Features
The center of gravity in a hybrid is lower and farther behind the club face than in a long iron, which enables players to get the ball airborne more easily. The face and sole are designed to allow the club to glide through rough for solid ball contact, rather than dig into or bounce off the thicker grass.
Types
Hybrids vary in loft and shape. Each club is identified either by the loft angle or the iron it is replacing. Some club heads are shaped to appear slim--similar to an iron--at address, while others may have a more bulbous head--similar to a fairway wood.
Uses
Hybrids are used to achieve the same distance as the iron they are replacing. They can also be used effectively out of heavy rough, for bump-and-run shots onto the green and for putts or short chips where rough influences the backstroke.
Names
Hybrids are often referred to as "utility" clubs because of their versatility on all surfaces. Some players call them "rescue" clubs because of their strong performance in adverse conditions, like deep rough or tight lies.
Fun fact
In August 2009, Y.E. Yang won the PGA Championship after a brilliant shot from the rough with a utility club on the tournament's final hole. This approach shot, which stopped 12 feet from the hole, set up the winning birdie putt.
About The Author
Phil Carlucci has been a freelance writer for 12 years. His work has appeared in The Daily Orange, The Fischler Report, MSGNetwork.com and several community newspapers in New York. In addition to writing, Phil has served as an editor in educational publishing for five years. In 2008 he created Golf On Long Island, a website dedicated to public golf in Nassau and Suffolk County. Since its inception the site has been featured by Golfing Magazine and the Long Island Business News.
