Bio:
Daniel S. Agapion has been a PGA Member since 1989. He enjoys teaching and promoting golf and is the Director of Golf at Cherokee National since 2004.
Daniel played his collegiate Golf at UNC Wilminton from 1981-1984.
Facility:
Cherokee National Golf &
Recreation Club - Gaffney, SC
www.cherokeenational.net
How to Select a Hybrid
Hybrids may be the best invention in golf in recent years. Most every golfer will benefit from a Hybrid(s). Hybrids to most golfers are easier to hit solid and easier to hit higher without giving up distance, in fact usually hit farther than irons and nearly as far as fairway metals.
Selecting a Hybrid that fits your game is fairly simple. First you need to determine what iron(s) or fairway metals you want to substitute the Hybrid(s) for. I suggest starting with the longest iron that you have least confidence in and go from there. For example, if you are a poor or average long iron player and a 3 iron is the longest iron you carry substitute it for a 20 to 22 degree. Like fitting an iron, you must take in consideration many specifications. See below many important hybrid fitting specifications:
- Shaft - decide steel or graphite. Demo both if you don’t know. Usually for both the higher handicapper and lower handicapper graphite is most popular and gives you better results.
- Shaft Flex - match up with your irons and fairway woods. Usually amateurs play with shafts to stiff. The stiffer the shaft the lower you ball flight.
- Lie Angle - very important fitting specification. Many hybrids are to upright which means the hybrid becomes difficult to hit solid and usually will hit to the left if to upright. Lie angle is more important than most golfers realize.
- Shaft Length - the hybrid should be 1/2" - 1" inch longer than the next iron. In other words, shaft lengths vary in all hybrid(s) so make sure it fits between your irons and fairway metal(s).
- Offset or No Offset - depends on personal preference, but if you really need help getting the ball up in the air, try an offset or if you tend to hit to the right or slice (cut) your long irons try an offset, it should help. Usually the lower handicapper prefers the look of a hybrid with very little offset.
- Grip - match up the size with the rest of your set.
Demos in my opinion are the best way to fit yourself with a hybrid. Always consult your local PGA professional when fitting yourself with golf clubs.
Once you put your hybrid(s) in your bag you may want to experiment with it around the greens, it’s a safe club to bump and run around the greens. The best time to chip with your hybrid is when the grass is closely mown and when you have very little green to work with. One hybrid to most players is like carrying 2 or 3 clubs because it is so versatile. |
