I think as a golfer becomes more intelligent of how to play golf and of their own abilities they end up using the driver less and less, unless they're a very go

I think as a golfer becomes more intelligent of how to play golf and of their own abilities they end up using the driver less and less, unless they're a very good golfer. But generally I never use them on par-5's unless I think I can reach in 2. If that isn't possible then why bother hitting the driver? I'll take a 3-wood or a 5-wood and then play my second shot with a similar club or long iron. Yeah, a perfect drive could put my second shot closer and be the difference between a gap wedge and a pitching wedge approach, but overall I'd say I probably am more likely to get in trouble with the driver. On long par-4's I find it mandatory to hit and on shorter par-4's with larger landing zones or no real hazard in play I'll take it out. But otherwise I'm happy to hit 3-wood off the tee or a long iron. Of course, becoming excellent with a driver gives a lot of advantages. And although the= old adage is "drive for show putt for dough" is true - getting off the tee and in play is still the most important part of the game, especially for mid/high handicap amateurs.