How to Choose a Hybrid Golf Club

What is a hybrid golf club?

A hybrid golf club combines the characteristics of fairway woods and irons in both design and use. The head typically resembles that of a wood but is smaller, yet still larger than that of an iron. They combine a long iron's distance advantage with a fairway wood's control and accuracy, making them a versatile choice for any golfer. Plus, they're available in a variety of designs and sizes so that you can find one customized to your specific needs.

What are the different types of hybrids?

There are three primary types of hybrid golf clubs:

• Fairway wood-like hybrids, or rescue-style hybrids, are the most traditional type of hybrid. They feature a larger head size to provide more control with longer-distance shots.

• Iron-like hybrids feature a more compact head size and provide more accuracy on lower shots. 

• Driving hybrids are designed with the largest head size for hitting longer drives off the tee. They are more forgiving than other hybrids, but that can come with the expense of less control.

Hybrid Club Features to Consider

As with any golf club, when choosing a hybrid, there are several key factors you should consider:

Loft

Loft describes the angle of the clubface with the ground. This affects the trajectory of the ball, influencing the height and distance it travels with your swing. To decide what loft angle is best for you, you should consider which of your clubs you're looking to substitute. The following chart makes this conversion easy:

Clubhead Shape & Size

Depending on your swing style and intended use for a hybrid, the shape and size of the clubhead will be important for you to consider. While a larger head is typically more forgiving, small heads offer more precision and speed.

Shaft

The material the shaft is made with determines both the weight and flex of your hybrid club. Graphite shafts are generally lighter and more flexible compared to steel shafts, which offer more stiffness. The correct choice for you will depend on your swing speed; the faster you swing, the more you'll likely benefit from more stiffness, while lighter, more flexible options are available for players with a slower swing speed. To learn more about your swing style, you can schedule a custom fitting with our Golf Experts.

Adjustability

Similar to fairway woods, many hybrid clubs are designed with adjustable features for fine-tuning your shots while on the course. This can include adjustable moveable and static weights and an adjustable loft sleeve. If you're more of a beginner, you’ll want to avoid overly complex clubs with too many additional adjustable features.

When & how to use a hybrid golf club

A hybrid club can be used in a variety of situations on the course.  From the long game to chipping around the green, you'll enjoy the versatility and ease of hitting a hybrid has to offer. For greater accuracy on tee shots, good distance when playing out of the rough, or controlled shots on the fairway, you might find a hybrid club to be your perfect solution. For beginners, a hybrid is generally the best option to replace a long iron, which can be difficult to hit consistently.

How To Hit With a Hybrid

How you hit with your hybrid will depend on your intended use for it. In most cases, treat it like an iron. You'll want to hit down and through the ball, allowing the loft of the club to do most of the work, just as you would with an iron. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance and maintain a smooth tempo through your swing.

If you're unsure where to start when selecting your first hybrid, our top brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist offer well-rounded hybrid clubs. As you become more familiar with using a hybrid and how it fits in your set, you might consider adding more to your bag for different tailored uses. If you have any additional questions on selecting a hybrid golf club, contact an Expert at your local SCHEELS.