If you follow golf on television or subscribe to a golf magazine then you have likely witnessed the mounting discussion surrounding Hybrid (sometimes referred to as utility) clubs. The buzz is starting to spread, and you are starting to hear more about hybrids because they are becoming the hottest and most popular club to carry in you bag. Unlike some clubs that are specifically designed for certain players or skill levels, hybrids are suited for both recreational players and touring pros. Probably 85% of my golf students are hitting hybrids. Being from the “old school” I have even put one in my bag and just love it!
The main idea behind the hybrid wood is to be interchangeable and utilize the characteristics of both an iron and a wood. The resultant club is typically easier to hit with less effort than a traditional long and lower lofted iron.
The elite players who do all the right things with long irons save strokes during the average round, but the majority of players struggle with them, but now have an alternative in the hybrid club. The long narrow face and a wide sole of hybrid clubs utilizes a low center of gravity , which helps players with slower swing speeds launch the ball with little effort, making a hybrid club similar to playing a wood in that it lends itself to the sweeping style swing rather than trapping the ball off the turf with greater effort by a traditional iron. Effectively, all players benefit, but particularly grateful are those players who have lost swing speed due to age, injury or other limited physical conditions that have prevented them from making a full shoulder turn on the back swing. Hybrids allow for a shorter back swing while launching the same distance you are accustomed to experiencing with a wood.
The face of a hybrid is manufactured out of harder 17-4 stainless steel, similar to a fairway wood, which helps with the ball compression and forgiveness of the club. The hardness of the metal allows a slower swing speed to produce distance that you would normally see with a faster swing speed. Not only will you see longer distances from the hybrid wood you should see more accuracy because the hybrid allows for a greater margin for error.
Hybrids are extremely versatile and can be used from the fairway, rough or tee and they are a great stroke saver. So if you are suffering from the long iron blues, you might want to try a hybrid and see if it will compliment your game.
Check with your local club professional or Jerry at Edwin Watts and they can give you advice on what loft hybrid is best for you. |
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