The complete guide to buying a second hand hybrid/utility golf club
Versatility is essential to a golfer, no matter if you're a novice or a professional. With ever-changing weather conditions and golf courses you might not be used to, it's crucial to adapt and roll with the changes wherever you can!
It's important that your golf bag is versatile and adaptable too, and that's where the hybrid golf club comes into its own. Also referred to as a utility golf club, this versatile club can give you the flexibility needed to up your game and lower your handicap.
The hybrid golf club has experienced a spike in popularity over the years, and as a result, there are a wide range of different types to choose from. This can make it hard to pick the right one for your needs, especially if you're new to the sport.
We've put together this comprehensive guide to introduce you to hybrid and utility clubs. We'll look at whether this golf club is a good choice for your golfing style, how to choose the perfect club, and why a preloved hybrid is always a fantastic option. And don't forget, if you need a little extra help, our PGA professionals are here to make some recommendations.
Looking to overhaul your entire golf bag? Check out our guides to buying a preloved fairway wood, wedge, iron, putter, and driver, and also our guide on the top three clubs to have in your golf bag.
Hybrids: the basics
A hybrid golf club combines the swing of an iron with the forgiveness of a fairway wood. This club has a head that is smaller than a fairway wood, but bigger than an iron.
As well as being called a hybrid or a utility, this type of golf club is occasionally referred to as a 'rescue club'. This is the model name for TaylorMade's own range of hybrid clubs.
Hybrid golf clubs are generally made from steel, as this makes for a more durable, longer-lasting, and stronger club. However, some of the higher-quality golf clubs are made from titanium and carbon graphite.
A hybrid is often seen as a great club to use if you're a golfing beginner. This is because the way it's designed makes it easier to hit further and straighter, and the lightweight and hollow design produces more speed. Plus, a hybrid golf club can be used anywhere on the course, from the fairway to the rough. You can even use one for a chip shot!
As it's so powerful, a hybrid can be great in windy weather conditions. So if you're contending with the unpredictable UK weather, a hybrid or a utility golf club can be a welcome addition to your golf bag!
The history of hybrid golf clubs
The hybrid golf club is a very recent development, with the first hybrid designed by Cobra in 1998. Called the 'Baffler', this club was designed to help golfers that struggled with using irons.
Other golf brands noticed how popular the club was with golfers, and started to create their own competing versions. The rest is history!
How do I hit with a hybrid?
Many golfers use a hybrid in the same way they would an iron or fairway wood. However, you'll get better mileage from your club by adapting your posture accordingly.
Start with your stance. A wide stance is more beneficial as you can make a bigger swing. Ensure your stance is slightly wider than your shoulders and that there's enough space between you and the ball to move your hips freely. This will help you get the swing speed you need for a long and powerful hit.
Next, concentrate on your grip. You want a relatively tight grip, in the same way you would a long iron. If you're using a hybrid to get your ball out of the rough, you'll need even more pressure than normal.
You want to aim for a nice straight hit with a hybrid club. The benefit of a hybrid is that because of the larger size of the clubface, it's easier to hit your ball in the middle. Swing and hit the ball on the descent – try not to sweep your ball like you would a fairway wood, as this can lead to a topped shot.
Practice makes perfect with hybrids. Try a few practice shots before you head out to the golf course!
Hybrids vs irons, which one is best?
Some golfers, especially beginners, prefer to use hybrids instead of irons.
As a rule of thumb, hybrids are easier to hit and easier to use in the rough as the clubface is smooth. They're also great for golfers that have a slow swing speed. However, it's hard to keep the ball low, and the wide club head can lead to less precise shots.
Our advice is that if you have experience in hitting the ball consistently, go with the iron. If you occasionally suffer from mishits, the hybrid may be a good choice. Alternatively, carry both in your golf bag and make the call on which one to use depending on the situation.
How many hybrids should I carry?
When you can take 14 clubs with you onto the golf course, determining which different types of clubs to put in your golf bag can be a dilemma! How many hybrids is too many?
A poll on the online golf forum The Hackers Paradise revealed that nearly 40% of golfers carried one hybrid with them, with over 16% taking more than three!
A hybrid can replace the irons and fairway woods in your bag, and there are different types of hybrid golf clubs depending on how far you want the ball to travel. We'll talk about this in more detail later.
Ultimately, it's your call. If you feel comfortable with a hybrid or utility and want to replace your other golf clubs, we say give it a go!
Which type of hybrid golf club should I buy?
The interesting thing about hybrid golf clubs is that because they are such a recent development, there isn't a generally accepted design. This means that there's a lot of variety!
Here's what to look out for when looking for the right hybrid or utility golf club.
The number of the golf club
There are different types of hybrid clubs, ranging from a 1 hybrid to a 9 hybrid. The higher the number, the larger the loft. By loft, we mean the angle between the clubface and the ground. The lower the loft, the further the ball will travel.
Some hybrids have loft adjustability, so you can alter the angle as needed.
Most people opt for a 3, 5, or 7 hybrid. This is because the lofts these clubs provide correspond to the irons and fairway woods they intend to replace with a hybrid golf club.
Whether the club is right or left-handed
Like all types of golf clubs, hybrid golf clubs come in right and left-handed varieties. The club head is angled to ensure you get a good, powerful swing, no matter which hand you use.
We offer a wide range of preloved right-hand and left-hand hybrid clubs.
The flex of the shaft
It's also important to look at the flex of the hybrid shaft, as this can have an impact on your game.
The faster and more powerful your swing speed, the more you will benefit from a stiffer flex. This gives you more control and direction over your shot. However, if you have a slower swing, a light flex will provide you with that all-important extra 'oomph'!
As a rule of thumb, look at the flex of the other golf clubs you own and buy a similar hybrid golf club. This will ensure your swing stays consistent.
We sort all our preloved hybrid golf clubs by flex, from light to extra stiff. We also have a range of hybrid shafts available, meaning you can mix and match flexes and club heads to suit your exact specifications.
Our top tips for finding the right preloved hybrid club
The best way to see which type of hybrid is best for you is to try them out. Ask your friends and colleagues if you can try their golf clubs, as this will give you a feel of what works best for you.
Make sure your golf club is authentic. Some hybrid clubs are counterfeit; we've put together a guide - How to avoid buying a counterfeit golf club - to ensure the club you buy is the real deal. Every item we stock at golfclubs4cash is tested for authenticity and is 100% genuine.
If you want to try your hybrid golf club out before you buy, we have stores in Edinburgh and Warrington so call in if you’re close by. This gives you the opportunity to swing your club to feel the weight and speed it provides.
Remember that if you buy online from golfclubs4cash, you can return your golf club within 30 days for a full refund (terms and conditions apply).
When should I upgrade my hybrid golf club?
Hybrid clubheads are exceptionally durable and hard-wearing, so they'll last a while, even if you use them a lot. However, you might see some wear and tear on your shaft, especially if you have a very tight grip!
The good news is that you can replace the shaft yourself – we have a fantastic selection of high-quality preloved hybrid shafts in stock.
The technology used to create hybrid golf clubs moves on at pace, so if you're keen on having the latest tech in your golf bag, you might want to check out what's new every couple of years.
It's essential to look after your golf clubs, so they last as long as possible – check out our guide to looking after your golf clubs.
How much does a second hand hybrid golf club cost?
A hybrid will be one of the most affordable golf clubs in your bag. When priced new, it typically costs less than a driver, fairway wood, or iron.
The cost of a hybrid golf club depends on a number of factors, including the brand, the condition, the technology, and the rarity of the club. The materials used count too – carbon graphite and titanium golf clubs generally demand a higher price tag than steel.
As we always say at golfclubs4cash, an expensive golf club doesn't necessarily mean you'll magically end up with a negative handicap or score an albatross on every hole. However, with us, you can buy a fantastic hybrid that you'll love to use, for a fraction of the price tag.
There are preloved hybrids out there for all budgets. We sell a range of used hybrid and utility clubs starting from £8.99, so you can be sure to find the golf club that's perfect for you with golfclubs4cash.
Which brand of hybrid golf club do the professionals use?
With its large head and light weight, a hybrid golf club is an excellent choice for amateur golfers. However, many professionals use them too. This is because the high-launch and backspin can help with certain shots, as well as assist if they accidentally hit their ball into the rough.
The most famous incident of a hybrid club being used in a professional game was when unknown Y.E Yang defeated Tiger Woods in the 2009 USPGA Tournament using a 3-hybrid. After that, hybrids skyrocketed in popularity!
It's estimated that 40% of the top 100 PGA golfers use at least one hybrid club, with Titleist, Callaway, PXG, and Ping amongst the most used brands.
We carry a full range of hybrid golf club brands at golfclubs4cash, including Cobra, Mizuno and TaylorMade. Whether you're a fan of a specific golfing brand or want to use the same golf club as the professionals, we'll have the perfect preloved club in stock.
Want to know more about the professional players' golfing secrets? Check out our What's in the Bag section!
Buy your preloved hybrid/utility online with confidence
We hope this buyers' guide has given you all the information you need when it comes to selecting the perfect second hand hybrid golf club.
While a hybrid golf club isn't the right option for every player, it can be a great choice if you're new to golf or looking to save some space in your golf bag. So give one a try and see if it helps you improve your game.
We're Europe's largest retailer of second hand golf equipment, with over 25,000 preloved clubs in stock. No matter your golfing style and budget, we've got your needs covered.
Plus, with over 35,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, we're the brand people trust. We guarantee every single purchase, and with free next working day delivery in the UK, you could be enjoying your new hybrid club sooner than you might expect.
As well as hybrids, we offer a wide range of golf clubs, including drivers, putters, and fairways. No matter your golfing style, we have the perfect combination of clubs to improve your game.
Explore our comprehensive range of second hand hybrid and utilities today and fill your golf bag without breaking the bank.