The Results are In: Hybrid Golf Clubs Rule!

They are known by many names: utility clubs, hybrid irons, rescue clubs, and so on. I prefer to call then hybrid golf clubs. One thing for certain is that they are easier to hit with than the long irons or fairway woods, which are the clubs they are intended to replace. Hybrid clubs are quite helpful to golfers at every skill level. They have even started to be accepted by pro golfers.

The secret to this great innovation is that the hybrid golf club combines the best characteristics of a wood and an iron. The result of this blending is to create a club that hits the ball with more height and distance than the irons, but at the same time is more forgiving of mis-hits.

Most of us already are familiar with the frustration of trying to hit with the long irons. Since hybrid golf clubs are intended to replace the long irons, it is in comparison to the irons that the description of "easy to hit with" is intended.

The head on the iron is narrow when viewed from above. This places the bulk of the weight near the face of the club, unlike woods which have a broader head. The hybrid has a head more like a wood. The result is that the hybrid club, with its wider head moves the center of gravity back away from the club face.

Couple this with the fact that the best hybrid golf clubs have a lower center of gravity, and you have a club that delivers a higher launch angle without changing the loft of the club. Because of this you need to keep in mind that when selecting a hybrid club, it will launch the ball much higher than an iron that has the same loft.

The final advantage in this design results from the attributes described above. Hybrid golf clubs will hit the ball with greater back-spin than the irons or fairway woods. When you combine this with the higher ball trajectory and steeper decent, you have a shot that will allow the ball to land closer to your target with less tendency to roll beyond it.

There are still some golf purists that disdain the use of hybrid clubs.  You need to make up your own mind about this club, since it will very likely help you hit the ball longer and with greater accuracy than with your long irons and fairway woods. I am certain that you will not be disappointed.