Wedge Distance Problems

[WUTiger]

Your second question, 5W or hybrid? A couple of things to consider...

• How far do you hit the ball? If you're reaching for more distance, a 5W would go farther than a typical 3H due to longer shaft length and somewhat stronger loft. Also, 5W has more bulge (curved surface to the face) which creates gear effect . In fairway woods, the gear effect spins both toe hits and heel hits back towards the center of your target line. This can be helpful if you're not the world's best ball-striker.
• Need control? A hybrid has a shorter shaft, so might be easier to control. If distance not a problem, hybrid might work better. But, some people have trouble hitting hybrids.
• Can you handle 2H? (compares in distance better to 5W). Average golfers sometimes find the stronger lofted hybrids (17-18*) difficult to hit - especially out of the rough. For this reason, recent Adams and Callaway hybrid lines only offer the 2H in the Pro or Tour segment. (Three different demo day club reps cautioned against average golfers using 2H)

And, compare the two in how they hit. Go with what works better for your game.

NOTE: June Golf Digest had an article "Secret Weapon" about recent technology upgrades to make FWs more user-friendly. I predict that in 2012  more club manufacturers will push the 5W and 7W as alternatives to hybrids.

[max power]

Spot on.  Two years ago I was hitting my PING Zing 2 PW (47*) about 145 yds, even 150 yds on certain shots.  I was also missing a lot of greens left, right, and long.  I toned it down, started hitting more greens (and fairways) and went from a 12 or 13 handicap down to a 6 or 7.  I now hit my 47* PW about 123 yds max , even my 45* 775 and MX-200 PWs are good for about 130, 135 on a really hot day.  On short iron/wedge approach shots I always err on the side of too much club and just swing smooth.

Originally Posted by Tomboys

Excellent post.  While I'm sure there's some long hitters on this site, generally, most amateurs (including myself) swing their irons at a level that generates maximum distance.  In contrast, most pros swing their irons at a level that generates a balance between maximum distance and maximum control.

[max power]

I get nothing out of this other than the fact that I love this club, and everyone I play with who has tried it has bought one.  Wilson Staff FYbrid.  I've got the 19.5* FYbrid model-which is a cross between a 5 wood and a 3 hybrid.  It's the #1 club I own-and I often go without a 3 wood or lower lofted hybrid in my bag because the FYbrid is so easy to hit off the fairway, and is maybe 10 yards shorter than a traditional 3 wood.  I also use for rescue shots out of bad lies/long fairway bunker shot, and I can choke down and take an abbreviated swing and use it on a 175 yd par 3 if I feel like it.  If I could only play golf with 3 clubs I'd take the FYbrid, a PW, and a putter.  It's got a nice stock V2 shaft, the face sets up square, and I never hit nasty hook shots with it.  Can be had for a good price also.

Originally Posted by WUTiger

Your second question, 5W or hybrid? A couple of things to consider...

How far do you hit the ball? If you're reaching for more distance, a 5W would go farther than a typical 3H due to longer shaft length and somewhat stronger loft. Also, 5W has more bulge (curved surface to the face) which creates gear effect. In fairway woods, the gear effect spins both toe hits and heel hits back towards the center of your target line. This can be helpful if you're not the world's best ball-striker.

Need control? A hybrid has a shorter shaft, so might be easier to control. If distance not a problem, hybrid might work better. But, some people have trouble hitting hybrids.

Can you handle 2H? (compares in distance better to 5W). Average golfers sometimes find the stronger lofted hybrids (17-18*) difficult to hit - especially out of the rough. For this reason, recent Adams and Callaway hybrid lines only offer the 2H in the Pro or Tour segment. (Three different demo day club reps cautioned against average golfers using 2H)

And, compare the two in how they hit. Go with what works better for your game.

NOTE: June Golf Digest had an article "Secret Weapon" about recent technology upgrades to make FWs more user-friendly. I predict that in 2012  more club manufacturers will push the 5W and 7W as alternatives to hybrids.