In your Hot List Issue, there is an article stating that the average golfer would benefit from a 17- or 18-degree 4-wood rather than a 3-wood. So to take it one step farther, would the average golfer benefit even more with a 17- or 18-degree 2 hybrid over a 4 wood? Benedict Yoong, Ventura, CAJohnson replies:
The 4-wood to 3-wood comparison is an apples to apples comparison. Studies conducted by manufacturers have shown that many average golfers de-loft a 3-wood at impact, making it difficult to get a 13- or, in some case, a 15-degree 3-wood in the air. A 17-degree 4-wood would aid carry distance and therefore overall distance. As for your question about a hybrid, that is trickier and really depends on player type and what you are trying to achieve. If it’s pure distance, the answer is no. A 4-wood shaft would be significantly longer than a hybrid shaft and would produce more distance. It also likely would produce a higher ball flight since it has a lower center of gravity due to its size. But if you’re looking for slightly more control and more penetrating ball flight, a 2-hybrid isn’t a bad choice. But you will be sacrificing yards.
Beginning in 2006 or so, square drivers were all the rage...especially from Callaway and Nike. It seems as though they are all but forgotten as 2010's line of new drivers are unveiled. Why the change? If maximum MOI and forgiveness was key then, and square is the way to that end, why isn't it now? thanks! Jon McNary, Rockford, ILJohnson:
Good question. Square and other geometric-shaped drivers have faded from the limelight primarily because golfers found them difficult to adjust to from a looks standpoint and more traditional shaped drivers in recent years have been able to find ways to reach 5000-plus MOI without geometry. Now, that’s not the 5,900 MOI limit, but most engineers agree the leap from 5,000 to 5,900 isn’t as significant as, say, the leap from 4,000 to 5,000. As such, most have trended towards more traditional shapes.I love your Hot List issue every year. In fact I used it as my testimonial for selecting my players irons last year. There however is one avenue that your Hot List leaves out every year, and it is the most important factor I now consider when purchasing any club. That factor is custumization. As a shorter golfer, only 5'3" I feel that I am overlooked when purchasing clubs, especially woods and hybrids. Next go around I would love to see the custumization options for each club and possibly a product tester that is shorter than 5'5". Matthew Cutler, Miami, FL
Johnson:
Thanks for your note and for your kind words regarding the Hot List. You make a valid point. Although we continually praise within the Hot List the companies and products that offer solid fitting options or a wide array of options, perhaps we need to look at taking this a step further and being more specific in addressing the needs of players with varying heights and/or other body types. As for a panelist of 5'5" or less, we had one panelist this year that was 5'6" although we did not specifically seek someone of that height. Perhaps we will look at that in the future as well. Again, many thanks for taking the time to write with some solid thoughts.
-- Bob Carney
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