Need advice: fairway and rough - irons, woods, and hybrids

[metroplex]

I've started up golf again this year, but I'm still a beginner. However, I am now more consistent with the driver and have started using my TMAG R11S driver (12* loft). I just got back from 18 holes with a co-worker who is a local league champion (handicap 16) and noticed that if I drive properly, I can match his drive distance (he's also using a TMAG R11S but 10.5* loft). However, my weakest links are using longer irons, fairway woods, and hybrids.

I tried my 2, 3, 4, and 5 irons and can use the 5 with decent results but not as consistently as the 6 iron. With the 2, 3, and 4, I am mainly topping the ball, worming it, or hitting the ball with the toe.

I tried a 2 hybrid (16*)  and 4 hybrid (23*) but the same things happen: topping, worming, or toeing the ball. If I try the 3W or 5W on the fairway, the same thing happens.

For today, I basically just used my 6 iron throughout the course and even then I am only about 75% consistent with my shots. I basically need 2-3 strokes versus 1 stroke from my co-worker who was just blasting it using a wood, hybrid, or iron.

Does anyone have any advice? Do I keep practicing/using the 6 iron until I get more consistent, and start to step up to the 5, 4, etc...? What about the hybrids and woods? Aren't they supposed to be more forgiving on the fairway and at least usable in the rough?

[WUTiger]

Have you had any lessons upon your return, or are you self-taught ?

I'm suspecting you're using the do-it-yourself approach. Evidently this isn't working. Take a couple of lessons, and see if you have some swing flaws that hold you back.

Sounds like you're having major contact problems - a lesson could help you overcome them.

Also, a good pro could tell  you if you're struggling with your equipment. (Note: a 2H is a fairly challenging club to hit, if you don't have high clubhead speed. At demo days, mfgr reps try to steer the average golfers away from the 2H)

For starters, get your swing checked out. Practicing flawed motion won't help you improve.

[metroplex]

I started golf with lessons from a PGA instructor, and that was before I even touched or owned a club. When the instructor was next to me, I was hitting everything perfectly. When I was on my own, it went down hill.

[gophinmedic]

It may be simply a phsycological thing. I was intimidated by the low irons. I started pretending if you would that I was swinging my PW and not a 4 iron. Helped me gain a little confidence so that I could move forward.