Miami Whitewater Forest - Professionals Tips

January 29, 2007

“Long Irons & Fairway Woods Giving You Trouble?”

Not only the middle and high handicap players, but also the skilled player will find it very difficult to hit a long iron with any consistency.  In the past the popular thing was for many of these players to replace their long irons with 5 woods, 7 woods, and 9 woods.  This change to their set make up was a very good choice for most players; however the additional length of a wood over an iron at times would cause some problems. 

That is why they new “hybrid” clubs are becoming so popular.  The hybrid design allows a player to be much more consistent due to the added mass behind the head of the club.  The player tends to be able to have better balance and control with the hybrid club also, due to the length being shorter than the wood that it would normally replace.  The hybrid has been proven to be very successful out of almost every condition that the golfer may face.  Out of the rough the hybrid is better because it does not have the grass grabbing the hosel and shutting the clubface down.  Many golfers are also starting to use the hybrid around the green for chunk-proofing chips.

Hybrid clubs are becoming increasingly popular with the tour professionals also.  The popular Padraig Harrington has replaced his 3 iron with a hybrid and feels like he can hit it high or low when needed and with much better accuracy.  Charles Howell III carries a 20 degree hybrid rather than a 2 iron or 5 wood because of the design.  Chris Couch said, ” I used to play a 7-wood because it was easier to hit than a 3 iron.  Then I tried a hybrid.  It’s so much easier to hit and get into the air.”

My advise for all golfers is this, In 2007 you should start the spring season off at the driving range with the many hybrid demo’s that are now available.  If you hit your 2, 3 or 4 iron bring it with you to compare.  If you hit a 5, 7 or 9 wood you should bring them along to compare. I truly believe that you will find this a pretty good test.  However remember that the real test is out on the course where it is going to be used under different conditions, that is where I know you will find “The Hybrid” a great choice.  Remember that your set make-up is very important.  I would advise you to not buy any new set of irons or a new fairway wood without trying this new tool that has become available.

Good Luck, Harry