The Hacker: Hybrid comes to rescue for Derek but Matt finish is too much for me

It's a comfort to know that not only are there fellow sufferers out there but that they are also trying the same escape routes out of the purgatory ofhackerdom.

My resolution last week to cease my search for a big-headed, big-priced driver Icould learn to love and instead use a three-wood to power my ball off the tee has brought an encouraging modicum of success, and a response from readers embarked on thesame enterprise.

Bob Low, on old pal I played with in Majorca earlier this year, has also abandoned his driver and is getting "vastly better results" with his three-wood. But, as he points out, hitting the ball straighter but shorter puts more pressure on your second shot, and this is where Derek Hutchison – another three-wood convert – has made a breakthrough.

"My long-standing problem has been my second shot," says Derek, who plays off 20. "Then I tried some retail therapy and bought a Yonex rescue hybrid. I've been astounded at the result. I've actually hit greens from 185 yards."

Even the odd couple he tops go 130 yards and, as he says: "It's how good your bad shots are that make the difference."

My first serious outing brandishing my three-woodwas in the President's Cup last weekend, when we were lucky to play as it was so squelchy underfoot. Martin, whose dentistry practice I frequent and who doesn't like to see me suffer, offered to partner me in the fourball better-ball event.

It is always a pleasure to play with a three-handicapper, and I didn't do badly. Not every tee-shot was brilliant but, overall, there was a steady improvement, and I even contributed a few three-pointers to our Stableford total of 37 points.

Down in Somerset two days later, things didn't go as well. I had arranged to play with James, mine host at my favourite place of refreshment, against Ken, a notorious visitor who plays at the Hampton Court Palace club and carries a handicap certificate that looks as if it was signed by King Henry VIII.

The figure of 16.6 certainly bears no resemblance to the present state of his game. We managed to reduce it to 15 by the time we reached the first tee at Oake Manor near Taunton, and we were comforted that he was going to be partnered by his grandson, Matt, who is 21 and, although he had made many a visit to driving ranges, had never been on a golf course before.

Ken gave James five shots, me eight and was going to give Matt 10 until we insisted he should receive 14. Our generosity turned out to be fatal. WhileTed played his usual steady game, Matt's swing was a revelation. His direction wasa bit erratic at first, but he hitthe ball so sweetly.

We were four down with eight to play but, thanks to James, fought back to dormie one at the last, which is a nasty uphill dog-leg. It is stroke index 14 so Matt had a shot, and he hit a brilliant second to be on the green for nett one. Game over.

It is not often you see a rank beginner who is as good as that. What a shame he is going to miss the struggles so many ofus have enjoyed.

p.corrigan@independent.co.uk

Interesting? Click here to explore further