While hybrid clubs were still rather exotic up to even a few years ago, more and more golfers are replacing their long irons with these high-tech ’rescue clubs’ to help them with tricky shots. Indeed, almost every professional golfer now includes a hybrid in their caddy bags, with several using more than one.
Hybrids—the Best of Both Worlds
Hybrids are frequently used from the rough, on tight driving holes, for longer shots on par 3 holes, and as an alternative to chipping the ball on the green. A larger sweet spot means you essentially get the swing mechanics of an iron with the more forgiving nature and better distance of a wood.
A hybrid has a much wider sole than an iron, so it cuts through the grass more easily, and won’t get fouled up as easily as an iron. The lower centre of gravity of the head means it behaves more like a fairway wood to play, helping you get the ball airborne. Its light weight also gives you more speed for your swing, giving you more spin (and therefore more height on your shot).
Adams Idea Tech V4 Hybrid
One of the best hybrids around at the moment is the Adams Idea Tech V4 Hybrid, which uses innovative design technology to give you an advantage.
The heads of the V4 hybrids have slots cut into them—one behind the face and one on the sole. The slot behind the face runs all the way through the club head, but remains invisible to conform to US PGA regulations. This slot creates a kind of ’trampoline effect' to propel the ball further on impact. As the slot is filled with a stopper, it sounds and feels like an iron, but with the faster ball speed of a wood.
Tungsten weights on the sole of the club provide the extra mass to add more punch to your stroke, while the club face is very forgiving.
How Many?
While many golfers will get themselves a hybrid or two for those tricky situations, several manufacturers now produce entire sets of hybrids. So if you’re in the market for a new set of clubs, it might be an idea to try out a full set of hybrids to see if they are for you. It could be just what you’ve been looking for!
