I often thought that hitting a 3 wood off the tee was ‘the smart shot’. I was told that it was the safe shot and that it provides a better opportunity for hitting the ball in play off the tee. Apparently, according to Mark Crossfield, this is a misnomer. There is a very slight difference in the ball in play percentage between the 3 wood and driver, yet the distance is fairly significant. So I ask again, why hit the three wood off the tee?