I think I’m late for every significant movement in golf. I started playing golf in the early to mid 1990’s and used persimmon woods, when metal woods were already big. I was using a steel shafted driver long after graphite became the norm. And I’m not even considering one of these “in style” putting grips like the claw or the dozens of other variations.

Once again, I’m late for the hybrid revolution. When I’m hitting the ball well (unlike now), I wouldn’t trade my long irons for anything. Senior players have been using woods in favor of mid and long irons for a long time. I’ve actually seen an 11-wood. It really helps them to get the ball airborne and land it with a little softness.

Now, hybrids are the next evolution of that trend. They combine the better characteristics of irons and woods together in a single club. They have the distance and control of irons, with the low center of gravity found in woods that helps get the ball airborne. Their wider soles let them handle rough a little better than irons, as well.

These hybrid clubs aren’t just the next sensation in the local pro shops and clubs. They have a big presence on Tour. That alone makes me think I’m stupid for hanging on to my 2-iron (hey, we’re close, OK?).

I’m not sure when the first hybrid hit the market, but looking back, I can pinpoint one club that put the concept in my mind: The Perfect Club. Come on, you know you used to watch the infomercials on The Golf Channel when there was nothing else on. I can still hear Peter Kessler saying, “I promise…it’s perfect.”

At the time, I remember thinking that it seemed like a gimmick and that a club that needed an infomercial probably wasn’t worth buying. That was years ago. I’m not sure what kind of success it had, but it’s still on the market, and more importantly, every one of the big manufacturers started to come out with hybrid clubs in the coming years.

Now here we are, well into the hybrid revolution and I’m still clinging to my long irons. I’m interested to hear from those of you who have made the switch. And so I don’t feel so lonely, I wouldn’t mind hearing from anyone who refuses to carry a hybrid. Tell me why I shouldn’t consider switching. I have a feeling I’ll be test-firing some hybrids before the end of the season.

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