Golf Hybrids have become commonplace now in the world of golf, and even the best players on the PGA tour are now using them on a regular basis. And why not? They are easier and more forgiving than long irons and carry farther with less effort. Most people have 1 or 2 hybrids in their bag, the most common lofts being 18, 20 and 23 degrees. However, this insomniac has realized something in the past few sleepless weeks. My five and six iron fly about the same distance and height. This realization has lead me to try something with great results. I just added a 26 degree hybrid to my bag and dropped my 5 iron out. My set make-up is now as follows:
- Driver
- 3 Wood
- 18° Hybrid
- 23° Hybrid
- 4 Iron
- 26° Hybrid
- 6-PW
- GW, SW, LW
- Putter
Why is this compelling? In my experience, the inclusion of the additional hybrid has given me some real advantages.
- I use it to hit the ball higher and farther than my stock 5 iron which used to go about 175 yards. I now get about 185-190.
- I can draw the ball much easier and faster, allowing me to hook it around trees.
- It is great out of the rough, allowing many options for recovery purposes.
- Many years ago you probably saw a chipper club, which is still made today. It is basically a short version of a higher lofted hybrid which you use to chip around the greens. I found that if I choke down on my new 26 degree hybrid I can also use it as a chipper.
- From a fairway bunker I can hit this hybrid and have great success with a shot that usually requires a lot of distance and is very difficult with a long iron.
The bottom line is that for me, this new hybrid may be the most versatile club in my bag now. The 26 degree hybrid and my 7-Iron are now the two clubs in my bag I rely on most when I need to make a proper lay-up, hit out of a fairway bunker, or chip it close to the hole.
The other thing to realize is that swing speed and loft equal carry. The hybrid is designed to get the ball up very easily due to its shape and perimeter weighting. If your speed has slowed over the years and your carry has diminished with your long irons, then putting this hybrid in your bag may be a simple solution to get you back some of that longer carry you had when your swing speed was higher.
If you love the set that you have now, you can simply add this club to your bag and there are several manufacturers who offer this loft. The other thing to consider is that many manufacturers are now making hybrid-iron combo sets where you can choose which club lofts you want in hybrids and which club lofts you want in irons. You can make the set up any way that suits your fancy. You no longer have to have hybrids and irons in any particular traditional order, the choices are now yours. If you’re looking to add some more versatility to your bag and your game, give the 26 degree hybrid a shot, you might be surprised by the results. I know I was.
Have you tried this set-up out on the course? Do you have other ideas on adding versatility to your bag?
Let us know, your comments are always appreciated.
Bob Gomavitz
Latest posts by Bob Gomavitz (see all)
- Expert Review: Cobra King F8 Woods - January 12, 2018
- PING G400 EXPERT REVIEW - July 14, 2017
- Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic & Sub Zero Woods - February 7, 2017
3 Comments
You’re playing 15 clubs!
That’s how many I counted too. 15.
I don’t think he meant to include the 4 iron as the 23 degree hybrid is the equivalent of a 4 iron