Jump to content
IGNORED

More hybrids than irons in the bag?


Buke
Note: This thread is 3616 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Since I broke my left wrist very badly three years ago, after foolishly hitting at a ball, resting on a camouflaged chunk of rock buried in deep rough with a PW, I was thereafter never able to hit long irons (3, 4, 5 and even 6) or take any kind of divot. I was out for six weeks. My iron play was in shambles, to the extent that I considered giving up the game - something really unimagineable for an old timer like me, but true. Within 18 months I fell from an 8 to a 17. Hitting greens in regulation became a fairy tale. I could drive and I could putt, that was it.

Yet hybrid technology provided me with an alternative; not magic, but something I could use to continue playing. I found that the 'sweeping' motion of hybrid play provided me with the ability to pick the ball clean, without the need to 'hit down' on it and taking divot as one would do with most irons. Systematically my long irons were replaced by hybrids: 3 iron > 19 degree Titleist 910h; 4 iron > 21 degree Titleist 913h; 5 iron > 24 degree Titleist 913h; and 6 iron > 27 degree Titleist 910h. The distances I get from these clubs are very similar than those I got with irons and the trajectory slightly lower.

Hybrids also affected my (highly suspicious) short game in a positive way. I have gradually learned to use these clubs to run the ball onto the green with relative precision, even from problematic lies. I also hit the hybrids far better from the second cut or semi-rough than I did with irons. I punch them better and keep them lower from below trees.

So, the hybrids work for me. They are, for me, versatile. They get the job done. I can appreciate why it is also called a 'utility club'.

I will highly unlikely be a single digit ever again, but at least I can still break 90 relatively often. I don't know if I'd still be playing my normal two rounds per week if it was not for the alternative hybrids provided.

I still use a 7, 8 and 9 iron, but replaced the shafts with stiff flex graphite shafts in an attempt to create the same feeling, possibly the sensation of the weight of the club, on the irons as on the hybrids.

I also carry a 3W and a 5W. In effect I have double the amount of hybrids and woods in my bag than irons.

Now, after this long story, my eventual question: Am I the only one? I have over the past three years never played with any person, ladies included, who had more hybrids than irons in their bag. I see some tour players carrying two hybrids, but no more - I think only KJ Choi and YE Yang carry three, and then only on some courses.

I realize that few things in golf could be considered normal: but is this normal, even for a 16 handicap in his late forties? Why don't I see many other players, especially older players, doing the same? Why do some players, even mid handicaps, frown upon the mere possibility of carrying more hybrids than irons or openly ridicule it? Are there other players on the forum carrying numerous hybrids or preferring hybrids to irons?

Thanks for any reaction - It would be a consolation to know that there are others whose bags look like gigantic flower pots, with all the huge headcovers standing out!

:titleist:  913D2 10.5*  913F 15* 18*  913H  21*  24*  27*    :tmade: Burner Superfast 7i  8i  9i   :vokey: Vokey SM4  48*  52*  56*  60*    :cameron:  Newport 2 Notchback (Black)      :srixon:  Z Star XV (Yellow)    :ecco:  Biom Hybrid

Link to comment
Share on other sites


What do you want?  To look good or score well?  IMO, from my experience in golf, nobody gives a damn what kind of stick you use to accomplish your goal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


What do you want?  To look good or score well?

Neither really, too old for both - but I feel kinda freaky about the stuff in my bag.

:titleist:  913D2 10.5*  913F 15* 18*  913H  21*  24*  27*    :tmade: Burner Superfast 7i  8i  9i   :vokey: Vokey SM4  48*  52*  56*  60*    :cameron:  Newport 2 Notchback (Black)      :srixon:  Z Star XV (Yellow)    :ecco:  Biom Hybrid

Link to comment
Share on other sites


First of all, congrats to you on finding a way to continue playing this great game, that works within your physical limits.

I will say that I don't think there is the stigma against hybrids that you seem to feel there is. Perhaps more golfers could benefit from hybrids, but haven't made the switch yet. There could be a number or reasons for this, including pride (I don't want to give up my 4-iron!). But that being said, I haven't met a golfer yet who would look down on others for how they choose to construct their bag.

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

My brother-in-law carries 8 woods/hybrids....including one wedge-wood that he hits about 90 yards max.  Oh yeah, he carries a chipper too.  His bag looks like it belongs on the high school girls golf team, but he plays off a strong 9 hcp.

If it works, it works!

  • Upvote 1

In David's bag....

Driver: Titleist 910 D-3;  9.5* Diamana Kai'li
3-Wood: Titleist 910F;  15* Diamana Kai'li
Hybrids: Titleist 910H 19* and 21* Diamana Kai'li
Irons: Titleist 695cb 5-Pw

Wedges: Scratch 51-11 TNC grind, Vokey SM-5's;  56-14 F grind and 60-11 K grind
Putter: Scotty Cameron Kombi S
Ball: ProV1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Since I broke my left wrist very badly three years ago, after foolishly hitting at a ball, resting on a camouflaged chunk of rock buried in deep rough with a PW, I was thereafter never able to hit long irons (3, 4, 5 and even 6) or take any kind of divot.

I just want to say, don't allow yourself to think it was foolish when you could not see it or did not know.  Other than that, welcome to the trap!

I use some weird clubs as well.  I only care about how they work.

  • Upvote 1

Nate

:pxg:(10.5) :benhogan:(4W):titleist:U500(3UI) :benhogan: Icon(4-PW) :edel:(52/58)

:odyssey:Putter :snell: MTB Black  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Play what works. My longest iron is a 6 and I considered taking that out for a 9w. Played with a guy a few weeks ago that had all woods except for a SW. He actually had a 52 degree 21 wood, some component custom deal. It was pretty dang cool if you ask me.

Dave :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

My wife has a driver, 3W, 5W, and a set of all hybrids including the SW that my son bought for her. I was skeptical at first but now I know that was the best move she could have made. I also believe that plenty of guys would see their scores improve if they threw away their pride and borrowed her clubs (especially around the greens).

She can get around the course much better with those clubs than she would be able to do with conventional irons.

Don't tell anybody but sometimes I wish I had that hybrid SW in my bag. :-D In wet conditions it's almost impossible to mess up a shot with it.

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I too went through a phase with 3 or 4 hybrids - biggest problem was I found all the head covers to be unruly (I'm a head cover user and can barely fit 2 hybrids and a wood in my current bag). Curious how you manage all the head covers ?

John

Fav LT Quote ... "you can talk to a fade, but a hook won't listen"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I too went through a phase with 3 or 4 hybrids - biggest problem was I found all the head covers to be unruly (I'm a head cover user and can barely fit 2 hybrids and a wood in my current bag). Curious how you manage all the head covers ?

Get a bigger bag... ....or smaller head covers.

In David's bag....

Driver: Titleist 910 D-3;  9.5* Diamana Kai'li
3-Wood: Titleist 910F;  15* Diamana Kai'li
Hybrids: Titleist 910H 19* and 21* Diamana Kai'li
Irons: Titleist 695cb 5-Pw

Wedges: Scratch 51-11 TNC grind, Vokey SM-5's;  56-14 F grind and 60-11 K grind
Putter: Scotty Cameron Kombi S
Ball: ProV1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Too many head covers? Cart bag with 14 slots. Currently have covers on my driver, 3w, 7w, 4 and 5 hybrid doesn't seem crowded at all. I suppose bag design plays a part. If I had more would probably buy a Bennington.

Dave :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Played with a guy a few weeks ago that had all woods except for a SW. He actually had a 52 degree 21 wood, some component custom deal. It was pretty dang cool if you ask me.

That is the coolest club ever!

:titleist:  913D2 10.5*  913F 15* 18*  913H  21*  24*  27*    :tmade: Burner Superfast 7i  8i  9i   :vokey: Vokey SM4  48*  52*  56*  60*    :cameron:  Newport 2 Notchback (Black)      :srixon:  Z Star XV (Yellow)    :ecco:  Biom Hybrid

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Curious how you manage all the head covers ?

It can get unruly, as Dave2512 pointed out - but a normal staff bag with 6 slots do the thing; Putter & 27dH left front, driver + 3W right front; 5W & 19dH right middle; 21dH & 24dH left middle; 7 8 9 irons back right; 46 52 58 wedges back left. Since a hybrid is lighter than an iron with a steel shaft, the bag looks heavier but is in fact lighter; a bonus for me who likes walking and carrying my own bag.

:titleist:  913D2 10.5*  913F 15* 18*  913H  21*  24*  27*    :tmade: Burner Superfast 7i  8i  9i   :vokey: Vokey SM4  48*  52*  56*  60*    :cameron:  Newport 2 Notchback (Black)      :srixon:  Z Star XV (Yellow)    :ecco:  Biom Hybrid

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 3616 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • Wordle 1,004 4/6* 🟦🟦🟦⬛⬛ 🟧⬛🟦⬛🟦 🟧⬛🟧🟧🟧 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
    • Day 76 - Pretty sore today, so I opted for putting over my Stack session. Primary focus was on starting line, as my putting has been pretty poor this year. 
    • Been a bit of delay in updates but I needed to come back east as my mom's health has taken a serious turn for the worse. In a 3 day span we learned she had a tumor to she has stage 4 cancer and stopped eating and drinking for the most part. She has had a rough 3 months but certainly didn't think we'd be at the point of setting up hospice for her. My mom was never into any sports really other than following the Red Sox because my dad was a big fan. She always cared about what we were involved in including asking about how golf went.  I have kept up with my 5 minutes of daily practice and will go to the gym here in NH tomorrow morning. Despite the somber nature of this trip my family has commented more than a few times about my weight loss so it's important to me to keep it up. I know my mom always wanted us happy in whatever we did so I'll continue with my fitness journey keeping that in mind. 
    • Day 109- Putting drills on a putting green for 20 minutes. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...