a beginner golfer, making it a strong consideration for those starting out on the course.
One of its standout qualities for novices is its remarkable forgiveness. This design ensures that even on off-center hits, the Sim Max 2 3 Wood helps beginners maintain accuracy and consistency, providing a boost in confidence as they develop their skills.
Furthermore, the Sim Max 2 3 Wood doesn't compromise on distance capabilities. It empowers beginner golfers to handle longer fairway shots with ease, offering them the opportunity to cover more ground and make progress in their game.
Beyond its performance attributes, the club also places emphasis on providing a satisfying feel upon impact, which enhances the overall golfing experience for newcomers and reinforces their connection with the sport.
The Golf Grange Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Pros:
- The club's forgiveness-centric design assists beginners in maintaining accuracy and consistency, even on mis-hits.
- Impressive distance capabilities give novices the confidence to handle longer fairway shots.
- The satisfying feel upon impact contributes to the enjoyment of the game.
Cons:
- Golfers seeking highly advanced shot-shaping control might find the forgiveness aspect slightly limiting.
- The club's design might not resonate with those who prefer a more traditional appearance.
The Taylormade Sim Max 2 3 Wood is a solid choice for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and a comfortable feel.
While it may not cater to the nuanced preferences of advanced players, its performance attributes and design elements make it an excellent option for individuals new to golf.
It supports their development, enriches their playing experience, and empowers them to progress with confidence on the golf course.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
FAQ
What is a 3 wood?
A 3 wood is a golf club that falls between a driver and a 5 wood in terms of loft angle and length.
It's designed to help golfers achieve longer shots from both the fairway and the tee. The name "3 wood" comes from its traditional numbering in a standard set of golf clubs.
The loft angle of a 3 wood is typically around 15 degrees, which is higher than that of a driver but lower than that of a 5 wood.
The design of a 3 wood incorporates a smaller clubhead compared to a driver, which allows for better control and accuracy.
This makes it a popular choice for players who want a balance between distance and precision.
The clubhead's shape and size enable it to generate substantial distance, making it useful for covering fairway shots that require more distance than an iron club can provide.
On the tee, a 3 wood can be used when accuracy is essential, and the golfer wants to avoid potential hazards while still achieving a reasonable amount of distance.
From the fairway, it's handy for hitting long approach shots into the green.
In summary, a 3 wood is a versatile club that offers a good compromise between distance and control, making it a valuable tool for golfers seeking reliable performance in various situations on the golf course.
If you are looking for a driver instead then take a look at our post The Best Golf Drivers For Beginners
When To Use a 3 Wood
A 3 wood is typically used when you need to hit a longer shot from both the fairway and the tee.
It's particularly useful for situations where you want more distance than an iron can provide, but still require good accuracy and control.
On the tee, a 3 wood can be employed for accuracy on tighter fairways or when a driver might be too much club.
From the fairway, it's a go-to club for longer approach shots to the green.
Sometimes something as small as your grip can make a difference. Check out our Golf Grip Guide Here
How does a 3 wood help a high handicapper improve their game?
A high handicapper can benefit from a 3 wood in several ways to improve their game.
It provides better control and accuracy compared to a driver, helping with fairway shots and tee shots, especially on tighter holes.
Successfully using a 3 wood builds confidence, encourages a smoother swing, and enhances course management skills.
Overall, it's a versatile club that bridges the gap between irons and drivers, making longer shots more manageable and contributing to overall game improvement.
How does loft and clubhead design affect a high handicapper's play?
For a high handicapper using a 3 wood, loft impacts ball trajectory and helps clear obstacles.
The forgiving clubhead design with a larger sweet spot enhances accuracy by minimizing the impact of off-center hits and stabilizing the clubhead through impact, leading to more consistent shots.
What should I look for when choosing the best 3 wood for a high handicapper?
Forgiveness with a larger sweet spot, slightly higher loft for a higher ball flight, stable clubhead design with perimeter weighting, distance-enhancing technology, adjustability, comfortable feel upon impact, appropriate shaft flex, positive reviews, and alignment with your budget.
