irons

What is your favorite club? You know, that one club that no matter where the ball lies, no matter what is between the ball and the hole or which way the wind is blowing you are almost assured of a great shot. Everyone has one, but which is yours?

It is important to have an answer to this question. It is definitely a shot saver! The old adage of “take your medicine” when you play a poor shot is really important. Because most often you will use your favorite club to get you out of trouble. Playing many rounds of golf each year, I have found that using my favorite shot to set up my next shot or putt is vital to my success.

In my case, it is my Cleveland Launcher 7-iron. I am so confident from 150 yards with this club, that no matter where my ball lies, I can manufacture a shot. I feel I can hood it, punch it, chip it, loft it, or just nuke it with a high degree of success. It really is my favorite club.

I remember breaking 70 last year at my home course where my 7-iron saved my bacon. I was on the 9th hole and hit my ball directly behind a huge tree (that is in the middle of the fairway, but that is another discussion) 150 yards from the green At that time, I was 1 under and feeling great about my round. Unfortunately, I could not go over the tree, so I decided to go around it. I hooded my 7-iron; played a low sweeping hook around the tree and rolled the ball on to the middle of the elevated green like it was nothing. I was so confident that I could make this shot with my 7-iron I did not even hesitate. As a result, I finished 1 under for the front and 1 under for the back (par 71 course). It was my second best round of the year…..thank you 7-iron!

Through the years, I have played Nike, Ping, Wilson, and Spalding clubs, and regardless of the brand my 7-iron has always been my favorite club.

Everyone has a favorite club….which is yours?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

In recent years, hybrid clubs have hit the market, which in turn has sparked a hot debate. The question most asked is which is better. I would suggest that the average amateur golfer would benefit from hybrids in their bag verses long irons. Hybrids are more for giving and have a tendency to hit the ball further.

At PGA.com value guide a comparison of long irons and hybrids are made. They conclude that hybrids have three advantages over long irons: club head design, sole design, and shaft and length. These are three pretty important design points and clearly hybrids come out as the winner.

Laird Small, Dir. of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy explains why hybrids are superior to long irons for the average golfer. He talks about making better contact and how the club interacts with the ball. Overall, hybrids are the way to go.

As you can see, hybrids are here to stay. I have replaced my 3-4-5 irons with hybrids and found that I hit the ball further, straighter and with more confidence. It has made a difference of two strokes per round on my overall score. As a single digit handicapper, that is outstanding!

Do you use hybrids? Tell me what a difference it has made in your game. See you on the links. I am a grateful golfer!