Hybrids: One club, five shots

They are becoming increasingly popular throughout the game and I’m sure the vast majority of you have at least one hybrid in your bag. However, they offer so much more than simply filling a gap at the top end of your set between your woods and those mid-to-long irons.

Hybrids provide a safe option off the tee, an attacking option from fairway, rough or sand, a rescue option from trouble and a scoring option around the green. I’ll show you how to get the most from your hybrid in all those scenarios, and so take full advantage of the value offered by the hybrid.

Explore the tips and give them a try. I’m sure you’ll find yourself pulling your hybrid out of the bag more often and perhaps even adding one or two more to your line-up as a result. 

1. Hitting it off the tee

 

The hybrid is a great option on a range of tees. Long par 3s and short par 4s are obvious examples but, outside of those, it should be a consideration for you on longer holes where bunkers or trees lie in wait. It’s also a good choice if you’re trying to rebuild a score having lost your momentum as it allows you to keep the ball in play.

Hybrids

 

 Tee it down

 

 Sweep it away

You should just be able to see the top of the tee above the ground. This is the perfect height for that ideal sweeping motion. Having the ball just forward of centre should be the default position for all your hybrid shots.

 

With the ball on a low tee, the most effective impact for the hybrid comes from a shallow attack that sees the club sweep through the ball on a level-to-slightly-upward arc. Practise brushing the grass three or four times before you hit the shot.

 

NEXT: Fairway bunkers >>

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