Hybrid or Fairway Wood?

Question

I'm just starting out playing golf and current have a set that includes a driver and 3-pw. I would like to add either a 3 wood or a 15/19 degree hybrid first and build on the set later.

Answer 1

Personally, I will take my 3 I-Wood (Adam's) off the tee now and then with good success. The 2 courses I play most often, open with a hole that a driver is not needed; 1 because of a Dog leg that can be cut off (with a narrow fairway) if I can get the ball over the trees and 1 is narrow and short with water to the right. I am so confident in my hybrid that I allow myself to score well and take the extra risk.

Basically, the choice is what you feel most confident in. A fairway wood will go further but if you do not feel you are going to hit it well, the club is useless. Fairway woods & hybrids are meant to be a hit a long ways. If you are attmpting to clear water or need to recover from a poor drive, you need to be comfortable and confident.

Answer 2

I just started playing also. Only once so far have I been on a par 5 where I had a hybrid to use instead of a fairway wood. It was a 22 degree 4. I tried a 3 wood and just didn't feel comfortable with it at all. I pulled out the 4H and knocked the snot out of a beautiful straight shot. (it was me and a buddy giving me tips, so I hit from the same spot twice)

My personal thought is that this year I'll carry a driver, 3H, 4H and 5-pw.

Answer 3

If you just started playing, here is what I would suggest. Get as many woods and hybrids as you can. Also, a 3 wood is usually 15 degrees, so no sense in getting a 15 degree hybrid. There are sets of clubs that have hybrids up to a 6 iron. While you may not need to get that many, keep in mind that long irons (3-5) are harder to hit than short irons. Especially for beginners. A wood is easier to hit than an iron. And a hybrid is also easier to hit than an iron.

For a beginner, I would suggest getting a set that has a driver, 3 wood and 5 wood. 3 and 4 iron hybrids. and 5-pw irons. Adams has sets that you can custom to your needs. Also, keep in mind that a 3 iron hybrid usually goes farther than a 3 iron.

Answer 4

I use a Nike 18 degree Slingshot and I'd bite your hand if you tried to take it from my bag. I hit is straight, long (for me) and love the way the ball jumps off the clubface. It's like a 2 or 3 iron. I also play with a 22 degree and that fills the 4 hard 5 iron void (though I still carry my 5 iron).

My buddy, Mike, hits a fairway wood and I still carry a 3 wood with me but I might start leaving it at home.

My advice is to try one if you can. They really are great and seem more forgiving than a traditional 3 wood.

Answer 5

Which club are you more comfortable with, hybrid or wood? A 17-degree hybrid and 19-degree fairway wood. I surmice the distance would be the same for either club.

Answer 6

get a 3 wood and a 23 degree hybrid.

Answer 7

Assuming you can hit your driver well, get a 20* hybrid first - it can be used for many more shots. If you are having trouble driving, then perhaps a 3-wood.

Answer 8

i would say get rid of your 3 or 4iron and get a hybrid or two because hybrids are super easy to hit if you are a beginning golfer and you want some distance. hybrids are great for substituting for long irons because the y are hard to hit.