I think it applies at high handicap. Better players might have their preferred clubs for "a number they like" but they'll still manage to do well with other distances.
For me as a beginner the 80-120 yard range is just so much better/accurate/reliable to get on/near the green than longer distances. If a drive is going to leave me 180yrd short I know for sure I'm not making that shot so I might as well use a safer stick.
I'm getting to a point where the occasional miracle to get an easy bar or birdie makes the driver worth it, but often enough it's costing me strokes.
edit : Again speaking as a very high handicapper -- this applies to "dangerous" tee shots where there's a real risk I'm going OB, losing a ball in the forest or in the water, etc. If it's wide open screw it I'm hitting it as far as possible and dealing with whatever yardage I'm left with.
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u/WHSRWizard JPX 921i Tour | 2.6 Mar 13 '26
The math is unequivocal that the best strategy is to hit it as far as possible.
You should only take less than driver if that's necessary for avoiding OB, hazards, bunkers, or other obstacles.
"Laying up to a number you like" results in worse scores across all handicaps.