Golf Digest
February 2006

Forgiveness>> We can’t get enough help when it comes to long irons. Hybrids are that help, a Mother Teresa in stainless steel. A year ago we asserted that the hybrid is the most important club in golf. We haven’t changed our position. Hybrids have thankfully moved toward the mini-wood shape, providing a low and deep center of gravity. The sole is designed to promote all sorts of utility, too. The result is a club that works from long distance, the rough, even out of bunkers. Hybrids also can be a valid sub for a shaky chipping stroke. In short, the hybrid’s many virtues make up for a whole lot of sins.

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BUYER’S BASICS
New hybrids improve distance and control from the fairway

Innovation is winning the battle against tradition in hybrid iron sets. Designers can now move the center of gravity low and deep in hybrids, producing a higher launch angle (see illustration). Hybrid shafts, longer than the irons they replace and shorter than similarly lofted fairway woods, are the answer for players seeking accurate approach shots. The question is: At what lofts should your hybrids end and your irons begin?

“We recommend golfers replace their 3-, 4- and 5-irons with hybrids, and sometimes the 6-iron for slow swing speeds,” says Bill Dixon of Haggin Oaks Golf Shop in Sacramento, Calif.

If you’re having difficulty getting approach shots airborne, chances are a progressive hybrid set (3-iron through pitching wedge) would help. Conversely, if you generate sufficient clubhead speed and distance isn’t a factor, you might benefit from cavity-back short irons to help with accuracy. In either case, make low and deep your mantra.

– C.S.

Big Winners
Players used 48 hybrids to win on all tours in 2005

• PGA TOUR TaylorMade’s Rescue Mid, Titleist’s 503H and Sonartec’s MD (Jim Furyk, below) were used twice by winners in 2005. Adams, Bridgestone, Callaway, Nickent, Nike, Ping and Tour Edge were used in one victory each.

• CHAMPIONS TOUR TaylorMade hybrids were used six times in wins in 2005. Others with victories included Adams (6), Cobra (3), Ben Hogan (2) and Callaway (2).

• LPGA TOUR Four brands were used in wins in 2005:TaylorMade (12) dominated; Ping (4), Sonartec (2) and Nickent (1) won, too.

Illustration: Chris O’Riley • Furyk: Charles Laberge

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