| The
fairway has been buzzing with the word "utility," the
name for a new type of club that is transforming the strategies
of amateur golfers, and even pros on Tour, for whom hitting a
long iron is a major challenge.
Most manufacturers’ R&D departments
started pondering the question; why not combine the fairway wood’s
features with those of a high-precision iron, to make middle range
(under 200yard) shots easier, too? Like an iron, it would make
setting up easier and give better directional control, even when
driving against strong winds. The result was the Hybrid concept
- the answer to many golfers’ prayers.
Hybrids are a combination of an iron and wood,
incorporating various features of each into one product to replace
hard-to-hit traditional irons. These new hybrids offer significant
advantages over traditional irons and, as a result, have experienced
impressive growth in recent months throughout the golf industry.
Manufacturers love them because they do not require exotic materials
– steel heads work perfectly- and the consumer gets an affordable
club.
Most golfers struggle with their long irons (3,
4 and 5 irons) for a couple of possible reasons. The long irons
have a relatively small sweet spot compared to other irons, and
even more importantly MANY golfers don't generate enough clubhead
speed to get an adequate "launch angle" for the longer
irons.
These hybrids are designed primarily for a player
who has difficulty getting the ball airborne and with distance
from trouble lies, or even the fairway. Most hybrids have a low
center of gravity to enable getting the ball up quickly. The majority
of pros don't use hybrids for the same reason they don't use high
lofted drivers, cavity back "game improvement" irons,
alien sand wedges and 11 woods– the ball goes too high.
But, as always, there is an exception to the
rule – Todd Hamilton and Tim Petrovic are just two Tour
winners who are both converts and proponents of the hybrid. The
acceptance of the genre by touring pros has been somewhat of a
revelation. The long irons once were the clubs that set professional
golfers apart, but the benefits of hybrids have been too significant
even for the best players to ignore.
Hybrid irons provide the playability of a fairway
wood coupled with the accuracy of an iron, giving even average
golfers more airtime on the difficult long approach shots. These
new utility clubs are making shots in the 200 yard range so much
simpler. Hybrids can be used on any lie where irons are used.
In technical jargon, because the center of gravity
is farther back, usually because of a wider profile, there’s
a higher launch angle (ball therefore stops quickly on the green)
and because of the flat face, the ball spin rate is higher versus
a regular iron head. It is also true that the ball may carry slightly
farther for average and lower swing speeds and the roll distance
may also decrease. These conditions are therefore ideal for many
slower swingers and for those golfers who do not consistently
hit the center of the face.
So, should you switch to hybrids?
- If you feel more confident hitting higher lofted fairway
woods than irons, or
- you don't use your #3, #4, or even #5 iron any more, or
- you can get more distance from a 9-wood than a 5-iron,
or
- you seldom take a divot when hitting your middle irons,
or
- you have even considered carrying woods like the #11 or
#13.
Then hybrids may be your answer to better golf
shots and more enjoyment of the game.
We have identified the twelve best models, out
of 32 tested, that you should consider in choosing a hybrid. As
always, the object of the exercise is to be custom fitted or to
properly select a hybrid so as to allow you to hit the ball the
same distance as a perfectly hit long iron. A well selected hybrid
will also give you far more height, ease and repeatability than
using those difficult to hit long irons.
One other bit of advice - find the best shaft
that works for you with your hybrid. There is a difference. Numerous
shaft manufacturers have specifically designed hybrid shafts.
These are the most popular: UST’s Irod, Aldila’s Gamer,
Mitsubishi’s ECU, Graphite Design’s AD, Aerotech’s
Steel Fiber, Penley’s Heater, Mitsubishi’s Diamana
and Fujikura’s Banzai shafts.
TaylorMade’s New Rescue dual and Rescue dual TP
 TaylorMade-adidas
Golf Company, the world leader in hybrid sales and maker of the
Rescue Mid, the No. 1 hybrid on the PGA Tour, has introduced two
new hybrid models - the Rescue dual and the Rescue dual TP.
The Rescue dual
This club is specifically engineered for average
players. It incorporates TaylorMade's movable weight technology
that TaylorMade introduced last year in the groundbreaking r7
quad driver. This allows players the power to change the clubhead's
center of gravity (CG) location to promote different types of
trajectories.
Both the Rescue dual and Rescue dual TP feature
two TaylorMade Launch Control (TLC) ports positioned low in the
back of the clubhead, near the heel and toe. Installing TLC cartridges
of differing weights in the TLC ports allows the player to move
the clubhead's CG position to promote a draw bias or to promote
a neutral or straight ball flight.
Included with the Rescue dual are a 14-gram
TLC cartridge and a 2-gram TLC cartridge.
Because the majority of golfers hit the ball
from left-to-right, the Rescue dual is engineered
with added fixed weight near the heel, which pulls the CG back
and toward the shaft to promote the kind of clubface rotation
during the forward swing that produces a slight draw. For players
who wish to counteract the Rescue dual's inherent tendency to
produce a draw, the 14-gram TLC cartridge should
be installed in the toe TLC port and the 2-gram
TLC cartridge should be installed in the heel TLC port. The added
weight in the toe slows the rotation of the clubface, promoting
a neutral or straight trajectory. Conversely, players can increase
the Rescue dual's draw bias by adding more weight to the heel
by installing the 14-gram TLC cartridge in the
heel TLC port and the 2-gram TLC cartridge in
the toe TLC port.
By spreading the Rescue dual's TLC ports and
TLC cartridges far apart, TaylorMade engineers were able to improve
the Rescue dual's MOI compared to the original Rescue Mid by up
to 20%, depending on heel vs. toe weighting, resulting in more
forgiveness on off-center hits.
The Rescue dual TP:
 The
TP is primarily designed for skilled players who often prefer
to work the ball in both directions. The Rescue dual TP
is not internally weighted to promote a draw, like the Rescue
dual, instead, the Rescue dual TP comes with a 2-gram
TLC cartridge, two 8-gram TLC cartridges and a 14-gram
TLC cartridge to promote varying degrees of draws and fades as
well as a neutral or straight trajectory.
The TLC Wrench needed to install and remove TLC
cartridges is sold separately. It and additional TLC cartridges
and accessories can be purchased at TaylorMade retailers or at
http://shop.taylormadegolf.com
TaylorMade engineers were able to improve the
internal weighting of the Rescue dual TP to the
point where it delivers up to 24% higher MOI (depending on heel
vs. toe weighting) than the Rescue Mid TP at standard swing weight.
(If the club's swing weight is raised above normal or lowered
below normal via the combined weight of the TLC cartridges installed
in the TLC ports, MOI will rise slightly or drop slightly.)
Both the Rescue dual and the TP model, share
the original Rescue Mid's sleek, tour-proven shape, as well as
its steel, Pull-Face construction. Producing the clubface separately
from the body allows for the creation of a thin-yet-strong face
that delivers high COR for optimum distance. Meanwhile, added
attention can be devoted to weight distribution in the body, equaling
high moment of inertia (MOI) and greater forgiveness..
Both models incorporate a new, V-shaped sole
design that makes the clubhead more stable and easy to aim at
address. That, combined with the simple yet effective alignment
aid on the crown, helps to promote greater confidence and consistency
at address. At the same time, the Rescue dual's new sole design
offers excellent playability from a wide variety of lies while
also promoting an "iron-like" feel at impact. Likewise,
the Rescue dual shares the Rescue Mid's extremely low center of
gravity (CG), which makes it easy to get the ball in the air.
Both models also feature a small, unobtrusive
metallic swing weight plug permanently installed in the back of
the clubhead, between the TLC ports. By using plugs with differing
weights, TaylorMade engineers can simply and easily adjust the
club's swing weight. Positioning the plug in the back of the clubhead
allows TaylorMade engineers to position the CG lower and deeper
in the clubhead, making it even easier to launch the ball in the
air.
The Rescue dual is equipped
with TaylorMade's TGT grip. Shaft options include the new M.A.S.2
65-gram graphite hybrid shaft and the new Rescue Steel Hybrid.
Both are available in stiff, regular, mature and lady's flexes.
Four Rescue Mid models are being offered: 2 (16°), 3 (19°),
4 (22°) and 5 (25°). Head cover is included. $235 Steel
$275 Graphite.
The Rescue dual TP is equipped
with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip. Shaft options for the Rescue
dual TP include the tour-proven Mitsubishi Diamana Hybrid graphite
in extra stiff, stiff, and regular flexes, and the tour-proven
Dynamic Gold steel in X-100, S-300 and R300. Four lofts available:
14°, 16°, 19° and 22°. The TaylorMade TP badge
is located on the toe. Head cover is included. .
Price: $235 Steel
$275 Graphite.
www.taylormadegolf.com
Cleveland Golf’s Halo Utility Club
 At
the busiest booth at the recent 2005 PGA Show, the most sought
after wood was the Halo. This breakthrough utility club was designed
with a larger sweet spot making it much easier to hit than traditional
long-irons. This club’s higher MOI and lower CG allow for
maximum forgiveness on off-center shots while also creating higher
launch angles and added spin for those long approach shots that
require a soft landing.
The Halo (High Angle Lift Off) is made with a
17-4 stainless steel body and a 455 Custom Carpenter Steel face,
looks great at setup and has both a great feel and launching ability.
Of all the hybrids tested, the Halo drew the
most enthusiastic response.
Available in 1i -16°, 2i - 19°, 3i -
22° and 4i - 25°
MSRP is $199 for
graphite and $150 for the steel-shafted model.
www.clevelandgolf.com
Nike Golf CPR
 Nike’s
CPR (Clubs for Prevention and Recovery) utility woods are among
the most popular hybrids available. The CPR boasts a compact head
design with the majority of weight located low and deep –
where the ball makes contact with the face. Excellent weighting
makes the CPR very easy to hit especially from tight lies on the
fairway and around the greens, making them both a great scoring
and recovery club.
Available in lofts of 18° (2-3 iron), 21°
(3-4 iron) and 24° (4-5 iron) degrees.
Price: $129
www.nikegolf.com
Tour Edge
 After
revolutionizing the game with the introduction of the Bazooka
JMAX Iron-Wood, Tour Edge has magic up their sleeves, with the
new Houdini hybrid utility club. This is a ”ultra-hybrid”
club that fits in between a hybrid iron, a fairway wood and a
hybrid wood with tendencies of that of a short-shafted 7-wood-like
club with wide and low profile faces and lots of forgiveness.
The Bazooka JMAX was the first complete set of
Iron-Woods, which also were sold as individual long and short
iron replacements. For their next trick, the company has created
the Houdini hybrid fairway wood: the perfect
complement to any set of clubs. These magical utility clubs make
trouble disappear - making great shots routine.
This state of the art hybrid features a low profile
design and 6” super radius sole, virtually eliminating turf
drag. The grand result is solid contact and shots that easily
escape even the most difficult lies.
The Houdini’s super-thin Hyper-Steel face
and walls, allow Tour Edge designers to reposition additional
weight to the sole, which creates an extremely low center of gravity
for remarkable forgiveness, even on off-center hits. Helping you
master the art of escape, the Houdini’s face has bigger,
deeper scoring lines that promote more spin for greater carry.
For full performance control, Houdini features
an offset head design and a one inch shorter shaft that helps
square the face at impact. A low kick-point shaft delivers a higher
launch angle and the ability to pull off perfect shots every time.
Best of all, no smoke or mirrors are required.
The Houdini is available for both men and women
and in right and left-handed models.
Lofts: 16° - 3 wd, 18° -5 wd, 16°
- 7wd, 24° - 9 wd, and 26° - 11 wd
$99 graphite and
$89 steel. These are undoubtedly the best value
in hybrid clubs today.
www.touredge.com
Ben Hogan Edge CFT Hybrid
 The
clubhead design features a very low center of gravity to get the
ball in the air with greater ease compared to standard long irons.
The CFT is one of the few that use a Compression Forged Titanium
face and stainless steel body for increased forgiveness and playability.
The small, 1/2 size metal wood-like shape contributes
to 3-Dimensional Weight Distribution for a lower, deeper center
of gravity, providing ideal launch and spin conditions for added
distance and accuracy.
The trailing edge sole relief provides added
playability from all types of lies.
Lofts #1h –17°, #2h -19°, #3h -21°,
#4h - 24° and #5h - 27° and a 16° driver
Price: $120
www.benhogan.com
Titleist 503.H Utility Irons
 The
503.H utility iron is designed to provide the better
player with a long game yardage gap and trajectory solution. Two
models are available:
503.H Launch and Spin
The 503.H launches lower and spins less than
a comparable fairway metal for better shot and trajectory control.
The 503.H launches higher and spins more than a comparable loft
conventional iron providing a more playable trajectory.
503.H Length
The 503.H is 1.0'' to 2.0'' shorter than a comparable
loft fairway metal for better shot and trajectory control (easier
down) while providing similar distance. The 503.H is 0.5'' longer
than a comparable loft conventional iron providing launch, trajectory
and ball speed benefits for a longer, more playable (easier up)
ball flight.
Available in lofts
of 19° and 22° $199
www.titleist.com
Sonartec Md Transition Club
 One
of the “hottest” companies in golf today, Sonartec,
has introduced a new series of hybrid iron/woods called “transition
clubs”. Sonartec has gained an excellent reputation on Tour
with the Md’s and now with the general golfing public.
Its bigger sweet spot gives players more confidence
than long irons can provide and the club’s aesthetics are
excellent.
The Md comes standard with the high-end custom
UST iRod™ shaft and is one of the top hybrid shafts used
by PGA Tour players.
Available in lofts of 15° (0 iron/3 wood),
17° (1 iron/4 wood), 19° (2 iron/5 wood), 21° (3 iron/7
wood), 23° (4 iron/9 wood), and 25° (5 iron/11 wood.
Price: $199.00
www.sonartec.com
Nickent Genex 3DX Ironwood
 The
3DX uses Nickent's proprietary 3-D Weighting System® that
works by moving weight in three directions - lower, deeper (back
from the clubface) and more towards the heel of each clubhead.
This back-weighted design produces a center-of-gravity that closely
matches the CG of a lofted fairway wood.
By positioning more mass in the visible weight
pads at the rear of the clubhead, each individual 3DX iron is
fine-tuned to provide optimal launch angle and trajectory for
its specific loft.
The unique construction of the 3DX irons makes
them more resistant to twisting on off-center hits. The back-weighted
design shifts the rotational center of each clubhead, making 3DX
irons extremely stable and solid throughout the set. The 3DX is
ideal for both the accomplished golfer and game-improver alike.
Available in 17°,
20°, 23°, 26° & 29° lofts. $109
www.nickentgolf.com
Precept ECU Utility Woods
 Precept
has hit the jackpot with these new hybrid/utility woods. They
are designed for the mid to high handicap player seeking performance
from a variety of lies.
The club features an elastomer compound insert
for vibration reduction and tungsten screw for optimal CG.
More importantly, the highly visible orange Mitsubishi
shaft is phenomenal especially for it’s consistency from
shaft to shaft. It has the highest specs in the industry and is
the choice of many of the club fitters on the Tour vans.
This hybrid was one of the most popular clubs
at the PGA Show’s Demo Day. Check the bags of many and many
members of the golf media and you will find these hybrids. They
are extremely accurate and easy to hit.
Available in lofts of 18°, 21°, 25°
and 30°.
MSRP: $119.00
www.preceptgolf.com
Callaway Big Bertha Heavenwood
 One
of many new products introduced by Callaway this year, the Heavenwood
is experiencing strong retail sales and is one of the more popular
hybrids being played, especially by Callaway devotees.
The Heavenwood features a modified Warbird sole
design that helps the club head glide through turf with minimal
resistance thereby promoting solid contact for more consistency
and making the club extremely easy to hit.
The aesthetics and set up are excellent. It’s
elongated, low profile head design helps the golfer to get under
the ball, while its perimeter weighting helps get the ball airborne.
Callaway’s patented Golf Core Technologies
(VFT, S2H2, Tru-Bore) allowed the club designers to reposition
15 grams of weight in club head thereby allowing for better overall
performance advantages with added distance. This is an excellent
hybrid for all skill levels.
Available in: 1H -14°, 2H -17°, 3H -20°,
4H -23° and 5H -26°.
Price: $179
www.callawaygolf.com
Kasco K2K “iTility” Hybrid
 Long
acknowledged as the leader in the field of utility clubs, Kasco’s
new “Itility” performs superbly, better than even
their previous K2K woods.
Designed from the ultimate high recoil material
Super Hyten, the revolutionary set, running numbers 2 through
7, provides for more distance and easier lift than traditional
irons. Additionally, the K2K iTility’s design promotes tighter
shot dispersion as well as a stronger, wind defying trajectory
not found in more traditional utility clubs.
Some of the features that further differentiate
K2K iTility clubs from existing utility clubs and fairway woods
are their height, depth of the center of gravity and face progression.
Kasco’s Super Hyten powered K2K iTility
clubs feature 24 combinations of head and shaft, enough to satisfy
the needs of the entire world of golfers. Our test panel concurred.
MSRP: $199 per
club (Graphite shaft only.)
www.kascogolf.com
Srixon AD Hybrid
 The
AD Hybrid employs an Autoturn design whereby a tungsten nickel
weight is used to lower the center of gravity to help get the
ball airborne.
The CG is placed toward the heel in the higher
lofted clubs moving progressively toward the toe in the lower-lofted
clubs. The AD also features a thin maraging steel face.
The aesthetics if the club are excellent and
its clean set-up profile and optimal face depth inspire confidence
to get the ball up high and land soft out of most any lie.
Lofts: #3 -18°, #4 – 21° and #5
– 24°
MSRP: $199
www.srixongolf.com
Now, in the event these hybrids still do not
provide the solution you are seeking, and this being America,
there is one final solution:
High Lofted Fairway Woods
(Nine woods, eleven woods, thirteen woods....)
If you still struggle with your long and mid
irons, or even if you struggle with your short irons, you might
want to consider high lofted fairway woods:
- 9 wood = 5 iron
- 11 wood = 6 iron
- 13 wood = 7 iron
- 15 wood = 8 iron
- 17 wood = 9 iron
- 19 wood = Pitching Wedge
- 21 wood = Gap Wedge
Try a nine wood or an eleven wood. You will absolutely hit it
more consistently than the equivalent iron. Numerous manufacturers
have the 9 and 11 woods available. These higher lofted woods are
available from Golfsmith and BANG Golf.
Barry
Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers
Association of America. He is also a member of the Golf Writers
Association of America and the California Golf Writers Association
and a Mediator for the golf industry. He is a contributing writer
to numerous national magazines. He can be reached at drlotz@cbsgolf.net |
