Can't hit my hybrids

[tunateaser]

Hi, I'm new here. Actually I've been lurking for some time. Since this is only my second year playing I feel I don't really have much insightful information to give, only learn.

This year, I got rid of my department store clubs and got fitted for real clubs. I got a ping g-10 driver 12* draw (I tended to slice) ping G-10 irons 5-gap and 3 & 4 King cobra DWS baffler hybrids. I just love the set and they really helped my game. I have no equipment excuses anymore.

The problem I'm having is I can't hit the hybrids at all. I'm almost affraid to take them out of the bag. Everyone tells me how easy they are to hit.

On let's say a par five for my second shot I maybe in the ruff or on the fairway but a long way away. I'll take the hybrid out of the bag (against my better judgement), treat the hybrid like and iron, even though it is so long I try not to think it is a wood. I'll usually top it and hit it maybe 20 -30 Yds, or slice it. Then I will just take out my 5 iron and hit a decent but still short shot. Feeling I should have just hit the 5i in the first place and not wasted a shot. I've even thought of getting rid of the hybrids and just getting a 3 and 4 iron.

I know without seeing my swing it is hard to tell what I'm doing wrong. But does anyone have any pointers on how to atempt a hybrid shot. I try to play it in the middle to slightly back in my stance but that doesn't work. I'll even try a little forward, No dice.

Any tips are welcome

[snowman]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I am interested in the replies as I am having hybrid woes as well. Either push it 50 yards wide of the target or slice it 20 yards wide. Very frustrating.

[TeachingPro]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

This is a common problem with players who use hybrids without getting some guidance on them first.

Firstly, you can't hit them like irons ... they are longer & heavier than irons. Secondly they have a THICK sole like a fairway wood so they will bounce off the ground like a wood would do ...

So, hit them like you would a 5-wood for example. You need to sweep it off the ground. Forget that it's a hybrid "iron", think of your 3-hybrid as a 5-wood and the 4-hybrid as a 7-wood.

I hope this helps...

[BrianW]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

This video may help you:

[LowPost42]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

You guys are driving this clubmaker/clubfitter nuts.


tuna, look at the length of your hybrids. If they seem to follow the same length progression as your short iron gaps, treat them as such. TeachingPro says hybrids are longer so play them like fairway woods. Good advice, if they are in fact longer (ie there's a big clublength length gap between your hybrids and your irons). Granted, TeachingPro may be specifically referencing the baffler hybrids.

Now, the other thing that tricks people is that some hybrids have a closed face. Yep, it's true - they're designed to point to the hook side at address, and if you roll them open they still want to shut through impact; part of the reason they're hook machines for lots of players. The other thing that goes on is that because of the bulge in some hybrids, you think you're pointed to target yet you're actually pointed to the hook side - use the leading edge or bottom scoreline to line up, not the top line.

And it's OK to hit 'down' AS LONG AS YOU'RE MAKING BALL-FIRST CONTACT. Like TeachingPro said, the wider sole will give you fits if you hit it a little thick.

Finally, you had 'real clubs' before, and you weren't thoroughly 'fit' by Ping. A wrist to floor measurement and hitting 6 irons with impact tape doesn't make a fitting. But that's another thread for another time.

[bdbl]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

Now, the other thing that tricks people is that some hybrids have a closed face. Yep, it's true - they're designed to point to the hook side at address, and if you roll them open they still want to shut through impact; part of the reason they're hook machines for lots of players.

Were you watching me this afternoon then?

In the end I had to stop using them - are you saying that I should let them set up closed? I've been struggling rolling them open which has just been making the hook worse.

[LowPost42]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

Were you watching me this afternoon then?

In the end I had to stop using them - are you saying that I should let them set up closed? I've been struggling rolling them open which has just been making the hook worse.

That may be a trick of the brain.

I was slicing my driver on the range, and a buddy told me to open the face at address. I looked at his third eye, and asked why. He said just do it. I did. Straight ball. I opened it wider. Draw.

My brain wouldn't let me drag a wide open face through impact; but a closed face would get choked (too) open.

They may be designed to be closed a half degree or so, to have the shaft setup in the same position as your irons. You can roll it open - but let the shaft do it's thing, too. IOW, the setup will be 'weird' for a closed face hybrid that you're looking to hit like a square faced iron or hybrid.

[bdbl]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

Sorry Ben, its been a long day out in the Sun and a couple of glasses of Shiraz later I'm slowing down

Was that a "Yes, just set up closed or a go ahead an open it at address" ?

[tunateaser]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

There is a lot to absorb here. I thank everyone for the replies. I did like the video Brian posted it makes sense.

Lowpost42 hit the nail on the head. I have to check out what I'm doing at address. It does seem like the club is directed to hook and that freaks me out. I'll pay attention tomorrow when I play and work this out.

BTW the hybrids weren't fitted. just off the rack.

[cyc53870]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I found out that I don't really need hybrids. But if you feel you really need them, you will need to spend significant time and effort practicing with them.

[LowPost42]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I found out that I don't really need hybrids. But if you feel you really need them, you will need to spend significant time and effort practicing with them.

You must have good mechanics and a fair amout of swing speed!

[ubizmo]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

Don't forget, they're great for putting in from the fringe of the green.

[tunateaser]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I've been practicing with them and it seems to be getting better.

[Spiffo]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I love my hybrids! Got the cleveland halos and they have been a life saver for me!

Fantastic out the rough where I tend to use them the most. It did take me a wee while to get used to them, but worth the effort as I have a lot more confidence with them than I did woth low irons.

I cant really offer any tips, but I dont really think I do anything different with them than I do with my other irons. If anything the tip I would suggest is to just swing them like your normal irons with ball middle of your stance. Seems to work for me.

[Dazza XL]

Re: Can't hit my hybrids

I used to be very inconsistent with my hybrids (Top Flite Tour Hybrids...****)
I then changed & purchased some 3DX DC Utilities fitted with Aldila NVS 65 Shafts.
Absolute weapons from any lie!