Hybrid Distance Help

[FAHooGolfs]

I currently have a TaylorMade Mid TP 16 degree hybrid in my bag and I'm thinking of adding another hybrid to replace my 3-iron. Currently I use the 16 as a 2-iron replacement and I hit it anywhere from 200 to 220.

My question is, if I want to replace my 3-iron, what loft do I need to get on the new hybrid in order to get something that goes 190-205? I know a traditional 3-iron replacement should be around 22 degrees, but I'm really stuck as to whether or not I should get the 22 degree hybrid or the 19.

[yarch1969]

Hi there. I would think that the 19 degree would do the trick, based on your yardages. But, you might get more versatility with a 21 or higher degree club. You can always close it or put a little more speed into it, but it's much harder to dial down. Especially with the hot clubfaces and shafts in modern clubs.

[RickRevue]

Not to complicate the issue, but what kind of ball flight are you looking for?

Sounds like you need to fill in a gap in your distances but maybe it's about more than just distance. I have a 2 hybrid (16*) that given the shaft I have, I hit it low and long. It has an adjustable weights so I added some weight to hit it higher but it's still low and long. My 3 hybrid (19*) goes much higher but I can work it much better. A high cut goes about 190-200 and when I put a draw on it it goes at least another 10 or 15 yards. I love that club.

I guess what I'm saying is it's not just about loft. It's about head design, shaft, and your typical ball flight too.

[FAHooGolfs]

Not to complicate the issue, but what kind of ball flight are you looking for?

My ball flight is pretty standard with the 2. The whole reason I went to it was that I always ballooned my 5-wood and I get a much more penetrating ball flight with the 2... just turns out to be a bonus that its a cinch to hit.

For me, this really is about distance... I'm ok with standard ball flight. When I go to the range, I hit my 4-iron 180-185 and my 3-iron about 182-187. I don't generate the clubhead speed to get enough distance or loft out of my 3-iron.

[RickRevue]

So what you're looking for is something between your 4 irons' distance (180-185) and your 2 hybrid which is about 220. Is that right?

Well the 3 hybrid should do the trick. I guess my point was that you can do some things to make that 3 hybrid more versitile. A regular steel shaft would make it a straight replacement for your 3 iron, where if you add a graphite with a bit more length you could get up to 210-220 with a nice high ball flight. Just choke up when you need less.

I can recommend the weight ports too. That would give you even more ball flight options.

I guess I'm belaboring this point because I like my 3 hybrid so much. It has become my workhorse. Great off the tee on tight holes. Great out of the rough and traps. And a wide range of ball flights and distances. It became my go-to club mostly because I've developed so much confidence in it. I'll hit it anytime, anywhere.

Give it some thought and you may have that kind of club too!