What are hybrid clubs – and when should I use them?

A golfer has a lot of tools in his bag. But even with a selection of 14 different clubs, there’s always someone who complains that they can’t find the perfect club for that tricky par 5 approach shot. This is where the hybrid club comes in.

Introduced just over a decade ago, hybrids claim to combine the best of a wood and an iron club.

But are they as good as they sound?

What makes them different?

Initially introduced by TaylorMade as a ‘Rescue’ club, hybrids now cover a range of options and, as such, there is no single type of hybrid.

As a rule, the clubs’ heads tend to be shallower than a standard fairway wood and have a centre of gravity closer to the back and bottom, which gives great club-face control. The head can also have an iron-like lie angle.

Their faces are often made from a high-strength steel alloy that offers the hollow ‘bounce’ of a wood while giving the weight and control of an iron .
   

Why use them?

Using a standard mid-range iron or wood off the fairway means it can be tough to get a good combination of distance, accuracy and loft. In fact, many amateurs and pros have already abandoned the 1, 2, 3 and even 4 irons as they’re so hard to use.

But until hybrids came along there was no replacement for these irons. Now, a hybrid with 18 to 24 degree loft on the face is a good alternative.

They’re great for longer approach shots as they provide distance as well as accuracy. They’re also good for playing out of the rough – a frustrating situation many beginners will find themselves in.

This is because hybrids offer: 

• More weight that slows the club head but increases the force applied
• Sharper front edges to cut through the long grass
• Better club control to provide a more accurate shot

How to use them?

Mostly, hybrids are used when you would normally pick a 1 to 4 iron.

For beginners, using irons can be tough. This is because the swing motion with an iron should be aimed down to the ball – something amateurs struggle to do. Hybrids, though, allow a more natural, sweeping swing.

They’re also great for approach shots as the greater loft means your ball probably won’t skip off the green – instead landing downwards with hopefully a touch of backspin to bring it to a quick stop.

Whether you should ditch your low irons and replace them with hybrids is up to you. But if your approach game is somewhat lacking, it might be worth a try.