The most common use for hybrids is for long approach shots from the fairway (far right), but as Turner Hill’s Director of Instruction Webb Heintzelman points out that’s just the beginning of the story. Heintzelman says the versatile clubs are a great choice for getting out of a fairway bunkers (left) or to use just off the green (center). Photos by Mike Norris

Hybrids are hot … long irons are not

By Webb Heintzelman

Webb Heintzelman

Take a peek into the bag of any Tour player and you will likely find one, if not two or three of them.

Hybrids.

Once considered a novelty, these multi-faceted clubs have quickly become a fixture in the golf landscape. Why? Simply put, hybrid golf clubs are more forgiving than long irons. When Taylor Made debuted the first hybrid in 2002, it was called a rescue. Today, the sole purpose of hybrids is to replace the long irons in our bag and make the game more enjoyable.

The original hybrids came in three sizes: a 2-hybrid (16 degrees), a 3-hybrid (19 degrees), and a 4-hybrid (22 degrees). Today, hybrid clubs have lofts anywhere from 16 degrees to 31 degrees and most of the stock sets of clubs begin with the 4-iron and a hybrid club is added to replace the 3-iron.

The hybrid club is usually one inch longer and often carries the same loft as the long iron it replaces. Unlike traditional long irons, however, these clubs are designed with a low center of gravity positioned farther back from the face. This design allows for a higher ball flight and more forgiveness. The shaft in a hybrid is an iron shaft complete with a bigger tip (where the shaft enters the head), thus creating a more stable shaft. It is this stability that leads to more accurate shots.

In general, hybrids will travel higher and a bit longer (six yards on average) than your old longer irons so it is going to take a little time to get used to them. There are also a few basics we must remember when swinging a hybrid club. The ball position is closer to that of a 6-iron as opposed to a fairway wood. The swing is a downward motion where you will create a divot (ball then ground contact).

Once you have made the switch to hybrids, the fun really begins. Hybrids are very versatile clubs. We can use them off the tee, in the fairway, out of the rough, out of fairway bunkers and around the green (either in the rough or the fairway). Here’s a quick look at the myriad of ways you can utilize that new hybrid in your bag:Off the tee: Tee the ball low, position the ball one inch ahead of center, keep your weight even between your feet, and make a regular swing.

In the fairway: Position the ball one inch ahead of center, keep your weight even between your feet, and make a regular swing.

In the rough: Position the ball in the center, keep your weight 60 percent on your front foot, and make a regular swing.

In a fairway bunker: Position the ball one inch in front of center, choke down one inch, keep our weight 60 percent on your front foot, and make your regular swing.

Around the green in the rough: Position the ball off the inside of your back foot, choke down to the bottom of the grip and keep your weight 80 percent on your front foot. Keep your wrists firm with an up and down stroke.

Around the green in the fairway: Position the ball off the inside of your back foot, choke down to the bottom of the grip and keep your weight 80 percent on your front foot. Keep your wrists firm and use an up and down stroke.As you analyze your set’s current make up, consider adding a No. 3, 4, and 5 hybrid. These clubs will replace your long irons. Remember, the rules of golf only allow us to carry 14 clubs, so figure out where your needs are and build a set to improve your game. Try the hybrid in the situations mentioned above and you will be pleasantly surprised as to how your score will improve. With the proper ball position and a full, in-balance swing these hybrids will become your best friend.

Webb Heintzelman is a former member of both the PGA and Nationwide Tours. Currently, Heintzelman is the Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Turner Hill and a member of the North Shore Golf advisory board. At his golf academy he teaches both private and semi-private lessons. His golf schools focus on short game, full swing, and how to train like a pro. Heintzelman is also available to teach non-members of the club. You may visit his website, www.webbheintzelman.com or contact him via email, webbpro@comcast.net.

Check out an audio slide show of this tip on the North Shore Golf Blog.

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Top Selling Hybrids
1. Cobra Baffler DWS
2. Taylor Made Burner Rescue
3. Taylor Made r7 Draw Rescue
4. Cleveland HiBore XLS Hybrid
5. Callaway BB Heavenwood Hybrid

Source: Golferswarehouse.com, most popular hybrid golf clubs based on customer purchases at Golfers’ Warehouse from January 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008