For the past 10 years or so, hybrids have been a very popular club for all golfers, even for Tour Professionals. But how do you know if you need a hybrid or hybrids? How many? And what kind of loft?

Unfortunately, I see a number of golfers that have long irons in their bag and still you them. The problem is the golf ball is barely getting into the air, and the golfer has to make adjustments in his or her swing just to get the ball in the air!  You need a lot of clubhead speed to get the ball airborne – and that is why hybrids were created. By design, hybrids are easier to get in the air. They create a higher launch angle, more spin, and more ball speed — all good things for golfers who don’t have a lot of club head speed.

Long irons are great for high swing speed, low handicap golfers. But for everyone else hybrids are the way to go.

Hybrid/Long-Iron Guidelines

• If you hit a 7-iron 140 yards or less, a 6-iron should be the longest iron in your set.  The 3, 4 and 5 should be hybrids. Even the 6 iron is marginal.
• If you can hit your 7-iron 150-160 yards, think about nothing longer than a 5 iron; 3 and 4 should be hybrids.
• If you can hit your 7-iron 160-170 yards, nothing longer than 4 iron; 3 should be hybrid.
• If you can hit a 7-iron more than 170 yards, you can use any set make up you choose.

Speed is vital to lift, and the design of the hybrid can be a huge help. There are, of course, other swing issues involved in hitting the golf ball too low, but this chart is a start for what clubs should be in your bag. (Above guidelines courtesy of  teaching pro Dennis Clark.) In most cases, you may hit your 4 hybrid further than your old 4 iron.

Come out to SchiavettaGolf Academy and we will put you on our launch monitor so we can test what irons you have versus hybrids. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results. Hybrids are be easier to hit, ball will go higher and farther and as a result it will lower your handicap.