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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Ping G10 Driver

WHAT OUR TESTER SAID:
I’ve used previous Ping drivers such as the G2 and G5 and found this one to be slightly better in terms of distance, accuracy and feel.

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Ping G10 9.5º loft fitted with stiff Ping TFC129D graphite shaft, also 10.5º loft fitted with regular Ping TFC129D graphite shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The G10 is a stunning looking driver – you just want to swing away when you see the big, dark head and copper-coloured shaft.

VERDICT: I used both models of the driver during our road test and found that they both offered a nice launch and long ball flight, but I preferred the 10.5º regular shafted model. It delivered a slightly higher ball flight and more carry. Feel at impact was strong and solid, with a reassuring thud off the clubface. I also liked the way the club set up at address with a nice amount of the face showing behind the ball. I also liked how square it looked at address – unlike some others I’ve tried with a rounded face, which can be a bit off-putting and lead to alignment problems. I’ve used previous Ping drivers such as the G2 and G5 and found this one to be slightly better in terms of distance, accuracy and feel. Overall it is a very hittable club that is incredibly easy to swing.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: All players
SHAFTS: Ping TFC129D, ProLaunch Red and V2 High Launch graphite
GRIPS: Golf Pride
LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Yes
HOW MUCH?: $499
PING SAYS: “Engineers optimised the G10 drivers’ crown, sole and face structure interaction to ensure maximum energy transfer to the ball.

The 460cc driver features a larger profile with a taller face and deeper crown that produces a higher moment-of-inertia for greater forgiveness and increased ball velocity.

“Thinner crown and face designs provided discretionary weight which is positioned inside the clubhead to lower the centre of gravity for reduced spin and higher launch.

“The G10 driver is also available in a draw version, which features a hosel positioned farther forward than the standard G10 to assist in squaring the face at impact and an internal weight pad to promote easier clubhead rotation.”

For more information please purchase a copy of the January issue of Golf Australia or contact American Golf Supplies on (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.pinggolf.com