When it comes to golf club types, seasoned golfers have no difficulty distinguishing a putter from a 3-wood. But with the number of people picking up golf for the first time growing exponentially in the last few months, we want to do our best to help answer some of the most basic questions beginners ask in their quest to better understand and enjoy the game of golf.

Golf club types: What is a hybrid? When do I use it?

Since hybrids are still the new kid on the block as far as golf club types go, let’s do a little history lesson before diving into which one you might need and how to use it.

The very first hybrid club was introduced by TaylorMade—it was part of the Firesole line and was called a “rescue” club. Like anything that is first to market, the name “rescue” became synonymous with a hybrid the same way Q-Tips are to cotton swabs.

They are meant to help launch the ball higher than long irons and help escape bad lies—hence the “rescue” name. Hybrids became an alternative to high-lofted fairway woods since they offered more “iron-like” control because of their shape and the length they are built at.

Before hybrids, among golf club types, the only alternative to long irons were higher-lofted fairway woods. In the ’90s, Callaway absolutely dominated the high-lofted fairway wood category making them all the way up to an 11-wood. The name “hybrid” comes from the fact that it truly is a combination of a long iron and hollow wood-style club.

Golf club types: What does a hybrid replace?

Hybrids replace hard-to-hit long irons and higher-lofted fairway woods. The easy way to figure out which one you might need can be done by looking at the loft or “stated replacement iron” on the sole of the club. Most companies will use both to identify their clubs, but if not here is a general guide

• 1-iron: 14-16°
• 2-iron: 17-19°
• 3-iron: 20-22°
• 4-iron: 23-25°
• 5-iron: 26-28°
• 6-iron: 29-32°

How do I use a hybrid?

A “hybrid” swing is essentially the same as your iron swing, you want to hit the ball with a slightly descending blow and have it placed more towards the middle of your stance. One of the best tips to offer a golfer new to hybrids is “try to swing it just like your 7-iron.” For most golfers, the 7-iron is a comfort club, and it’s just one way to help simplify the process of hitting the shot.

Among golf club types, hybrids can also be extremely useful around the green for golfers that either struggle with, or are learning to, chip, since the wide sole and iron-like length allow for the simplification of the chipping motion. You just have to grip near the bottom of the grip where it meets the shaft and make a putting motion.