Tip: HOW TO HIT A HYBRID

The main rule for hitting hybrids is to swing with the same sequencing and mechanics as you do your 7-iron. Moving your hands and arms faster to create more speed and trying to help the ball up are common mistakes. Instead, focus on making a full shoulder turn and then swinging to a full finish, so your hips and shoulders face the target (left). If you stop turning your shoulders through, the bottom of your swing moves behind the ball, and you hit it fat or thin. Try these tips for solid hybrids.
—Hank Haney / Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Butch Harmon: Hitting It Solid With A Hybrid

Now that hybrids have been around for more than a decade, it's easy to spot the common faults. The biggest one is that some players still don't carry a hybrid. If you're out there trying to hit a 3-iron, even a 4, you're crazy. These utility clubs are designed to help you make solid contact and get the ball in the air.

When it comes to hitting them, many golfers set the ball too far forward (above, right). They see that big clubhead and think they have to sweep the ball, like on a wood shot. That's the wrong mind-set. You want to hit a hybrid with a descending strike--think of it as a 5-iron swing. It's even a good idea to take a divot after impact; that proves you're hitting down.

Play the ball just inside your front heel, below the logo on your left breast (above, left).

At setup you'll see the loft on the clubface better than you do on a long iron--another subtle benefit of hybrid design. Seeing that loft gives you a nice shot of confidence. And if you do mis-hit it, the hybrid's wide sole and low center of gravity will minimize the damage. Trust me, you gotta have these clubs.