The spot(s) between the longest fairway wood and mid-iron remains a black hole for some golfers — and generally leads to plenty of critical bag setup questions: Are you better off using a game-improvement long iron or a utility iron? How about a hybrid or high-lofted fairway wood with the same loft? Answer these dilemmas and you’re bound to shave strokes off the handicap.
Unless you’re a bomber with plenty of speed in the tank, there’s a good chance you face a fair number of shots from 240-180 during a round. Long irons, utility irons, hybrids and high-lofted fairway wood can all get the job done, but it’s important to understand the benefits they provide for certain player types.
On the latest episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast, the crew discussed the results of a robotic test with Golf Laboratories that revealed the wide range of launch and spin characteristics the clubs possess at 92 mph. Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish, it’s very likely one of the below clubs can help you fill a carry gap (or two) in the bag.
7-wood: 19 degrees (launch angle) | 5,200 RPMs (spin) | 200 yards (carry)
Who it’s designed for: Someone who doesn’t hit it out of the center regularly and requires maximum forgiveness. This golfer might also need help launching it high and stopping it on the green.
Insights (Kris McCormack, Fully Equipped co-host and VP of tour and education at True Spec Golf): “When it comes to the demographic of a player, the 7-wood is more forgiving and designed for the player who needs more launch and spin. It’s a long iron replacement that you’re hitting into a green and expecting it to hold. The lower, deeper CG in the 7-wood is going to allow you to hit it higher, and it did [during the test].”
3-hybrid: 14 degrees | 2,940 RPMs | 225 yards
Who it’s designed for: A golfer who needs a secondary option off the tee and isn’t launch and spin deficient. The compact profile makes it a good option for the better player who still needs some semblance of mishit protection.
Insights: “The 3-hybrid is a more compact design with a forward CG. It’s also a long iron replacement, but it’s going to play and perform more like a traditional long iron.”
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3-iron: 15 degrees | 3,640 RPMs | 205 yards
Who it’s designed for: Strong ball-striker who wants a consistent look throughout their iron set and places a premium on workability and launch variability.
Insights: “I would expect the player using the 3-iron to be a little bit better ball-striker. They’re looking for a particular launch window and number. They’re also looking to shape and control shots.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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