Stop Struggling With Long Irons — This Simple Alternative Works Better
Alex Fortey from The Art of Simple Golf demonstrates why a hybrid is a superior alternative to long irons for amateur golfers. He explains how the hybrid's wide sole and low center of gravity help players navigate thick rough, difficult divots, and low-trajectory recovery shots with minimal swing manipulation.
Hybrids provide a larger margin of error than long irons due to a wider sole that glides through turf rather than digging.
For shots in the rough, grip down and stand closer to the ball to create a naturally steeper angle of attack.
Opening the clubface slightly in thick grass prevents the hosel from getting snagged and closing the face prematurely.
Use a relaxed half-swing with a hybrid to hit low-trajectory punch shots that travel further and straighter than long iron equivalents.
The hybrid's lower center of gravity helps get the ball airborne more easily, even from 'grotty' lies like divots.
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