Hybrids from bad lies

I’ve always maintained that if a pro uses hybrids because they are easier to control than long-irons, then surely amateurs should be doing the same. Today you will find a hybrid in most pros’ bags, especially the seniors and ladies. Why? Simply because they get the ball into the air and are really beneficial from bad lies.

It is important to get the basic technique right to succeed.

This month we look at how the Adams hybrid can help you get out of a divot and out of the rough.

Normally I would position the ball almost in line with my left heel as this will enable me to get good height with a hybrid, but in this case, my ball has finished in a shallow divot and I have therefore moved the ball further back in my stance.

This will cause the clubhead to come into the ball at a steeper angle, which will assist in getting as much of the ball onto the clubface as possible. The ball flight will be lower and often you will fade the shot, so aim a touch left and allow for it.

In the semi-rough you will once again work to hit the ball before the grass. As with the first picture, by moving the ball back in your stance, you will create a steeper angle into the ball.

Here I have also moved my weight a little more onto my left leg and moved my hands further ahead of the ball. All these moves are to ensure I get as little grass as possible between the ball and the clubface at impact.

You also have to work out whether or not you will get a ‘flyer’ from your lie. Flyers are caused by too much grass on the clubface at impact which makes the ball slip off the face with less backspin.

Neither of these shots could be easily played with a 3- or 4-iron, so toss them out the bag and replace them with hybrids!

Considered one of South Africa’s great golf personalities, Dale Hayes is a former winner of the World Cup of Golf and the European Tour Order of Merit. His playing CV includes four European Tour titles and 13 Sunshine Tour wins. Dale is an Adams Golf staff player.