This month's golf tip focuses on the many uses of a hybrid club, especially when you're struggling with inconsistent chip shots or putts around the greens from 10 to 30 meters.
A typical hybrid has a wide sole, 19 to 27 degrees of loft, and is forgiving on mishits -unlike a short iron. The loft of a hybrid allows your ball to get airborne, so it will roll or jump over ground and avoid getting caught in dew, rough, or upslopes.
For technique, think of it as a putting stroke. A reverse overlap grip (left index finger over the bottom hand; opposite for left-handers) works well for lighter grip pressure and feel. For best control and results, hold the club halfway down the grip to shorten it to near putter length.
Please note: The ball will come out hotter than expected, so practice hitting to different distances to understand how hard to swing the club before using this technique in a competition round.
Paul Skinner
Hurstville Golf