Fairway woods have accompanied the driver in golfers' bags for years, but as of 2011, many golfers have been turning to the hybrid. Hybrids, sometimes called rescue clubs, can replace either long irons or fairway woods in your bag, and are meant to replicate the best characteristics of both, depending on how far you hit each club or what specifications you decide on for your hybrid.
Clubhead
The biggest difference between a fairway wood and a hybrid club is the shape and design of the clubhead. Fairway woods, like a driver, have a curved clubface to help launch the ball high and far. Hybrid clubs have a flat clubface, much like a 2-iron. Both clubs also have a wide sole, but hybrid clubs are generally shorter than fairway woods, closer to the length of an iron.
Center of Gravity/Weight Distribution
Fairway woods have most of the weight near the face of the clubhead, but since the clubhead is large, the center of gravity is pushed back toward the center of the club. On a hybrid club, the center of gravity is pushed toward the front of the club, allowing for a higher trajectory with a smaller clubhead. The fairway wood will send the ball into the air as well, but the hybrid gives you more control and allows you to hit a lower shot, such as below a tree or in swirling winds, without sacrificing much distance.
Usage
As golf legend Lee Trevino once said, "Even God can't hit a 1-iron." This mentality may be the reason that many golfers are turning to hybrid clubs. Fairway woods are useful off the tee and in the fairway on par-5 and long par-4 holes, but hybrid clubs are helpful from any lie. Hybrids allow you to swing the club like a wood, but pick the ball off the ground like an iron, which is why it can be used anywhere from the fairway, to the second cut, to the sand trap. The versatility of the hybrid is why it is sometimes referred to as a rescue club.
Price
Fairway woods typically come in a club set, with a 3-wood and 5-wood commonly included with your driver, irons and putter. They can be purchased separate from the set, and can be found for anywhere from less than $50 to over $200 for a single fairway wood, as of January 2011. Hybrids are usually purchased separately from any set and are generally priced at over $100 per club.
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