Tips for Hybrids

Hybrids – Playability and Versatility

A hybrid is easier to hit from the fairway than a traditional long iron. It features a larger club head and a lower center of gravity, which allows you to hit higher shots that will land softly on the green without feeling like you have to help them up in the air. But versatility might be the hybrid's top selling point--it is a smart choice from the rough, the fairway bunker and even around the green. It's no wonder that hybrids are also called utility or rescue clubs.

From the RoughAverage golfers have a tough time in the rough with traditional long irons, because the tall grass tends to grab the hosel and cause misdirected shots. The hybrid, with its low center of gravity and broad sole, makes long shots from the rough easier. For crisp shots from the rough, play the ball 1 inch behind the center of your stance and strike the ball with a descending blow. Let the low center of gravity help the ball up in the air.

From the Fairway BunkerYour hybrid is an effective choice for fairway bunkers, because its soft leading edge is less likely to dig into the sand than the sharper edge of a traditional long iron. The key is to skim the sand with a sweeping blow and you do this by playing the ball 1-inch forward of the center of your stance. To prevent hitting too deeply into the sand, try to keep the leg movement to a minimum and swing as smoothly as you can.

From Around the GreenIf you choose a wedge for a shots on closely mown areas around the green, you run the risk of blading the ball over the green or having the club stick in the grass and coming up short of the pin. Your hybrid provides a safe alternative, and it is as simple as a putt. Use your putting grip, play the ball 1-inch back of the center of your stance and use your putting stroke.