Hybrid Golf Clubs Online

Hybrid golf clubs have a ton benefits, but there is one issue that golfers will face when switching. That problem revolves around the distance gap. What's the distance gap? How can you avoid it? Should the distance gap problem change my thinking about hybrid golf clubs?

One of the most noticeable benefits I found right after I switched to a hybrid 3 and 4 related to increased distance. I normally would hit my 3-iron around 195 yards, that is when I could hit it at all. My 4-iron would be in the 180-190.

Now, that distance has changed with the hybrids. I hit my hybrid 3 between 200-220 yards, I’ve even caught one that went 245 yards.  I also hit the hybrid 4 190-200 yards max. I hit my regular 5 iron about 170-175 max. There in lies the problem that many hybrid golf club owners face. What do I hit when I’m between 175 & 190 yards out?

Switching to the hybrid clubs caused a 15 yard gap in my game that I no longer have a full club to hit.

These are your options you have available to bridge that gap:

Better course management. This is probably the worst suggestion, but it’s also the only option that won’t cost you any money. You simply play your round with the conscious effort of not putting yourself in the gap range. For example, my gap is between 175-190. That means I don’t leave myself with an approach shot in the range. I have to position my drives and layup shots better to give myself a full swing into the green. If I get in this gap zone, I either under-swing or over-swing. This option will likely cost you a stroke per round.

Buy a club to fill the gap. In my case, I just needed to buy a hybrid 5 to cancel out my 175-190 yard gap. This means that I carry a hybrid 5 for the 175-190 and a regular 5 for the 175 and below. This also means that I am 1 club over my 14 club limit. For me, it’s a course by course decision and it all depends on the length of the course. If it’s a short course, I’ll leave out the regular 5 iron in favor of that extra wedge. If it is a long course, I’ll pull a wedge in favor of both 5’s. You have to figure out what works for you in that situation.

Buy a full hybrid and game improving set. Callaway, Cleveland, Adams and all the other major manufacturers are producing full sets now that have hybrid long irons and game improving short irons. These clubs are manufactured to eliminate the distance gap and give you a more normal distance progression.

For me, the obvious choice was to add the extra club. I really like my scoring irons to be traditional. It’s all about what you want and what you are comfortable with. One thi9ng you do not want to do is be uncomfortable with your clubs. So, whatever decision you make needs to be one that you can live with round after round.

I have always considered myself to be an average golfer. Both in ability and frequency. I try to get out at least 4 times per month and I consistently shoot in the high 80’s, low 90’s. About two years ago, I was faced with a great debate. Should I switch to and buy hybrid golf clubs to lower my score? Would they really help?

Could hybrid clubs lower my score?

I took the plunge and bought a Callaway Heavenwood 3 & 4 off ebay for well below sticker price. I got them both for a total of $120, which is still a steal today. Immediately, I went to range and gave them a few swings and was totally shocked how easy they were to hit. Having some confidence in the new clubs, I took out my traditional 3 & 4 irons and replaced them with my new Hybrid golf clubs.

I’ve played probably around 40 rounds of golf since buying my hybrid golf clubs. I can say they are the most consistent clubs I have in my bag. I have no fear of being 210 yards out, over water, around a bend or whatever. I can honestly say those two clubs have dropped 3-4 strokes off my game. i am now consistently in the low to mid 80’s.

Now, the question is… Should you buy hybrid golf clubs?

The 24/38 Rule
This is a rule known by golf clubmakers. Essentially it says that most golfers, that is the vast majority, do not have the ability to consistently hit an iron with 24 degrees or less of loft and 38 or more inches of length. For the vast majority of golfers in today’s world, this means that they cannot hit shots consistently with any iron longer than a five iron.

Unless you are a very skilled player to whom the 24/38 rule does not apply, the answer is probably yes. Even PGA Tour players, who clearly are not bound by the 24/38 rule are using them because sometimes they want to get those long iron shots higher into the air. In fact for most players, the longest iron in their bag should probably be a 5 iron. 3 and 4 hybrids should replace your 3 and 4 irons, which most golfers cannot hit properly and consistently. And remember, your hybrid golf clubs should be the same lengths , or at most a half inch longer, than the iron which they are meant to replace. You want to replace the 3 and 4 irons with the equivalent hybrid golf clubs. What you don’t want is a club that will hit the ball further and create a yardage gap between the 4 hybrid and 5 iron, for example. Thus, the lofts of hybrid golf clubs and the irons they are to replace should be equal as well. You want your 4 hybrid to travel the same distance that your 4 iron did. Give hybrid golf clubs a try- they are a great addition to the game.

Conclusion

If you are like me…You love to golf. But, more importantly you love to play well. You like to be the low score in your foursome. It drives you nuts when you are not. And, again if you are also like me, you don’t have a ton of time to practice. So, you never have the time to practice those long iron shots. As a result, you have no confidence with those clubs and they end up costing you strokes.

That’s why I bought and endorse the use of hybrid golf clubs. They are made to be more forgiving and easier to hit. Take advantage of that opportunity and you will give yourself the best chance to shoot that low round and enjoy that day on the links.