Most amateur golfers have hybrids and cleats in their golf bags. We all know the hybrid is great for hitting shots out of the rough. Have you ever wondered which club is more accurate on approach shots: the iron or the hybrid? We got into a few Firing range data to determine which clubs make it easier to hit the green. To do this correctly, we had to break it down by handicap to give you a more personalized representation of what is best for your game.
25-handicap
For each handicap level, we took the longest iron in the group and compared it to the hybrid. We looked at greens hit percentage, proximity to the hole and average shots to finish.
The 25-handicap is where we thought there would be a clear winner in the hybrid. Higher handicappers are often encouraged to put hybrids in their bags because they are said to be easier to hit and more forgiving.
As you can see from the table, the percentage of hitting the green is almost identical between the 4-hybrid and 5-iron. The 5-iron tends to finish a little closer to the hole, so the shots to finish are also lower, although the percentage hitting the green is slightly higher for the hybrid.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
4 Hybrid | 7% | 263 ft | 5.19 |
5 Iron | 6% | 232 ft | 4.88 |
20-handicap
The data for the 20 handicap player is pretty similar. The percentage of hitting the greens is almost equal between the iron and the hybrid. The hybrid club is not showing any significant benefit over the 5-iron. One variable not represented in this data is the lie you are playing from. A fair ball will likely be easier to hit with a hybrid than an iron.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
4 Hybrid | 8% | 202 ft | 4.72 |
5 Iron | 9% | 195 ft | 4.54 |
15-handicap
Many 15 handicap golfers carry a 3-hybrid and a 4-hybrid. The 3-hybrid tends to be a fairly accurate club, as accurate as the 5-iron.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
3 Hybrid | 10% | 198 ft | 4.46 |
4 Hybrid | 9% | 173 ft | 4.51 |
5 Iron | 10% | 161 ft | 4.39 |
10-handicap
Here we see a really interesting difference. The 10-handicap golfer is much more likely to hit the green and score less using an iron than a hybrid. Many lower handicap players hit the ball further, meaning they have more opportunity to hit irons than hybrids. This can lead to slightly less accuracy from hybrids.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
3 Hybrid | 11% | 171 ft | 4.04 |
4 Hybrid | 12% | 156 ft | 4.06 |
5 Iron | 19% | 145 ft | 3.98 |
5-handicap
You’ll notice that the pattern that started to emerge for the 10-handicap player is still strong in this 5-handicap data. Most lower handicap players have a better chance of hitting the green and scoring less if they can use an iron instead of a hybrid.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
hybrid | 13% | 164 ft | 4.08 |
4 Iron | 16% | 144 ft | 3.87 |
0-handicap
Scratch golfers hit 18 percent of the greens with a 4-iron and 18 percent with a hybrid. Their games are consistent and have no problem adjusting from a wood to a hybrid to an iron. You’ll notice that putts to finish for scratch players are better for the 4-iron, perhaps thanks to more approach accuracy.
When you move to the 5-iron for a golfer with a scratch, the percentage of hitting the green increases to 31 percent.
Club | green shot % | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
---|---|---|---|
hybrid | 18% | 138 ft | 3.72 |
4 Iron | 18% | 102 ft | 3.67 |
Conclusion (Iron vs. Hybrid in Approach Shots)
What works for your game and what the data shows may be different. However, having such insight can open your eyes to issues in your game that can cost you shots.
When choosing between a hybrid drive and a long iron on the approach, there are a few key considerations.
The higher the handicap, the more likely you are to benefit from owning a hybrid.
Hybrids can be easier to launch, more forgiving on off-center shots and better at getting the ball out of the rough. These factors often translate into slightly better consistency and higher green percentages hit for medium and high handicappers.
You still have to analyze the lie.
Even if you tend to hit your iron well, a bad hard lie can warrant switching to a hybrid for more distance.
If your ball is in the fairway and the approach to the green is tight, you may want to use an iron instead of a hybrid.
Players with lower handicaps don’t have to give up long irons.
Data shows that lower handicap players can often achieve better proximity and fewer shots to finish with a long iron compared to a hybrid. Equip and use a high precision launch monitor to confirm this but your long irons are still handy to keep in your bag.
Final thoughts
After all, play the club you hit best and this will set you up for the highest likelihood of success in your specific situation.
Sticking to a long iron can lower your scores if the irons fit you well and you are comfortable with them.
If you have a higher hurdle or struggle to consistently release your irons, a hybrid may be the most reliable solution. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Post Iron vs. Hybrid: Which club is more accurate on approach shots? appeared first on MyGolfSpy.