Do your driver and fairway wood have to be the same make and model?

One of the benefits of going through a custom club fitting at a facility like The real specs it’s the opportunity to get a brand agnostic perspective on the best gear for your game. This means you could theoretically end up with a set of devices from multiple manufacturers rather than just one.

Last week, we investigated the pros and cons of buying wedges as part of an integrated iron setor as separate entities. But what about the top of the bag, with the driver and fairway wood? Is it important to maintain consistency in make and model with these clubs? Not necessarily, says True Spec’s Marc Roybal.

“One benefit of playing the same make and model in both the 3-wood and driver is that the feel and look will be similar and consistent,” he said. “But swing dynamics can change between the driver’s woods and the fairway, so what works on the driver doesn’t always fairway woodwork. Field interaction is a key component for most players.”

So how do you know what works best for your game? You guessed it: planning a proper fit, and ideally one where you can hit the ground running.

Some players find that drivers and 3-woods of the same make a pattern naturally complement each other, however, which is why all major manufacturers offer a combination. So if you find a driver wood or a fairway wood that fits, it makes sense to give the complementary club a chance as well.

But if mixing models sounds appealing, you can also choose clubs based on an attribute you’re looking for.

“The PING G440 driver and a Titleist GT2 fairway wood would be a ‘high-spin’ combination,” Roybal said, “while Taylormade’s Qi35 LS driver and a Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond fairway wood would be a ‘low-spin’ combination.”

As with all custom clubs, finding the right fit is a process, but it is an enjoyable and ultimately rewarding endeavor. Check out the Roybal models mentioned in detail below and to hone in on the driver and wood combination that is best for your game, click here to find a convenient club location near you at True Spec Golf.

High spin/guide wood combination

PING G440 Max Custom Driver

The G440 driver family (MAX, LST, SFT) is optimized to deliver more ball speed through numerous advancements, including PING’s deepest CG in a driver to date and a shallower, thinner face, while still providing the game-changing forgiveness expected of a PING driver. The G440 MAX is the most forgiving model and suits most golfers; available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° loft with a three-position adjustable back weight. VERY FORGIVING Lighter head weight allows for more back weight. FASTER FACE Shallow, thinner face increases ball speed for more distance, higher release. SOUND DESIGN New moulding, carbon crown and internal ribs produce impactful silent experience. FREE-HOSEL DESIGN Saves weight to lower CG, increase forgiveness. Allows more heel-side face flex for consistent ball speed across the face.

$599 from Fairway Jockey

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