How to Replace Irons With Hybrids

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Many golfers face a challenge when they hit their long and medium irons from the fairway or light rough. Traditional irons have a small sweet spot and that means that if you don't center the ball on the blade of the club when you swing, you are likely to have a poor result. That knowledge adds to the tension that many golfers feel when they are playing competitively. Hybrid irons have a bigger sweet spot and are easier for most golfers--not just medium- and high-handicappers--to hit consistently.

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Step 1

Replace your 2-iron and your 3-iron with a 3-hybrid for longer fairway shots. The 2-irons your hybrid is replacing are two of the most difficult clubs to hit because neither one gives you much loft and the clubs are not forgiving. The 3-hybrid gives you much greater loft and helps keep the ball straight. A well-struck 3-hybrid shot will fly higher and at least 10 yards straighter than the 2- or 3-iron. Take the hybrid to the range and practice with it twice a week in addition to using it when you play a round of golf.

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Step 2

Try the 4-hybrid to replace your 4-iron. The 4-iron is somewhat easier to hit than the 2- or 3-iron because it has more loft and that will help you get the ball up in the air. However, it still requires an accurate shot and it is not recommended when hitting the ball from the rough. A 4-hybrid will get the ball up in the air significantly higher and can also cut through the rough and allow you to hit a productive shot. The ability to hit the ball up in the air from a poor lie gives the 4-hybrid a big advantage.

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Step 3

Use a 5-hybrid to replace your 5- and 6-iron. Many golfers go right from the 5-iron to the 7-iron in their bag and ignore the 6-iron. That's a mistake because a 6-iron is versatile and can handle the trouble shots you may face during your round. The 5-hybrid is an outstanding rescue club. If you are in the medium or even deep rough, the hybrid allows you to get the ball out of trouble, get it on track and do it on a consistent basis.

Step 4

Use hybrid clubs to replace long and medium irons. They can also be used to replace the 3-wood and 5-wood, but that's only for golfers who reject their fairway woods. The hybrid woods will not give you greater distance if that is what you are looking for. If you want accuracy, try hybrids to replace the clubs that are giving you the most trouble.

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