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Instruction

Untitled Page

Wonder clubs

Get rid of your long irons — hybrids are here to stay. Here’s how to use them.

BY RANDY CHANG, PGA; PHOTOS BY EDDIE MEEKSPublished: April, 2010

Hybrid clubs have a wider sole than irons, which allows more weight to be distributed to the bottom of the club. That, combined with a shorter shaft and flatter face, make it easier to get the ball up in the air and control its flight.  
   
Many touring professionals are replacing their 2- and 3-irons with hybrids because courses are getting longer and greens are getting smaller. Hybrids help them flight the ball higher and land it more softly on putting surfaces.
   
Long bunker shots and lengthier shots out of rough also have been made easier because of a hybrid’s design. Following are some tips for using a hybrid.




BASIC HYBRID SETUP
Address the ball with a hybrid (left) like you would with a long iron (right). Stay centered over the ball with the ball position just a few inches in front of center. Don’t set up to the ball the way you would with a fairway wood, where you typically have more spine tilt behind the ball.




GET OUT OF TROUBLE
The shorter shaft and shallower face of a hybrid is perfect for advancing the ball from deep rough. Focus on hitting the ball with a steeper angle of attack (left) and hitting down through the ball to ensure you advance it (right).


KEEP IT LIGHT AND CONSTANT
The key for hitting a hybrid consistently — and this goes for all clubs — is maintaining light and constant grip pressure, especially during the transition from the top of the swing through the ball:

   

While over the ball, imagine you’re holding a tube of toothpaste with the cap off. Then, swing the tube without squeezing any toothpaste out (above). This simple concept is especially important when using a hybrid, because the club is designed to get maximum distance and performance with an easy, fluid swing.




If your grip pressure changes and tightens on the way down, chances are toothpaste will come out (above).


Randy Chang founded the Aloha Academy of Golf, currently at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente. He is the 2009 SCPGA Metro Chapter Teacher of the Year. To book a lesson with Randy, call (949) 331-2443 or e-mail
randychangpga@yahoo.com.

Readers Feedback:

I noticed from the photos you don't personally use the L-L style you recommend in the Fore mag. Article? Is this style just for us 100 handy callers?
Comment at 2/15/2011
iam a 79yr old hacker bought this #5 hybred and having a hell of a time trying to hit it. some say ball more foward others say more back some say hit down others say sweap motion. i keep topping it played ball different positions with no help.i drive good around the greens good putt well its the fairway thats driving be crazy. thanks
Comment at 5/8/2011