Hybrids vs. Irons

This is the fourth of my series on golf instruction. I will be covering the full swing and the difference between hybrids and irons.

It all starts from the ground up. Your stance, posture and ball position are critical for a consistent full swing. You should play your irons and hybrids the same way:
• Stance: Your stance should be square, with your hips and shoulders aligned and your feet about shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be on the balls of your feet in a ready position.
• Posture: Bend at the hips, with your chin up and your eyes down, not your head down. If you keep your head down, you will not be able to make a full shoulder turn.
• Ball position: For most golfers, the ball should be positioned in the center of the stance. More advanced players may move the ball slightly forward.

• Takeaway: I don’t like the term “takeaway” because you take things away with your dominant hand. Instead, it should feel like a “push-away,” initiated by the shoulders, then the arms and finally the hands.
• Tempo: The club should move back low and slow.

Backswing thoughts:
• The target knee pivots inward toward a flexed back knee.
• The shoulders should turn more than the hips.

• The arm in front of your chest extends while the back elbow bends.
• The backswing should not go past parallel.

Forward swing thoughts:
• The forward swing is initiated by the lower body.
• Your target hip rotates while your shoulders and arms swing down the target line.

• It is important to keep your head behind the ball until your back shoulder comes under your chin.
• After impact, continue rotating so your arms, shoulders, shaft and clubhead finish behind your back.

Hybrids vs. Irons
Hybrids are generally easier to hit than irons. They provide a higher launch and are more forgiving. Hybrids have a larger sweet spot on the clubface, making them less punishing on off-center hits. They are also easier to launch because of their lower center of gravity.

Hybrids are easier to hit from the rough and fairway bunkers. They can also be effective around the green when used with a chipping motion.

You should consider hybrids if you have a slower swing speed and need to hit higher shots into the green.

A hybrid generally flies 10 to 15 yards farther than an iron with the same number. The shaft is usually about an inch longer than its iron counterpart. Many hybrids also feature adjustable lofts, which are not available on most irons. Adjustable hybrids can typically be set up to 2 degrees stronger or weaker.

I will admit that I am an advocate for hybrids, especially for women. I carry a 3-hybrid, 5-hybrid and, most recently, a 7-hybrid. I have never been a strong long-iron player, so hybrids have been a good solution for me.

Two weeks ago, I made a hole-in-one with my 7-hybrid. It had been 25 years since my previous hole-in-one.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com