A Brief Guide To Hybrid Golf Clubs & Their Uses
The first company to ever make a hybrid club was Cobra Baffler, back in 1975. Since then, they have evolved to become what many golfers consider to be an essential part of their toolset. With an innovative design, sturdy modern materials and engineering, hybrid golf clubs are the veritable “Swiss Army knives” of golf.
What Is A Hybrid Golf Club?
Once known as the “rescue club”, hybrid golf clubs were originally designed to get out of the rough. These days though, they have become versatile tools for golfers, used from the rough, fairway, or even the tee.
Their distinctive features usually include:
- A steel or titanium clubhead with a convex face.
- A centre of gravity that is placed low and backward, offering greater forgiveness.
- A wide sole with a low profile, for cutting through the turf.
- Lofts that range from 16 to 27 degrees.
- Graphite shafts, similar to woods.
The hollow centre and curved face of the clubhead is designed to compress along with the ball at the moment of impact. This creates a trampoline effect that can give the ball an extra bit of loft and distance. Though they resemble woods in ways, hybrid clubs are generally closer to an iron in weight and shaft length.
The Most Common Uses
Aside from its original purpose of performing rescue shots, hybrid golf clubs have become useful for a wide range of needs. Just like when you play live games online, many golfers tend to have different experiences. Those that have difficulty hitting with long irons, for example, often substitute for woods as they offer a much larger sweet spot. The long shafts of woods, however, are not always ideal. This is where hybrid clubs become particularly useful.
The effect of added height and angle and backspin to the ball, can offer an advantage in a variety of situations and circumstances. Otherwise, it simply allows both average and pro golfers to get the ball into the air, and with greater forgiveness on mishits. Its smart design also allows for longer, straighter shots, though golfers may also find it useful as a chipper under certain conditions.
For instance, when needing to clear a short distance while gaining some height to avoid an obstacle of some kind, the hybrid club may just be just the right tool for the job.
Does Everyone Need A Hybrid Club?
While multiple hybrid clubs can usually be found in the golf bags of most professional golfers, the need for them can and does vary according to the golfer and their individual style and preferences. Generally, though, it’s recommended to have at least one hybrid club amongst your set, if only for the purpose of rescue shots.
Amateurs and beginners can also benefit greatly from the added “pop” that hybrid clubs provide, though at the same time, should probably also refrain from becoming too reliant. There will still be plenty of situations that may call for a more suitable choice of club.