Hybrid golf clubs are a combination of an iron and a wood. What the hell does that mean! Well, you take the shaft length of an iron, the loft of an iron, and the sole of a wood then bingo! A strange looking golf club indeed. However, it won’t take you long to fall in love with probably the best golf invention in recent years. There is no longer any need to fear those long irons. Get rid of that 3 and 4 iron, replace them with hybrids, and you’ll be attacking greens from long range in no time!
Sometimes called utility clubs, the low center of gravity (courtesy of the wood part) allow you to get the ball in the air more easily with a higher trajectory. The confidence inspired by the larger head and easy playability have made them a hit amongst amateurs and professionals alike. They also perform fantastic off the tee, providing a perfect alternative to a 3-wood on tight driving holes. An average male can easily achieve 220 yards off the tee with an 18 degree hybrid. Try doing that with a 2-iron equivalent! You will find yourself using them in a variety of situations – out of the rough, punching out from under trees, curving around obstacles. They are the ultimate get out of trouble club!
Most golf club vendors manufacture hybrids to match their iron sets, so if you have a recent set, I would recommend trying the matching ones for your set of irons. There is nothing worse than having a set of clubs where each club has a different feel and performance level . I personally have a pair of Ping G10 hybrids, and enjoy the fact the shafts and swingweight are in sync with the rest of the Ping golf equipment set. If you can’t get matching hybrids, a long list of manufacturers are available : Ping, Titleist, Calloway, TaylorMade, Adams, Cleveland, Nike to name but a few. They key is to find one that suits your eye and gives confidence, as they can look a little strange at the start. Look to pay between $89 and $200 for a reasonable club.
If you still unsure about hybrids, why not try them out first? A demo day at your local golf range is a great way to ry out different models. You could also ask a golf buddy for a loan, or go to a golf store for a fitting session.