Must-Have Hybrids For Beginner and High Handicap Golfers
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On the golf course, the hybrid golf club can be your best friend. It can get you out of a jam, especially if you duff your drive or need a little extra distance to reach a specific position near the hole. If you don’t trust your longer irons, a hybrid can get you the distance you need when you’re facing a lengthy approach to the green. It will also provide precision for longer shots that a fairway wood may not provide. It’s a versatile club that should be in every golfer’s bag.
It can be used both off the tee and from the fairway. You can even use a great lay from the rough if you have one. The idea is to get the ball out and gain some space on your next shot.
When it comes to hybrid golf clubs, determining which one is best for your bag can be difficult. You must consider your skill level as well as your handicap. There are specific aspects of a hybrid that beginner players and those with high handicaps should look for.
We’ve compiled a list of the best hybrid clubs on the market for high handicappers. Take a look at how you may improve your game.
Key Considerations for High Handicapper Hybrids
When looking for the finest hybrid golf club for high handicappers, you must consider your swing. Most golfers who require a large number of strokes do not have as fast swings as others. There is a natural slice, which is a prevalent cause in individuals who do not have a straightened-out swing.
When deciding which hybrid to use, keep in mind that there is a distinction between a 3-wood and a 3-hybrid. When deciding which club to hit, a fairway wood against a hybrid might be a difficult choice. Of course, there are places for both. However, if you require a hybrid, these are some of the things to look for while deciding on a hybrid.
Loft Angle
There are different loft angles in a hybrid, just like there are in a driver. If you’re looking for a hybrid, there are usually 3-, 4-, and 5-hybrid clubs available. These are all related to lofts, and they can convey varying distances.
As you can see with your drivers and irons, a 3 is longer than a 4, and a 4 is longer than a 5. They typically cover a range of 19° to 26°. A hybrid is simpler to get in the air from the rough and the fairway than a fairway wood. Depending on how far you generally hit the ball off the tee, a lower loft angle may be preferable to gain additional carry.
Forgiveness
You want to find the sweet spot, just as you would in any other club. Many drivers have larger sweet spots than others. The same holds true for hybrids. This will allow you to be more forgiving if you manage to miss the sweet spot.
You desire a larger head. Because hybrids have smaller heads than drivers, you must find the best of both worlds. Giving yourself greater forgiveness may limit your potential to get the most distance out of your rough or fairway hit, but it will allow you to hit it straighter.
Using a hybrid will keep your shot straighter than using a higher iron. This is because you will have a larger head and greater forgiveness. Simply having one in your bag increases your chances of hitting it straight.
Length and Shaft
If you have a greater handicap, a standard flex shaft will be preferable to a stiff one. This is because your swing speed is most likely slower than that of a mid to low handicapper. This allows the head of your hybrid to reach the ball at the desired point in your swing.
More often than not, you’ll be dealing with graphite shafts, which are ideal for beginning golfers. You must select the appropriate club length for your height. Hybrid clubs are often shorter than drivers, so you must select the appropriate length.
Clubhead
Hybrids are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, which can alter club head speed, launch angle, and exit velocity.
Wide-soled hybrids are similar to fairway woods in appearance, but slight design adjustments help the hybrid to get the ball airborne faster.
Because the clubface of a hybrid is similar to that of an iron, it has a larger sweet spot and the appearance and feel of your favored iron.
Body Type
Hybrids have a variety of body shapes that can be classed as wide or narrow.
Narrow Body
This body type is designed for more experienced players with faster swing speeds. Mishits are more likely with a narrower head. Because the head is smaller, it produces less spin.
Wide Body
This body type is best suited for beginners with slow to high swing speeds. Because of the larger body, manufacturers may display a broad head, which increases forgiveness and confidence. As a result, the larger head produces more spin.
Center of Gravity
It may not appear to be a major concern, but if you have a hefty club with a larger head, it can throw off your swing. Even if you have a greater handicap, you can still concentrate on hitting the ball in the appropriate spot.
With the proper center of gravity for your swing, you can maintain your swing consistent and your ball from slicing. The center of gravity affects launch, speed, spin, and forgiveness, and it also works with your shaft.
Some clubs allow you to change the center of gravity by shifting the weight. For golfers, a low center of gravity works best, especially for those with large handicaps. This is because the ball will go further and spin less.
Worrying about spin isn’t something you think about while you’re attempting to hit straighter shots. While this isn’t something you’ll notice in your club, knowing where the center of gravity is in your club will help you hit it better.
Set Makeup
As a higher handicapper, it might be difficult to ensure that you have the proper setup in your golf bag in terms of lofts and lies. Ultimately, you want to attempt to have a solution for every situation that may arise on the golf course.
If fairway woods aren’t your thing, you can bring along some hybrids. If hybrids are unfamiliar to you, having only one is quite okay.
When it comes to irons for higher handicappers, carrying three irons and four irons just don’t make sense. These irons are very tough to hit and cannot perform as well as hybrids out of tricky lies.
Make sure your golf bag contains a variety of clubs to provide you with a diversity of ball flight, distance, and control. If you do this, your set will last you for many years, even if your scores begin to fall.
Distance
The great majority of higher handicappers want more distance. You may be certain that all game improvement type hybrids will take distance into account.
When looking for a long-distance alternative, key terms to look for are “speed,” “ball speed,” and “moment of inertia.” If the golf hybrid club you purchase has terms like this in its description, you will be pleased with the length.
We can assist you if you have hybrids from several years ago and are wondering if it is time to replace them. A hybrid acquired within the previous five years will almost always include very useful distance technology. Anything else is most certainly in need of an upgrade.
Adjustability
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: buying an adjustable golf club is like getting two or three clubs for the price of one. You’ll want to change clubs as your game improves, especially if you’re a higher handicap golfer.
Set the hybrid to close if you’re having trouble with a slice. If you’re having problems with a hook, try opening the face slightly.
Pricing
A hybrid golf club will set you back between $100 and $350. They are not very expensive as a single club, but when you consider adding three or four to your bag, things might get a little pricy.
If you get a quality club that works well for your game, you should be able to keep it for 7-10 years before replacing it. Looking at the equipment that is 1-2 years old will provide you with the best value.
Top Hybrids for Beginner and High Handicap Golfers
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 HYBRIDS FOR BEGINNER & HIGH HANDICAP GOLFERS (SEE ON AMAZON) | |
1. TOP PICK: TaylorMade SIM MAX Hybrid | |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ V Steel Sole Design: Designed to improve turf interaction through reduced friction and provides additional versatility when playing from tight or difficult lies
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
TaylorMade's newest model has sparked interest in both professional and amateur golf tours. TaylorMade's clubs appear to fly further and further away with each passing year. When you believe they've exhausted the distances they can offer, they add more.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This thing is amazing. I cannot believe I've waited this long to buy a TM hybrid. They've always fit my eye all the way back to when the burner hybrids came out. I just never pulled the trigger.
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PROS ✅ Excellent and incredible distance
| CONS ❌ Price point is high |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Jailbreak Technology for the first time in a hybrid
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Callaway Rogue Hybrid is an excellent golf club that is ideal for those with higher handicaps. This club was designed to provide maximum distance and forgiveness. Aside from its length and ease of usage, the Rogue also looks, feels, and sounds amazing.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“To start with, this is the first 3 wood I have ever been able to hit, plus respectable distance and accuracy. Thoroughly pleased with the results on the course.”
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PROS ✅ Great distance
| CONS ❌ Feel is not so great compared to the top choice |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Hollow Split Rails- The Flex Zone-Hollow rails flex more the solid rails, creating a 70% larger hot spot area from heel to toe that promotes higher launch and more ball speed with the aid of a speed channel.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
Cobra has always produced some amazing hybrids for the higher handicappers. This Cobra Speedzone hybrid is the best hybrid they've released in a long time.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Took a little time to adjust to the feel of this baby. Granted, going thru a swing change, but within a couple of practice sessions, mixing this in, it's an amazing little club. I'm hitting it off the tee, not off the turf, right now. Terrific feel, a slightly muffled thud of a sound, but I'm enjoying it. To the reviewer stating they only seem to slice the ball, that isn't a club issue, that's a swing path issue. ;)” | |
PROS ✅ Longer than previous Cobra hybrid models
| CONS ❌ Club head is a bit large |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ The Super Hybrid is built to deliver fairway-wood like distance from titanium construction
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
If you don't mind paying a premium for the best hybrid golf club for high handicappers on the market, the Callaway Golf Super Hybrid may be the correct pick for you. This is one of the more expensive models on the market, but it is an excellent choice for replacing those lengthy irons.
It appears that the club is unsure whether it is a fairway wood or a hybrid. It makes no difference for the consequences it produces. The Callaway Super Hybrid is a low spin club, so it will run for a long time when you hit it. This is wonderful for getting distance, but not so great for getting the ball to stop.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This club is great! I have the 20 degrees in xstiff and is a good replacement for my 5 wood. High-quality shaft and is easier to control without losing any distance. The price is higher than I would like, but that is all high-end clubs these days. I always suggest getting fitted for clubs. A lot of club/shaft options out there. Clubs are too expensive these days to just buy them online and hope they will work for you.” | |
PROS ✅ Excellent distance
| CONS ❌ Large club head
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 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ HYBRID MOVEMENT: More and more players are trading in their traditional irons and replacing them with hybrids. The EGI hybrids allow you to do this for every iron in your bag. Join the movement and expect an improvement in your game
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Pinemeadow EXL's cost is extremely great, but there are a few additional features that stick out as well.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Bought a #3 and #5 hybrids and was hesitant to use them without a lot of practice, after just a little practice I now use the #5 on the fairways and the #3 off the tee all the time. My old woods I was all over, if I hit it right I would send the ball a mile but I was erratic, slicing, hooking, nubbing, you name it and I would get a decent drive here and there, no consistency. I now hit the ball pretty darn straight pretty often, I have sacrificed some distance but I feel confident off the tee that I am not losing my ball and on the fairway also. My drives dictate my game and I am more consistent than ever off the tee now. I will say, I think my game has improved for sure due to these two clubs! I love them! A follow-up review, I also have bought the 6,7,9 and PW and I am pretty darn accurate with all of the clubs, I know my game has improved and my average score has lowered, I hope it continues to. These hybrids are cost-friendly so I say buy one, try it, give it a little time, I was concerned because it took a while to get used to a hybrid, but it became a love, love relationship with my hybrids, I threw all my irons in the trash can except my sand wedge, no need for them, recycle that scrap iron !!!!” | |
PROS ✅ Affordable and fairly priced
| CONS ❌ Quality is mediocre
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Final Thoughts
Choosing a new hybrid for your golf bag should be a pleasurable experience. Unfortunately, with so many options on the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed.
Using a hybrid can help you get out of certain more difficult lies. It provides accuracy and distance out of the rough that fairway woods do not provide. If you are a high handicap and struggle with your longer irons, this is a must-have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the difference between a hybrid and a driving iron?
One of the most forgiving golf clubs in the bag is the hybrid. The hybrid is utilized for shots out of the rough and by golfers who require a high degree of forgiveness in their game. The driving iron is a club that can be used off the tee to achieve a lot of roll and distance, akin to the wood or driver. The driving iron is a little trickier to hit.
Is it easier to hit hybrids than irons?
Irons are more difficult to hit than hybrids. Some players, however, perform better with irons than with hybrids. Try hitting with both hybrids and irons to see which works best for your golf game. Hitting golf irons from the rough is far more difficult than hitting a hybrid from the rough.
What hybrid clubs should I have?
Almost every golfer should have at least one 4 hybrid golf club in their bag. However, many players believe the 5 hybrids to be useful as well. Lower handicap golfers typically use the 3 hybrids for approaches into Par 5 holes to guarantee that they have the necessary distance and technology.
Which hybrids and how many should high handicappers carry?
High-handicappers can essentially replace the driver with a hybrid because the latter effortlessly glides through lengthy grass. Hybrids are also ideal for hitting greens from a distance.
But, more often than not, high handicappers employ hybrids to replace their long irons rather than fairway woods. Because hybrids nicely fill the space between woods and irons.
So, here’s the best hybrid/fairway wood configuration for a high handicapper:
- 5-wood
- 3-hybrid (20-degree loft)
- 4-hybrid (23-degree loft)
- 5-hybrid (26-degree loft)
Here’s another angle to consider. If your set includes a 2-iron, 3-iron, and 4-iron, replace them with a 5-iron, 6-iron, and 7-iron.
It goes without saying that YOUR arrangement is determined by YOUR level of confidence and personal preferences. If hitting your 5-iron, 6-iron, or 7-iron is difficult, or if you can’t hit any of them consistently, switch to a hybrid. That is a simple answer.
Why are hybrids easier to hit and long irons more difficult?
How do golf hybrids function? When you look closely at a hybrid, you’ll notice that it has some extra mass on the rear of the face. As a result, the clubface becomes narrower, as is the case with fairway woods.
Because the club’s weight has been shifted into the sole, more weight is now positioned behind and under the golf ball at contact. As a result, you can get the ball into the air considerably more simply.
Let us now look at the structure of long irons. These have a thin club face and a very flat club face. And that necessitates you getting the golf ball into the air, with no aid from the club due to the flat face. To address this dilemma, bring in the hybrid!
In addition, the lightweight graphite shaft promotes a faster swing and clubhead speed. Another requirement for lifting the ball off the ground with a lower loft!
Long irons, on the other hand, require a higher clubhead speed to get the golf ball airborne, therefore they’re better suited to mid-and low-handicap players who seem to have the much-needed confidence to hit down on that ball rather than laboring to lift it off the ground and into the air.
Which hybrid is the easiest to hit?
The 3-hybrid is the easiest hybrid and golf club to hit. The center of gravity of this club is located further behind the face, allowing you to achieve the most optimal launch and trajectory with the least amount of effort (pretty much the same as when you hit 3-iron).
What is the difference between a hybrid and a driving iron?
The greatest driving irons have the allure of working like golf irons, which higher-swing players prefer to use over typical, lower-lofted irons. However, hybrids work in a way that produces a higher launch with more spin than driving irons, and hybrids are also more forgiving. As a result, it is ideal for both novices and those with a high handicap.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a fairway wood?
Both have a comparable loft. Why, then, do they not create the same type of ball flight? This is due to hybrids’ smaller heads, which allow for a more penetrating yet lower flight than woods.
In addition, hybrids have a smaller sole, allowing you to hit more solid shots regardless of lie. In summary, although having the same loft as a fairway wood, a hybrid is a more adaptable golf club.
