The one club you need

Try these seven shots with a hybrid

January 2010

The hybrid has revolutionized the long-iron game. It's so much easier to hit, even the 4-iron is no match. The ball flies higher and comes down softer, and you don't have to swing as hard to achieve the same distance. Club manufacturers will love me for this, but I really believe if you don't own one, you should rush out right now and buy two.

You haven't left yet?

The benefits of hybrids don't stop with replacing long irons. I'll show you how to play an entire round with this club. Well, maybe not putt or hit greenside bunker shots. But you can deal with just about any other situation on the course using this wonder club.

1. Tee

Set the ball low

Ideally, you want the clubface covering most of the ball. Maybe a quarter of the ball can be above the face, but that's it. The way the hybrid is weighted, it's easy to get the ball airborne when you tee it low. The only other tip for a hybrid tee shot is to swing as if you're hitting a fairway wood: You want a sweeping approach into the ball.

2. Sand

Shallow out your swing

From a fairway bunker, the most important thing is angle of attack. Play the ball slightly back of center in your stance, and then swing the club on a shallower path into the ball than you would with an iron. Coming down more from inside the target line will help.

3. Fairway

Stand closer to the ball

When your ball is happily resting in the middle of the fairway, remember to stand a little closer to it. Because hybrids have a fairway-wood look about them, the tendency is to address the ball as if you were holding a 3- or 5-wood, with the arms extended from the body. But some hybrids are only 39 inches long -- that's a standard 3-iron length. So make sure you address the ball as if you were hitting a 3-iron (left), not a wood. Having to reach for the ball greatly decreases your chances of making solid contact.

4. Rough

Take an extra practice swing

One of the great things about this club is the way it cuts through the rough. The problem is, you need to convince yourself before you hit your shot that the rough will offer little resistance. I suggest taking an extra practice swing or two to see just how easy the hybrid gets through the long grass. Also, consider playing the ball back a smidge, and hit slightly down on it instead of trying to sweep it.

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The one club you need