Hybrids/utility Irons

It’s the slot between fairway wood and longest iron that arguably offers the most options from which to choose, and this can create confusion. Do you want a utility iron and, if so, a big one or a small one? Or, would a hybrid (or two?) be more playable in the long run?

What suits your eye and feels most comfortable is important, but hybrids will be slightly easier to hit than utility irons and also provide more stopping power into greens because of the higher flight they tend to offer.

Many golfers use a utility iron for tight tee shots, with the ball chasing more on landing and the extra workability promoting a certain shot shape. A hybrid’s ball flight is usually higher and straighter – ideal for approach shots – but the extra carry distance also makes them a viable option off the tee.

If you’re unsure, try one of each in a similar loft and see which ball flight most suits your course and style of play. Here, we showcase some of the latest models.

“I ALWAYS PREFERRED THE LOOK OF A UTILITY IRON, BUT OVER TIME, AND WITH THE HELP OF MY ARCCOS DATA, I REALISED MY SHOT PATTERN WITH A HYBRID WAS MUCH TIGHTER” Joel Tadman, GM technical editor

The Callaway Apex 21 hybrid (£249) has Ai-designed Jailbreak blades that maximise ball speed and distance

Taylormade’s SIM2 Max Rescue (£229) has a V Steel sole for added speed and launch

The new Taylormade P790 UDI (£229) has lighter Speedfoam Air inside to save weight

Titleist’s T200 (£239) is the compact utility iron option for the better player in 2021