3 iron vs 3 hybrid

3 Iron vs 3 Hybrid: Differences (What’s Better for Your Game)

Good Morning golf fans! Today the discussion will be about the pros and cons of 3 iron vs 3 hybrid. Looking at the differences and which one you should probably have in YOUR bag. Once you’ve decided which club is for you there is some detail to help you choose which brand and model to go for. Ready? Let’s get this party started!

If you’re looking for a 3 hybrid or 3 iron, the vest rated ones are Callaway Golf Rogue X and TaylorMade P790.

Difference Between 3 Hybrid and 3 Iron

Loft 

There is little to choose between the loft on a 3 iron compared to a hybrid but looking at address the hybrid seems to always look easier to hit than the narrow blade of a 3 iron. This is a personal choice and one that can be changed over time with practice. 

Material  

Irons can be made from cast iron or forged iron, tungsten, often with a hollow head design for lighter – faster – swings and various materials are used in the finish for non-glare, gun metal or gloss look. Hybrids are made from a mix of materials such as steel, iron and graphite.

Shaft

Almost all 3 Irons will have a steel shaft and conversely, all hybrids come with a graphite shaft.

For best results with a 3 iron, you need to have a swing with a high club head speed. Anything less than 90 mph / 140 kph you really should think about hybrid and graphite shafts (maybe in all your irons).

Graphite shafts are lighter and can generate faster swing speeds and help get a bit more distance for these clubs – but you will lose some feel and control.

Shaft lengths are pretty much the same for both clubs so no adjustment needed there.

Accuracy and Consistency 

If you are a low handicapper and justifiably expect to hit the green from 190 yards – you are likely to do so more frequently with a 3 iron with a steel shaft than a hybrid using a graphite shaft.

With greater control for shot shaping with irons, it is much easier to not only hit the green from these distances but to also get nearer the flag.

Conversely hitting the comparatively easier hybrid from around 200 yards (over water?) to somewhere close to the green leaving you an easy chip and 2 putt for bogey is preferable for higher handicap golfers who get a shot on most if not all holes. 

Distance 

This is variable from golfer to golfer but you should be hitting either club around 180-210 yards / 160-190 meters.

Golfers will hit the hybrid slightly more consistently with mishits ending up in better places than a mishit 3 iron, plus you should be hitting a graphite shafted club slightly further.

If it is the case you simply cannot hit 3 wood and this will be your longest club in the bag – other than driver – then hybrid would be an excellent choice.

If that is not the case, don’t get hung up on distance too much and put more emphasis on the subject above of accuracy and consistency – especially if at your home course there are long approach shots over water and/or par 5’s where your second shot is over water.   

Special Shots 

There are (sadly) many times us golfers find ourselves in positions on the golf course we don’t really want to be!

Behind a tree, in the rough, fairway bunkers, etc etc. If you are a member somewhere and play the majority of your golf on one course try thinking of where your bad shots end up.

If you play a narrow parklands course with lots of rough, a hybrid is generally a better option than a long iron.

The original name for hybrids was rescue – as it was designed to rescue you from the rough. Quite often I find myself blocked behind a tree and want to advance the ball as far down the fairway as possible. Shaping a punch shot low and around a tree and, hopefully, 150 yards down the fairway is much easier with a long iron than a hybrid.

If your home course is littered with fairway bunkers around your driving length then it would be recommended to open the face on a hybrid. That will get you up near the green rather than a long iron shot where the leading edge is always a risk to dig onto the sand.

This is a personal preference and will depend on the set up of the course(s) you play. Also take into account a 3 iron tends to launch the ball slightly lower. So if you play a lot coastal / links style courses keep that in mind.     

What to Buy

3 Iron – arguably the best two 3 irons are both from Taylormade, the P790 Utility, and the GAPR MID club.

The GAPR allows you to adjust the loft slightly, has a great feel, does come with a graphite shaft so they are not the cheapest option – but a great golf club that will play well for all golfers with some practice. 

At the other end of the cost scale, Lazarus golf has an excellent 3 Iron that comes with a 100% guaranteed money back option. It is a cavity back so gives you more forgiveness for off-center hits.

The standard shaft only comes in Regular flex so not for golfers with high swing speeds – but perfect for golfers who have a good consistent swing but not the high speed.

GAPR Price on Amazon

P790 Price on GlobalGolf

For Hybrid the Callaway Rogue X is a great option.

In the last 3 years, Callaway have made leaps and bounds in the driver, fairway wood, and hybrid clubs.

New technology and a thin face all combine for a faster swinging club head that will really propel the ball a long way.

Check Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue Price

Check Price on GlobalGolf
Taylormade RBZ is slightly cheaper and almost as good an option.

The low center of gravity helps get the ball airborne new technology helps reduce backspin to increase distance.

Check Current Price

It is very unlikely you will carry both clubs so have a play with both keeping in mind what’s discussed above and make your choice.

3 hybrids or irons

Conclusion 

3 Iron vs 3 Hybrid: And the winner is…

There are a number of variables listed above but all things being equal it would come down to if your handicap is 10 or less and expect to hit the green from 190 yards (or be very close) 3 iron.

If your handicap is above 14 a better option would be 3 hybrid.

This would be a pretty good guide but review all the points above and you will make the right decision on which club suits your game best.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *