The brassy is a driver which is used when the ordinary driver cannot get at the ball. As good golfing with a brassy means clipping the grass behind the ball, the shaft should be shorter and stiffer than the shaft of the driver. One should, however, only use a brassy when no other club will do as well, as the brass sole puts too much weight at the bottom of the head and the screws which keep the sole in position take away, to some extent, its resilient and driving qualities. When it is necessary to use a brassy on rough ground, or when the lie is hard and cuppy, the club head should be baffed behind the ball. When making a long approach shot, the brassy is often a desirable club to use with a half swing; but it is too often used on the fair green when a driver would be a better club, as the driver not only gives greater distance but because so frequently used is more sure of hitting the ball as it should.