What Clubs Should Be At The Top Of Your Golf Bag? Fairway wood vs hybrid vs long iron

[@BillyDenton-nx3oy]

Hello. I'm a lifetime Golf Pro with 45 years of competitive golf experience. For 35 years I have carried 1 iron and 2 iron, very rarely and only for very specific courses would I introduce a 3 or 5 wood. Never a 7 wood or a hybrid. However I'm now 56yo, and I have noticed that my gap between driver and a reliable long iron, has grown. Having already switched out my irons and ditched the 1,2,and 3 irons. In there place I inserted a PING G425 3 wood, a PING G425 7 wood with a 3 wood length shaft. I have also added a 17* PING i20 hybrid. I'm thrilled with the results. Not only did I fill some distance holes, but by experimenting with a variety of shafts, and adjusting face and lie and loft angles, I have also added some right to left shots, which I haven't had from this distance in at least 6 years. It's super fun to find clubs that are easy to hit, that breed confidence and lower scores. I'm stoked with my additions !!

[@donalgoan5083]

Hi Hannah great video. I am an american and my ancestors came to usa from ireland in the late 1800's. Played 3 years of college golf. I use 3 and 4 hybrids and hogan icons.Love your info on your videos.

[@eddiemaylor2716]

I put a 7 wood in a bag a few months ago, after years of not using one. It is easy to hit, consistent and surprisingly long. I will have to borrow a 9 wood very soon.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@eddiemaylor2716 7 and 9 woods are secret weapons!!

[@davidtison905]

I put a 7w in my bag a couple of years ago when I had a shoulder replacement. It's the favorite club in my bag on most days.

[@gcrgolf]

70 year old, 51 year PGA Professional; Driver, 5/7/9 G425 fairways, 5/6/7 G425 hybrids, Mizuno 923 HL irons 8-G, works for me!

[@zazhou]

You understand the laws of physics as pertaining to ball speed, launch angle and spin rate!

[@AJPinto-YOYO]

@gcrgolf. Love this post! Ty sir! If you read this, may I ask which putter do you use? For how long? Thanks!

[@gcrgolf]

@@AJPinto-YOYO LAB DF3 Broomstick

[@adheal9530]

Dropped 3 and 5 wood last year, went 4 and 7 wood, swapped 4 iron for 4 hybrid (mostly for in rough). 7 wood particularly has been a game changer, now 11 handicap from 15 a year ago, thise 180-200 shots are so easy to hit now!

[@bsmith4u2]

Working out this exact option in my bag right now. I can still strike the 4 iron well but the 7 wood's decent angle is very attractive. I'll keep the 4 iron for those windy days.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@bsmith4u2 good idea to keep the 4 iron for when it’s windy but swapped to something easier for the rest of the time!

[@Golfing-AddiCt]

Driver, 3wd 5wd 4hybrid, for me, I upgraded from the Taylormade M4 range, to the Mizuno ST-Max, the technology advancement is amazing, the hybrid 5wd and 3wd launch so easily from the Deck without ballooning, the Driver that has the same shaft length as the Taylormade M4 driver which gives a superb balance with the new head shape and weighting is an absolute weapon, it sits beautifully behind the ball, the forgiveness is incredible, it's versatile enough to hit low cuts and high bomb draws.

[@michaelb7524]

I've just changed my M4 3 wood which I loved to the Mizuno ST, love it, so easy to launch even off the deck.

[@Golfing-AddiCt]

@@michaelb7524 excellent, they really are a great advancement from the M4, that said I gave my M4 driver, 3wd, 5wd to a mate and he said that compared to the old clubs he had, the M4s are amazing 😂

[@AJPinto-YOYO]

Great video! I game a 5wood, then 4, 5 hybrid. Had a 3 wood but had a hard time hitting it off the deck - never outperformed my 5W. My instructor said I didn't have the swing speed to make it work. Wasn't personal - its why I got a lesson, to figure stuff out. His point was the same as yours in the video. Each person's game/swing is unique and the task is to find the equipment that will make your game best. I pulled the 3W out of the bag and am still trying to fill that 14th spot. Keep going back/forth between 7W, 3h, or maybe another wedge. 🤔

[@garryhendy5588]

Longest iron I have is a 7, but I also have a Mizuno 7 hybrid Fli-Hi and a Cobra dark speed 7 wood.... Perfect gapping for me, 170,180,190

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@garryhendy5588 love it

[@simonthorpe6971]

Thanks for the vlog, been wanting to see one of these for ages. I always end up with hybrids as they seem more versatile, but I also carry a 5 wood (Adams Tight Lies 2 - very shallow) for longer fairway shots. My only downside when I see reviews like this is how expensive new clubs are!

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@simonthorpe6971 try some second hand options!

[@richardjacobs7632]

My Cleveland Hybrids 2, 3, 4, & 5 all go high and carry far!

[@paulbutler5052]

I’ve just got a 7 wood - but I’m keeping my 4i as I’m a member at a links style course. So windy days the 4i goes in calm days the 7 wood is in

[@nationalclubgolfer]

Good idea!!

[@Golfing-AddiCt]

I think you're right Hannahs, there is no right or wrong answer, I've found weather conditions on the day become an important factor, on those windier summer days I often put my 4i back in the bag instead of the 4 hybrid, the lower flight of the iron really works into a stiff wind on those long par 4's and short par 5's.

[@douglasdort]

I acquired each of these 3 clubs. I agree with Hannah. I choose only one, for this slot in the bag based on the course and conditions for that day. So, usually I bring out the three of them, and leave 2 in the boot.

[@hoodlum1107]

Good timing! At the moment I have big gap in my bag, 4H averages 209 yards and my 5i 170. So a hybrid 6 or similar wood is needed!

[@andymcg8353]

I’ve settled on a 22° 7 wood for fairways and rough. I’ve also a 19° 4 iron with a lighter shaft for off the tee on shorter par 4’s and longer par 3’s. Unfortunately I just can’t find a hybrid that works for me.

[@calebm2161]

I have irons through 4 iron. I have a 3 hybrid. I've gone back and forth at to after I should get a 4 hybrid but I really like my 4 iron. Then I have essentially a 4 wood because I just got it so much better off the fairway than a 3 wood

[@EMo5ive]

Fairway woods are where it’s at! I recently discovered Thomas Golf…they have woods that go all the way up to the Sand Wedge equivalent; which is a 25 wood. So far I’ve scooped up used 11 and 19 woods of theirs on eBay, which is equivalent to a 5-iron and 9-iron. I hit them both so pure in comparison to my old irons it’s almost unbelievable, *especially* the 11-wood! I could never hit my 5-iron consistently, and I hit the 11-wood straight as an arrow practically every time now. Their 7-wood (3-iron equivalent) was just delivered today…can’t wait to take it to the range. I played 9-holes earlier this week and basically just used the 11-wood, 19-wood, a 65-degree wedge, and my putter. Took 5-strokes off of my score! I can’t recommend high-lofted woods enough!

[@ahill8686]

I can't hit a 3 wood consistently, so I swapped the 3w for an Apex 3 hybrid and turned it down 1°. I hit it maybe 10m shorter (to when I hit the 3w properly), but I hit the 3H properly 90% of the time, compared to

[@nationalclubgolfer]

Good decision!! Consistency is always better than max distance

[@tonydukes9226]

Great video again,I'm 55 play off 14,put a 7 wood in my bag last year and absolutely love it,175 carry off fairway and great out of the semi.

[@tonyellis8761]

Love the video Hannah, more food for thought!!! I'm one of those you described in the video, don't have irons above a 7 iron, use 4, 5 & 6 hybrids and also use a 3W, 5w & 7w. I pay mostly on a links course so do tend to swap clubs about depending on the weather. I am currently looking at having a mini driver and removing my driver and 3W.

[@MartinMacGill]

I have a 7 wood and play at St Andrews. It’s fine to play but you do have to be aware the wind. Fortunately, I can knock it down so it is still a great option. I would only stick my 3 iron back into my bag if it’s really windy. BTW, I would love to try a 9 wood too 😉

[@Mrbradlambert]

Definitely agree that if possible trying these clubs "on course" is better than hitting from a perfect lie on a range mat. I seem to remember hybrids used to be called rescue clubs: Rescue as in not in the fairway. Personally, I've always been a better/straighter iron player than a wood player, but as time goes by I'm now having to consider lofted fairway woods to keep my distances and gapping as swing speed declines. Good video as always, Hannah.

[@markhawkins2617]

I play with hybrids for my 4 and 5 iron never thought about a 7 wood before very interesting

[@hardstuff57]

Just splurged on OnOff 4 and 5 hybrids (they’re a brand marketed by Daiwa Corporation), to replace my 4 and 5 Cobra irons. Been playing my best rounds since. I used to carry a Callaway Heaven Wood and I might have to look for a more modern 7 wood soon, judging by what you’ve shared here. Thanks so much for putting this together. Oh, and love your new look. Way to go!

[@lkae4]

Top of the bag are Ping G430 5w, 7w and 9w. Very happy with them so far. I have the 5w turned down to 17 degrees, plays like a high launch 3w. I prefer the launch of the 9w to a hybrid here on the parkland courses of the US.

[@Mdrnsamurai]

I actually go with the standard at the top of the bag... Driver, 3W, 5W. I was using a 4H or 5H but took a couple lessons to fix my long iron swing and I am able to hit 4, 5, 6 with no problems... But there are some really good options out there to manage the gaps up top... Great Video as always Hannah... TY

[@michaelb7524]

Got the Ping G410 3,4 and 5 hybrids 3 years ago and live them. I use players irons and don't love the lack of height of my 4 and 5 irons so I keep them in the locker until I play very windy days or links courses. I still have 3 wood and after my hybrids my first iron is my 6 iron. Was looking at z driving iron but I can play a low shot with my 3 hybrid when I want.

[@ianbatchelor1854]

Hi Hannah I play 7iron to pw with a 4, 5 hybrid and do this for more consistency your so right. Great video 😊

[@nationalclubgolfer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@petervonstackelberg7340]

Just taking out my 7 wood and moving to a 4 hybrid. Windy course eats up the 7 wood distances. Hope the flatter hybrid flight helps my distance control. We shall see.

[@jayhales3822]

In my bag I have Driver, 2-PW hybrids that range 17°-47° in loft. 50°,54°,58° wedges, and putter. I have always liked the smaller head size of hybrids reminds me of the laminated maple fairway woods of years ago.

[@Nickporter17]

That's like 18 clubs bro

[@jayhales3822]

@@Nickporter17 if you are talking about me, it's 14.

[@derekwhyle1884]

@@Nickporter17🤣his set is geared around his 130 mph club head speed with a 6 iron

[@jeffdillon9526]

I’m having go with Ping G-430 3-7-9 woods going well so far

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@jeffdillon9526 nice choice!

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Good episode. What is your opinion on high loft fairway woods? Who benefits from HLs?

[@dirtyoffroader2093]

I switched my 3i and 4i for hybrids a decade ago.. I had alot of stick for it at the time because I was striking my longer irons really well, but the hybrids offered such an advantage in certain ground conditions it was a no brainer.

[@INCHO222]

Always enjoy your vids Hannah - thanks

[@GONADSable]

7wood 5hybrid and mini driver the best clubs to have in the bag

[@justinstephenson9360]

I has been considering this issue. After my driver the next club is a 5w, I just do not have the swing speed for a 3w off the deck to be consistent. Then I go with a 7w followed by a 23 degree hybrid and then a 5i. The problem with the 7w is that in my hands it is a bit one dimensional - it flies high (c.195 yards carry up to a max of just over 200 yards or a pure strike), stops quickly. But when I have tried a 3h, it is equally one dimensional in that it has a much lower ball flight and runs out to the same total distance as the 7w. I keep thinking about a driving iron, but doubt I have the swing speed to make it work. My 4h (23 degrees) is more flexible, I can hit it high or low. Then we come to my 5i. When I am swinging well it is a great club, carries up to 180 yards. But when I am a little off it becomes an inconsistent mess. I have wondered about swapping it for a high lofted hybrid (c.27 degrees)

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@justinstephenson9360 I would definitely go for a 5 hybrid! They are a dream to hit

[@Mixvisions]

Great and informative video. Eye-opener for me as I'm looking into swapping irons for hybrids. Personally, I would have enjoyed this video more if the microphone was removed during ball hitting. Keep up the good work 😂

[@SuperAloeFresh]

It obviously depends on skill and swing speed. As a high speed high skill player, I prefer the flight and control of long irons. For your more regular golfer, they should be going for hybrids and woods for more help

[@daniellove4490]

😂

[@FLueNT360]

I'm going to remove the 6i and 5i. I thought I needed to keep them in the bag. I hardly use them. I use a Cobra King F7 4Hy fujikura 65 stiff shaft. It's a new found connection. Definitely my favorite club in the bag.

[@Adrian-yv8sy]

i play a lot of link so have a utility 2 iron for that and a 7 wood if its not windy (rare) or playing parkland and love the two of them

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@Adrian-yv8sy great combination!

[@lkae4]

My 9w replaces 4 iron/hybrid. I have it a bit shorter with a ton of hot melt, swing weight is E4.

[@jonelburn8055]

Just added a 4 hybrid as me and long irons just don't work! Really helped the gapping.

[@wks4511]

I'm quickly warming up to hybrids. They are so much easier to hit than in the old days.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@wks4511 definitely!

[@BillyDenton-nx3oy]

I used to live the Ginty. It was a 7 wood with a sharp war bird type sole. It was a club which was easy to hit from the longer grass

[@sumitagg1]

Hannah you’re shrinking. What’s your secret. Way to go!

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@sumitagg1 😅 I’ve been using an app called Zoe for better nutrition 👌🏼

[@goutfromfriedokra]

@@nationalclubgolfer Times are tough. Do you have an extra room ? I can pay 50 bucks a month

[@kth8187]

@@nationalclubgolfer better nutrition, who knew? Next you'll say exercise.

[@sara-liz6631]

@@nationalclubgolferYep, ditch the food-like substances. 👍🏻for Zoe.

[@sara-liz6631]

Thanks Hannah. This is the best, most in-depth comparison of these options I’ve ever seen.

[@paulinelock592]

I love my 7 wood.

[@petrotmyrcz308]

That was interesting, good work Hannah. I'd have to say that the long iron is not for me. I'd like to get my hands on a 7 wood and see what's what. They've become very popular lately in my circles and with my component supplier. My longest iron is currently the 5.

[@dougbutabi5085]

Get rid of a 6-5 and 4!? I hit my Mizuno MP-33 5 iron 200-210, 4 and 3 ….. not everyone needs hybrids in their bag lol I am a big believer in learning to hit Woods and long irons, hybrids were made for people who couldn’t hit either of those clubs.

[@Poolproaz]

Or people that want to stop a 200 yd approach shot from the rough.

[@stelloyd4266]

Great & informative video. I've just ordered a no.5 hybrid to replace my 5 iron so this video was really helpful. Hannah you look amazing...would you recommend the Zoe app as I really struggle with my weight & nutrition?

[@danielcohen3159]

After driver I go to a 4-wood that's 16.5° (Callaway calls it a High Loft 3W - but c'mon...it's just a 4-wood) and then 7-wood. I also carry a 5-iron that's quite strong and close to the loft of the 7-wood, and I like that for lower shots, punch outs, and longer par 3's where there's trouble left, as I can hook the 7-wood sometimes. I've never gotten on with hybrids very well, though I've had them in the bag before and played ok with them. They're just nowhere near as easy to hit as the 7-wood. And it's far easier for me to flight the 7-wood down than to try to hit an iron or hybrid higher. And it's simple to hit a fade with. It's real weapon for me, the 7-wood. I think it just suits my game and I feel very comfortable and confident with it. And I know a lot of players feel the exact same way about their hybrids or their long irons. Try everything. Fail. Try again, Fail again. Then find it. Win! And then...fail again!

[@johncoyne6823]

Great video, food for thought.

[@hadesignite]

Driver, 2w, 4w, 7w, 5h then irons from 22deg to 46deg spaced 6deg. Gives 15 yards between irons and 15-25 between hybrid/woods with 2 wood totalling 260, driver @285. Shot scope instrumental in getting each club and yardage dialled. Shame my decision making isn't as good!

[@aa-ron7992]

What would you recommend a high handicapper struggling with long irons to use?

[@dej7887]

I'm getting older and I can't hit long iron anyway, so I was looking for a 7 wood and it seems they are not really available. You can find hybrids though. Also are you using a motorized pull cart? Tell me about that and how it is working when most people are riding around in carts.

[@Fufiloofa]

Driver - 4wood- 3hyb@19° and then 4iron@21°, I miss having a 2iron on windy days but the strong lofted 4iron isn't that much shorter.

[@daveh2814]

just turned 69...After years of messing with hybrids from 18-26 degrees, they are all out of the bag now; too much inconsistency in carry distance and not enough spin. I'm currently carrying driver, 3 wood; Mavrik 16.5 and 21 fairways; and Qi10 24 degree 9 wood. [Then 6-PW irons and 3 wedges.] The Callaway fairways are super easy to hit but I went with the Qi10 for the 9 wood as it has a little deeper face; so I'm less likely to catch the ball too high on the face out of the rough. Also went with a mid bend shaft to minimize the ballooning. Oh and it spins like a champ. Yardage wise I use the 7 wood for my 4 iron and 9 wood for my 5 iron. I use the traditional 6 iron as a multi purpose club, often almost like a "rescue" club that I can work any number of ways (left, right, low) that I can't with a wood or hybrid. I think a golfer at ANY level is missing a trick if they don't have a 7 or 9 wood in the bag; especially if they are a "picker" or a "sweeper". They are simply too easy to hit...like cheating easy to hit. We've seen them in the bags of prominent pros in all of the majors thus far' this year and there is a reason for that.

[@timhill4695]

Probably Callaway heaven wood. Combo of 5&7 fairway wood. I also have 3 hybrid for special circumstances (in the rough)..

[@gjones9558]

Have u tried the Callaway Apex UW Hannah?

[@Dartanian1959]

7wood Areojet has been a great introduction to my bag probably the only club I can shape for that 140 -160 mtr approach. Recently I got a left/right hand chipper From TEMU of all places for $20. took the 4 hybrid out instant success. I'd tried chippers before with zero success, this one has saved me more than once on the first game.

[@craigseaver8062]

Im waiting for my 7W to show up. A buddy loaned me his UDI. I swung it once and gave it back. That club is not for mere mortals.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@craigseaver8062 UDIs can be brutal 😅😅

[@NZFarmboy80]

In my bag Driver Ping G425 max 10.5º 3 wood Titleist 913 low spin 14º 5 wood Titleist 913 low spin 18º 3 hybrid Ping g425 3 iron King Cobra set at 17º Irons Ping g425 4-9 Wedges ping glide 3 46,50,54,58,60º 60 bent to 62º Depends on the course I'm playing and time of year I swap out the hybrid, 5 wood, 3 iron, sometimes I'll only carry driver and 3 wood and put in the 62º. Putter Ping Anser

[@timothyberner92]

I like hybrid over fairway woods. My issue recently is what with irons with stronger lofts, some manufacturer still use the old lofts. My ^ iron loft has a loft of 5 hybrid. I tried 6 hybrid but it was going same yardage as 7 iron with similar loft. I have slower swing speed. My clubs tend to bunch together. Is common rule for club for gapping a club?

[@AJPinto-YOYO]

You should consider going to a professional golf fitter. I was fit into a G425 5h (26°) and G425 6i, same loft, but they achieve different results. Hope this helped and good luck on your next round!

[@timothyberner92]

@@AJPinto-YOYO I am bit old fashioned. I found 6 iron more reliable than 5 hybrid. I actually tried that but I did not like the feel of hybrid

[@manuelhernandez9448]

been SUBSCRIBED

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@manuelhernandez9448 thank you!!!

[@manuelhernandez9448]

@@nationalclubgolfer You’re welcome Keep up the good work- all the way from Cali

[@sumitagg1]

You switched golf balls from tp5x?

[@theowldrinksambrosia]

Longest iron is a 7. hybrids 6-4 3wood driver. Swinging 80mph.

[@keyboardoracle1044]

4wood, 7 wood, 5 hybrid. That’s my plans when I update.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@keyboardoracle1044 nice combo!

[@cwugrad396]

OMG perfect timing. I am having a midlife crisis trying to figure out what to do after my 5 iron.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@cwugrad396 😅😅 what are you thinking now then?

[@cwugrad396]

@@nationalclubgolfermy 5 iron is 26* loft. my heart says a 4 driving iron but my head says 4 hybrid. i have an Apex UW 19* which is probably going inyo play then 4 wood with around 16.5* of loft since i mainly hit that off the deck. we don’t have any links courses in the pacific northwest so i don’t really need to keep the ball low and chase

[@tdhawk7284]

I spend quite a bit of my limited brain power on this topic. I used to carry a 3H, but now I use a 7W. I used to carry a 5i, but now use a 5H. My battle ground is a forgiving 6i or 6H. I can always hit the 6H, but my ego wants to carry the 6i.

[@homeofinventions]

nice hands

[@kenphillips7594]

I'm now almost 74, handicap blowing out from 7 to 10, and my weight has ballooned from 75kg to 82kg. Perhaps this is a bit insulting ( not intended to be embarrassing) but has your weight loss helped your game? Sure, I understand that it helps with fatigue for the last four holes, but have you seen an improvement in your game?

[@derekwhyle1884]

You should be ashamed of yourself. Not only are you spouting BS , but you’re rude, ignorant and misogynistic. Hannah is producing some great stuff that I find particularly relevant as my clubhead speed declines.

[@derekwhyle1884]

( not intended to be embarrassing) ! You are no gentleman.

[@jerrod7019]

I don't like the 7 wood either. It's way too consistent and stops on a dime. I much prefer the 3 iron. That way my friends will think I am cool.

[@harrste11]

👍👍

[@1976axerhand]

I love my 7 wood. Carry it 200 yds. Xd

[@douglasdort]

Flyer out of the rough, more spin...

[@stratojetb47]

congratulations; you look very ggod. I believe you shaved off some a little bit of weight ! :)

[@steo-red408]

wow you go through some club sponsors, I've seen you at taylormade and ping getting fitted, and now using callaway, can't be good for your game using all these different club makes.

[@nationalclubgolfer]

@@steo-red408 they are not club sponsors I just work with different brands for different video ideas. I wanted to do something with Callaways new driving iron but didn’t want to just do a straight review! I have a WITB for this year that shows my clubs but it is my job as equipment editor to test everything on the market out!