10 ways to make a hybrid a weapon in your golf bag
Hybrids can be weapons in your bag — if you know how to hit them, that is.
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Golfers tend to have a love-hate relationship with their hybrids. They are great for replacing long irons in your bag, but if you can’t hit them effectively they don’t have much use.
Luckily, with the correct technique, you can learn to flush them consistently — and with ease. Below I’ve outlined 10 tips that can help you hit better shots with your hybrids.
10 tips for hitting better hybrids
1. Focus on posture
Proper posture is a must for hitting solid hybrids — and all clubs, for that matter. Make sure you’re bowed at the hips so your arms can dangle freely. When you make a swing, try to return your arms to the setup position to hit the center of the clubface.
2. Get a consistent setup
While a hybrid may look like a fairway wood, you should approach it more like you would an iron. Keep the ball position relatively in the center of your stance; if anything, put it a touch forward of center. When you take your setup, place the clubhead behind the ball and then align your feet. This will help ensure a consistent ball position every time you step to the ball.
3. Trust the face
Many players will struggle to set up the club square to the target because the loft can make the face look open at address. Don’t fall into the same trap. Make sure the sole of the club is flush with the turf and trust that the face is square. The top line might look open, but it is indeed square.
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4. Remember — it’s light!
A hybrid will feel lighter in your hands than a long iron. Use this to your advantage. With less weight in your hands, you can generate more clubhead speed and hit longer shots. But be weary: the lighter club can make it easier to thin and top shots. Make sure you don’t fall victim to this error.
5. Take a divot
A hyrbid might look like a wood, but it functions more like an iron. This means you should swing it like an iron, too. Don’t be afraid to make a divot when you make your swing.
6. They aren’t for everyone
Hybrids are designed mostly for players who need help getting their longer clubs up in the air. If you have enough clubhead speed, though, you might not have that issue. If this sounds like you, a hybrid may not be the club for you.
7. You can carry more than one
If you are a player who gets use out of hybrids, don’t be afraid to carry more than one. Many players will replace their 3-, 4- and 5-irons with hybrids, but you can carry as many as you like.
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8. Break the tee
A great drill for learning how to properly strike a hybrid is by setting up a ball on a tee and making a swing. Make it your goal to not only sweep the ball off the tee, but to break the tee as well. If you’re doing this, you’re making a proper divot and hitting down on it sufficiently.
9. Don’t forget practice swings
As you get used to hitting hybrids, don’t forget to make some practice swings. Choose a spot on the ground and try to make the clubhead thump it on each swing. If you can consistently hit it, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your swing.
10. Pick the right hybrid for you
As I mentioned above, there are tons of options when it comes to hybrids. Choosing the right combination of shafts and clubheads is key if you want to take full advantage of these clubs and turn them into weapons in your bag. My best advice? Go get fit by a professional.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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