TECHNICALLY · 4 OF WOOD

The 4-wood — the underestimated bridge.

There’s a gap between the 3-wood (190 m) and the 5-wood (170 m). The 4-wood fills that gap—and yet 90% of senior golfers ignore it. Just think of the strategic value of those 20 meters.

II had a 3-wood and a 5-wood in my bag for years—and the same question kept coming up: 3-wood too long, 5-wood too short? With a 4-wood, that question was gone. 180 meters is 180 meters, I reach for the 4-wood and hit the center. Sounds simple, and it is—if you have it.

The 4-wood is the senior specialist for the 180-meter zone. Long par-4 approaches, par-5 layups, long par-3s. These are three situations that, without a 4-wood, are often played as "just not enough" or "too far." Score effect: 1-2 strokes per round.

When the four of clubs wins

Situation 1 — Long Par 4 Approach

✓ 175–190 M TO THE GREEN.

On long par 4s (380+ meters), a good drive often leaves a 175-190 meter approach shot. A 3-wood would be too long, and a 5-wood too short. A 4-wood produces the exact carry distance – often even on the green.

Situation 2 — Par 5 Layup

✓ SECOND HIT TO THE IDEAL PITCHING SPOT.

On a Par 5, 480-510 meters: a 4-wood as the second shot ideally places the ball 70-90 meters from the green. This is the wedge distance where senior golfers have the greatest scoring leverage.

Situation 3 — Long Par 3

Higher trajectory than hybrid.

For long par 3s (170-190 m), a 4-wood produces a higher trajectory than a 4-hybrid, resulting in a softer landing on the green. More greens in regulation.

180 m

is the median carry distance of a 4-wood among senior golfers

TrackMan Senior Database 2024

Exactly the distance where hybrids are too short and 3-woods are too long.

Three tips for the 4 wood

Tip 1 - Ready to go

✓ FAIRWAY AND HALFWAY HOUSE.

Unlike a 3-wood: a 4-wood can also be played from the fairway. Higher loft makes it easier to get airborne, with more consistent carry. A must-have club for players who frequently miss the fairway.

Tip 2 — Ball position slightly behind center

✓ 3 CM BEHIND DRIVER'S POSITION.

Ball position about 3 cm behind your left heel. This produces a clean sweep strike and enough backspin for a stop-on-landing effect on the green.

Tip 3 – Swing tempo beats maximum

✓ 85 % SWING.

Senior golfers with an 85% swing hit their 4-wood more consistently and often produce more carry than with maximum effort. The smash factor is higher, and dispersion is smaller.

Most senior golfers have a yardage gap they don’t even know about. The 4-wood fills it precisely.

— Tom Wishon, custom club designer

Three arguments for a 4-wood in a senior player's bag.

Close the distance gap

There is a 15-25 meter gap between a 3-wood and a 5-wood. A 4-wood fills that gap perfectly — and answers the most common club question for long approaches.

Versatility

Tee, fairway, rough, par-5 layup, long par-3 — the 4-wood is the most versatile club between a driver and irons. Few clubs can handle so many situations.

Senior-Specific Equipment

Custom-fitted 4-irons with senior shafts (R-flex or Senior-flex) add 10-15 m more than standard configurations. Measurably worthwhile.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 When the four of clubs wins

02 Three tips for technology

03 What the 4-wood doesn't replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

180 m

Median carry distance in older adults.

REFERENCE

Lamontagne et al. (2021): Senior Golf Biomechanics. MyTPI (2020): The Golf Body. Rose, G. & Phillips, D. (2018): The Golf Body. Trackman Performance Database 2024. PGA Tour Stats 2014–2024.

What the 4-wood doesn't replace

The 4-wood bridges the 180-yard gap — but it neither replaces course management nor the short game. Someone who hits the perfect 4-wood shot but pitches 50 yards off, only gains a portion of the potential advantage. A 4-wood is a bag lever, not a game all-rounder.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to get the 4-wood in the bag in 30 days

Distance gap test

In the next round, note all approaches in the 170-190m zone. With which clubs? How close to the green? If often undecided between a 3-wood and a 5-wood, try a 4-wood.

Demonstration on the range

Pro Shop or Online Demo: Test a 4-wood with a senior shaft. Record median distance with 15 balls. If 175-185m: ideal. If above/below: a 5-wood or 3-wood is sufficient.

See through custom-fitting

If a 4-wood makes sense: Custom fitting with launch monitor. Adjust loft (typically 16-17°), shaft, length. €80-120 - a permanent gain.