Should I play hybrids?

[ricva]

I am a high handicapper (I haven't broken 100 yet) who is trying to get better at this game. I just got more serious about this game last summer and I have improved. I had one package of lessons last year and improved on a lot of things, but worked primarily on 7-iron and up and a little bit of driver. I currently struggle a lot with a 3 or 4 iron and any fairway wood. This makes for tough holes when a drive is playable and then a 3 iron goes less than 50 yards.

 

I plan to take more lessons this year and will work on these clubs, but should I just go for a hybrid or should I spend time on these clubs on the range? I plan to practice hitting these clubs, but would like to focus on other things as well.

 

Maybe I'll hit a few hybrids at Golf Galaxy and see what happens.

[steve81]

Definatley try the hybrid! Every golfer from high handicap to pro would benefit from a hybrid.

 

Try the TM Rescue Mid....you can get them pretty cheap right now...around $100.

 

Just my two.

 

Steve

[progolferch]

You said that you were not hitting your fairway wood or your long irons very well then you should try out a shallow faced fairway and definately go with the hybrids.

[ricva]

Thanks everybody. I'll try to get to Golf Galaxy and swing a few hybrids.

 

Maybe a simple question -- My 3 and 4 irons are 20 and 23 degrees, respectively. Should I try to replace those with similarly lofted hybrids?

 

 

progolferch - what qualifies as a shallow faced fairway wood? I have a Cleveland Launcher Steel 15 degree 3 wood.

[TourPro21]

i didn't even read what you said, i just read the title and my answer is "YEA" everyone should use hybrids, $hit tour players are using them, so you know that they make them for all types of golfers then... and whatever clubs you are replacing, i would get the hybrids in 1 degree weaker lofts than the irons your replacing... ie 3 iron @ 21* i'd buy a 22* hybrid; just because most people will hit the hybrid a little longer than the iron.... hope this helps

[progolferch]

In my opinion the launcher is kinda of a mid faced fairway something like a sonartec or touredge exotics or adams would be more in the shallow faced category.

[Placebo]

No you should definitely NOT use hybrids! They are cheater clubs that I hit waaaaaay to good and I don't want the competition on ebay! :birthday:

 

Just teasing. I echo everyone else here in the fact that YES you should give them a try, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Langlands]

Hybrids are great - get a couple!

[Yellow Jacket]

For high handicappers, the question should be, "Why should I not play hybrids?"

[golfernut78]

yes, if you are struggeling hitting long irons then look into hybrids or woods. you will need to demo. there are so many different types and shapes. you've got hybrid-woods and hybrid-irons. also, consider what your weakness is, do you slice the ball? if so, look at something with offset or with a draw bias. if you don't have a problem with slicing then look for something with little offset. you can also look at woods, 7 or 9.

 

i also agree with tourpro21, get a degree more loft. they will go as far or farther because they typically have a shaft 1/2" longer than the iron you are replacing. you will get a easier to hit club, with a higher ball flight and as much difference.

 

as for your woods (and this might apply to your irons), remember they are longer clubs (length of club and distance wise). you don't need to kill the ball to get that distance. practice easy swings or half swings and work up to full swings. when i go to the range and hit my woods (or most any club for that matter) i take easy swings and half swings before i start going after the ball. also, maybe shorten your shafts on your woods. i was having a hard time hitting my 3-wood recently, shortened the shaft by 3/4" and it was much easier to hit (club was reshafted a year ago and was not cut to proper length).

[857 Pro-Ti]

I'm with the rest on this. My handicap is 3 and I wish I would have tried them sooner. I use the 20° and 23° and they are stupid easy to hit compared to the 3 and 4 irons :birthday:

[vthokie1157]

No question...you should switch. They add great distance and theres no shame. they put extra shots in your game and even the best players got em

[sleepy]

what kind of irons and woods are you playing? if you have a hard time hitting anything under a 7 iron, it's most likely your swing and lessons will definetely help you improve your game. Hybrids might be easier to hit than the long irons but its no guarantee that you'll hit 200 yards most of the time if your swing is not corrected.

 

If you hit your 7 iron well (130 yards?), you probably can improve your score by teeing off with your driver and just using your short irons.

[Golfwolf]

Well since you state that your struggle with the 3 and 4 iron and fairway woods I think a hybrid may be just what you need to try. Hybrids are more user friendly in my opinion, lots of good choices available. Good luck in your search.

[ricva]

Right now I'm playing the original Nike Slingshots. 3 wood is a Launcher Steel 15 degree. No doubt that I could benefit from some more lessons. I plan to take some more this year. Last year I focused on the 7-iron and up in my lessons and really improved there. My plan is to play some and hit the range in the "off-season", then assess what I want to work on in my next round of lessons about half-way through this year.

 

Based on the overwhelming response in favor of hybrids here, I have to go for them. I plan to go hit some TM Rescue Mids, Callaway Heavenwood, and maybe Hogan CFT. Anything else anyone suggest I try? I see everyone likes Nickent, but I don't think Golf Galaxy carries them.

[BigBaller]

In a word, yes.

 

And don't let others' suggestions or some list dictate what you try out, either.

 

Just go into a couple different golf stores, hook yourself up with a knowledgable fitter, and hit as many different hybrids as you can - iron-like, wood-like, steel shafted, graphite shafted - whatever. You might be surprised what ends up working best for you.

 

Good luck with it.