Hybrid Uses For Hybrid Clubs

Long irons – 2-, 3- and even 4-irons – have, with the exception of a few hold-out traditionalists, disappeared from most golf bags. They have been replaced with the hybrid club, an easier to hit blend of the long iron and fairway wood. Most golfers think of using a hybrid club for longer shots from the fairway, but there are a multitude of other uses.

Michele Trimarche, a PGA/LPGA teaching professional at Alpine Country Club in Demarest, N.J., details five ways to best utilize your hybrid clubs, and tips for doing so, that can improve your game and lower your scores. 

The advantage of using hybrid clubs is that they are adaptable to nearly every type of shot. You can hit tee shots, high shots into the green from the fairway, fairway bunker shots, shots from the rough and chips from around the green. Hybrids do not require any significant swing changes, only slight modifications. Mastering hybrid clubs will improve your game and increase your enjoyment. 

Hybrid off the tee – Hybrids can be used for tee shots on all holes. Set-up keys for this shot include teeing the ball low so that it sits a couple inches off the ground, placing the ball position two inches inside your front foot, setting up closer to the ball than for a driver and maintaining a smooth tempo. There is no need to think you need to crush the ball.

Hybrid from the fairway – Take a more upright swing. Don’t confuse the hybrid with a fairway wood. With a fairway wood, you want to sweep the ball off the ground with a shallow arc. With a hybrid you want a more upright backswing which will allow you to catch the ball on the downswing leaving a divot in front of the ball. Basically, you want to hit it like an iron. Place the ball in the middle of your stance. Visualize the swing like it’s a Ferris wheel rather than a merry-go-round. 

Hybrid from the rough – Take a shorter and more upright backswing. This shot is where your hybrid really earns its keep. The rounded club head allows it to freely glide through the thicker grass. Place the ball two inches inside of your back foot to allow you to hit the ball before the grass. Lean your weight forward. Take a more upright swing to a three-quarter position. Finish with a full follow-through. This shot will run when it lands.

Hybrid from a fairway bunker – Grip down of the club and pick the ball clean. The hybrid is perfect when the bunker has a high lip. The hybrid will give you much more distance than an iron. To ensure a clean hit, strike the ball first and then the sand.  Place the ball in the middle or slightly forward in your stance and keep your feet light on the sand; no need to dig in. Keep your lower body quiet during the swing. Feel like it’s an all arm swing and be sure to accelerate through to a full finish position.

Hybrid for chipping – When the ball is just off the green or within 30 yards, sometimes you don’t know whether to chip or putt. Why not try to combine the two by “putting” with your hybrid. Chip the way you would putt. Hold the shaft more upright like your putter and grip down on the club. Grip more in the palm of your hands as you would when you are putting. Narrow your stance and place the ball slightly forward in your stance. Your weight and hands should be slightly forward towards the target. Swing the hybrid with your shoulders keeping your wrist firm. The ball will have a lot of roll. It takes practice to get comfortable with distance control so rehearse the shot before using it on the course.