The 12 Best Hybrid Golf Clubs for High Handicappers

Hybrids are a cross between a wood and an iron. But they’re easier to launch than iron and easier to swing consistently than a wood. This makes them essential to most golfers.

Beginner and high-handicap golfers require every bit of assistance that they can get, so a hybrid is especially beneficial to their long and mid-game.

Today, we look at the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers, but first, a little background detail.

What Are Hybrids?

Learning what hybrids are can seem a little confusing. But to boil it down, hybrids are designed to offer golfers an alternative to long irons. These clubs are more forgiving on mishits while providing versatility from the fairway, rough, and around the green. It has the design characteristics and performance of both iron and a wood while it looks more like a wood.

The first version of hybrids was introduced in the 1970s as the Baffler and the Ginty, but didn’t find acceptance amongst golfers. It was only in the early 2000s that hybrids were accepted by golfers and are now standard in nearly every professional golfer’s bag.

What Makes A Hybrid Different?

The distinguishing features of a hybrid club are:

• Titanium or steel face
• Low center of gravity placed towards the back of the clubhead
• A wider sole
• Typically lofts ranging from 16 to 27 degrees
• Generally use graphite shafts

The Pros of Hybrids For High Handicappers

• Increased forgiveness and less distance loss on off-center shots
• Lower center of gravity makes getting the ball in the air easier
• The higher loft of an iron for a soft landing on greens
• A shorter shaft of an iron for more control versus a fairway wood

The Cons of Hybrids for High Handicappers

• Less distance than a fairway wood due to shorter shaft
• Less control than a long iron
• Harder to hit out of thick rough than an iron

A higher MOI or moment of inertia adding forgiveness on off-center hits while the lower and back location of the center of gravity offers a higher trajectory and distance. You will get more distance from a hybrid than from an iron with a similar loft.

The higher ball trajectory is ideal for beginners and high handicap golfers that struggle to get the ball into the air.

Additional weight in the clubhead will enhance the feel during your swing. A rounded clubhead and wide sole make it easier to get the club to slide through the turf after impact.

This video will explain the benefits of hybrids over long irons.

Best Hybrid Golf Clubs for High Handicappers

1. Best Overall: Cobra Golf F9 Speedback

View on Amazon

Pros

• It offers great stability
• Low and deep center of gravity
• Large head for added forgiveness

Cons

• Expensive
• Can offer more distance

One premium club in the Cobra stable is the F9 Men’s Speedback Hybrid that offers forgiveness and accuracy.

Cobra’s Speedback with Baffler Technology adds up to thirty grams of weight moving the center of gravity lower and back for a higher ball trajectory and lower spin making it ideal for beginners and high handicap golfers. Additional 15 grams of tungsten weight is added to the back of the clubhead.

With a bigger clubface that increased by 10 percent from the previous Cobra hybrids combined with the thin high-strength forged stainless steel face that adds responsiveness, you get increased ball speed and forgiveness.

Although on the high end of the price spectrum, it is money well spent.

2. Most Forgiving Hybrid for High Handicapper: Callaway Big Bertha

View on Amazon

Pros

• Easy to launch
• Great forgiveness
• Progressive shaping
• Generates high ball speeds

Cons

• The offset may not suit some golfers
• Expensive

Big Bertha has been associated with the Callaway brand for many years. This is one of three models that Callaway offers high handicap golfers.

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 hybrid shares many of the technologies used in the driver with the same name and added offset feature to promote a straighter ball flight.

Incorporate into the hybrid sole design is the dual MIM’ed (Metal Injected Moulding) tungsten weights for enhanced launch angles and ball flight.

As in many of the other Callaway ranges, the Big Bertha incorporates Callaway’s innovative Jailbreak Technology for a stiffer body resulting in more speed and distance.

Another common thread throughout the Callaway ranges is the ultra-thin 455 Hyper Speed Face Cup clubface. Manufactured from steel, it delivers loads of power at impact.

A new OptiFit Hosel is available on the Big Bertha hybrid. It is lighter and shorter compared to older hybrids.

The distribution of weight creates the optimal center of gravity.

The clubhead of the hybrid is shaped progressively with wide soles and thick toplines to enhance your confidence while offering more forgiveness.

Although, as most of the clubs within the Callaway brand, the price is at the upper end of the spectrum, the price is justifiable as it’s one of the best hybrid clubs for high handicappers.

3. Highest Launch: Callaway Rogue ST Max

View on Amazon

Pros

• High launch angle
• Simple to use and produce solid strikes
• Good looking

Cons

• Some might find it to be too stiff

Callaway is one of the highest-rated premium golf brands and offers hybrids with every range of irons that they bring to market.

The Callaway Golf Rogue X Hybrid are part of the Rogue irons range, although it is sold separately and not part of the set of irons.

Jailbreak technology used in Callaway woods has been incorporated into the hybrid for consistency across the whole range. This innovative technology incorporates two steel bars to stiffen the clubface and body for better distance and speed across most swing speeds.

Added to the Jailbreak technology is an ultra-thin Hyper Speed Face Cup made from steel for durability. The thin face adds a trampoline effect for even more distance. Internal Standing Wave proprietary technology adjusts the center of gravity for enhanced performance.

Although on the upper end of the price spectrum, you can expect value for money at any level of golf.

4. Fastest Face: Cobra F-Max Superlight

View on Amazon

Pros

• Generates impressive speed
• Maximum control
• Excellent ball flight
• Good looking hybrid
• Lightweight

Cons

• Offset hosel won’t appeal to everyone
• Lacks adjustability

Cobra is a well-respected golf brand under the Puma umbrella and the F-Max is the best hybrid club for high handicapper players that need a fast face.

Cobra uses lightweight materials in the design and construction of their golf equipment making it ideal for beginners and golfers that require assistance in adding speed to their swing.

A well-balanced design makes the F-Max Superlight hybrid effortless to swing.  The inclusion of 455 stainless steel with forged construction enables Cobra to shave 5g of weight off of the shaft.

Combined with the lightweight crown, it enables you to generate more speed while the lowered center of gravity created by the low profile and shallow face design generates a higher launch.

Making it simpler for beginners, the F Max Airspeed comes standard with an offset hosel to promote straighter shots.

Cobra produces some of the brightest and best-looking clubs in the business and the F Max Airspeed is no exception. The crown alignment adds visual appeal to the club while enhancing the alignment for more accurate shots.

5. Tech Packed: Callaway Mavrik Max

View on Amazon

Pros

• AI technology
• Consistent ball speed across the clubface
• A large sweet spot
• Easy to launch
• Loads of loft options
• Setup to produce a high launch.

Cons

• Expensive

The third option for beginners and high handicap golfers in the Callaway brand is the Callaway Mavrik Max hybrid. The Mavrik range is the first attempt by Callaway’s to use Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This combination of technologies offers a large sweet spot, increased forgiveness, longer distances.

The Max option in the Mavrik range offers an oversized head that is more likely to appeal to beginners requiring assistance in getting a high ball trajectory. It offers impressive levels of forgiveness in addition to the speed and high launch features.

As mentioned earlier, it incorporates Callaway’s Jailbreak and Face Cup Technology for more speed across the entire face to neutralize mishits.

6. Best High Handicap Hybrid for Escaping the Rough: Taylormade SIM MAX

View on Amazon

Pros

• Confidence-inspiring
• Effective from various lies
• The “V” steel sole offers great turf interaction from varying lies.
• Similar face technology to that found on the Sim drivers and fairway woods.
• TaylorMade’s “Twist Face” and Speed Pocket

Cons

• The loft is not adjustable
• Top-end of the price spectrum

A relatively new addition to the TaylorMade stable is the SIM range and hybrids that have taken the golfing industry by storm.

It incorporates TaylorMade’s V Steel technology into a hybrid for the first time. The benefit of this technology is the improved turf interaction and reduced friction from various lies.

The reshaped leading edge adds to the whilst a more rounded toe and adjusted face angle offers beginners a more confidence-inspiring shape.

Twist Face and Speed Pocket technologies that have been used by TaylorMade for many years promote performance and forgiveness across the entire face making it ideal for beginners.

7. Most Distance: Cleveland Golf Launcher Halo

View on Amazon

Pros

• High-end construction
• Promotes a higher trajectory
• Forgiving through the turf, even on heavy strikes

Cons

• Expensive
• A stepped crown design might not suit your eye

Cleveland Golf Launcher Halo Hybrids are highly respected around the globe.

These clubs are aimed at high handicap golfers and beginners requiring versatility.

It is well designed and manufactured to precision with a turbo-charged and thin high-strength face that is extremely durable. The thin face promotes increased ball speeds and explosive impact.

The hollow construction feature adds forgiveness that is not available on cavity back clubs. Adding to the hollow construction is the innovative Hi-Bore Crown moving the weight deep into the clubhead. This generates extra distance and a penetrating ball flight at a relatively low tempo.

A silver and black finish makes it easy on the eye.

8. Best under $150: TaylorMade M3

View on Amazon

Pros

• Adjustability
• Two-tone finish
• Three loft sleeves

Cons

• Some might find it too short

One of the most adjustable hybrids can be found in the TaylorMade stable with the M3 hybrid.

It offers a 30-gram moveable weight on a sliding track on the sole offers you an opportunity to set it to draw or fade bias, or somewhere in-between. In addition to the bias adjustment, you get an adjustable hosel that allows you to control the ball trajectory by adapting the angle on the clubface.

Its Speed Pocket technology reduces spin and increases distance and accuracy. The eye-pleasing look of the two-tone finish improves confidence and alignment.

This makes it the best hybrid for beginners that can afford around $150.

9. Budget Option: Pinemeadow Excel EGI

View on Amazon

Pros

• Affordability
• Durable graphite shaft
• Forgiveness on off-center hits

Cons

• Paint chips easily

Pinemeadow offers an affordable hybrid in the Excel EGI that is available in various lofts making it easy to cover the yardages required in your bag.

Its affordability pushes it high on the list for beginners that want to experience the benefits of a hybrid without busting the budget.

It offers a plethora of features including a range of 8 lofts making it one of the biggest ranges of hybrids.

A bigger and wider sweet spot affords more forgiveness for beginners on those awkward off-center hits.

Added to the large sweet spot are its lightweight graphite shaft and stainless steel clubhead. The use of steel in the clubhead adds extra weight and balance to the clubhead. This is the best hybrid for high handicap golfers with a tight budget.

10. Best for Replacing Woods: Wilson Staff Launch Pad Iron Set

CHECK PRICE ON GLOBAL GOLF

Pros

• Maximum ball speed and increased distance
• Launch Pad sole for easy launch
• High ball flight
• Confidence-inspiring at address

Cons

• Not for the better player
• The wide sole and thick top profile not for all

The Wilson Launch Pad hybrids are not a typical best hybrid for high handicapper option, but they are designed to get the ball airborne from all lies thus achieving the same result as the more traditional hybrids.

Easy launch creates confidence without the loss of distance and forgiveness.

A feature and added advantage is the game improvement wide soles on all the irons and a progressive thinner sole that glides through all turf conditions. Clean contact prevents the dreaded chunk shot on approaches to the green.

The heads have a thin face with a hollow back creating maximum ball speed, distance off the face, and soft feel at impact.

The Regular FST KBS Tour 80 Steel Shaft delivers the kick and power to launch the ball high and far.

Wilson has developed a great set for the higher handicapper who seeks game improvement and distance.

11. Best for Replacing Irons: Titleist TSi2

CHECK PRICE ON GLOBAL GOLF

Pros

• Traditional aesthetics
• Sits beautifully at address

Cons

• Crown is too shiny and glossy

Titleist is renowned for their drivers and fairway woods, so it is no miracle that they produce some of the best hybrids too.

The TS (Titleist Speed) name reflects Titleist’s target to avail more speed to beginners for maximum distance without sacrificing forgiveness and accuracy. This is achieved via an ultra-thin crown and a 16% thinner face offering a forgiving profile for maximum clubhead speed.

There are 16 loft and lie settings adding to its versatility.

12. Great for Draw Bias: Tour Edge Exotics C721 Hybrid Golf Clubs

CHECK PRICE ON GLOBAL GOLF

Pros

• Easy to launch
• Fast swing speeds
• Lots of forgiveness

Cons

• Expensive

Tour Edge is a newer brand that is making inroads into the game-improvement golf equipment market offering a range of well-designed and manufactured clubs.

Their game-improvement hybrid is designed for a draw bias.

Ultra-lightweight hand-made shafts offer more swing speed with a high launch trajectory.

The sole is engineered with a Double Slot Sole for increased ball speed. A 42g weight pad located near the back of the clubhead promotes a higher launch and increased forgiveness.

Although it is expensive, its forgiveness makes it worth the investment.

What Should A High Handicap Player Look For When Buying a Hybrid?

Forgiveness

This is the major advantage that hybrids have over irons. There is a larger sweet spot for those stressful mishits leading to less distance loss and accuracy. The lower and backward placement of the center of gravity adds to accuracy and consistency.

Clubhead

Hybrids come in various shapes and sizes that affect clubhead speed, the launch angle of the golf ball, and exit velocity.

Wide soled hybrids offer similar capabilities to fairway woods but slight amendments to the design allow the hybrid gets the ball airborne quicker.

Since the clubface of a hybrid is similar to an iron, it offers a larger sweet spot and offers the look and feel of your favorite iron.

Shaft

Most beginner and high handicap golfers purchase their clubs off the shelf and do not take time to investigate the details of the shaft attached to the head.

Tempo plays a significant role in the flex of the shaft and the majority of beginners have a slower tempo making the regular flex most appropriate.

The first component of the shaft to address is the flex. Shafts come in a variety of flexes to suit your swing speed. Flexes are Ladies (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S), Extra-Stiff (X).

Other components to be assessed in the shaft includes the length, kick point, and torque. If you need a senior shaft to compensate for slow swing speed, check out our guide for the best hybrids for seniors.

Adjustability

The adjustability of hybrid shafts was unfathomable in the earlier hybrids, but it is becoming commonplace on the latest releases.

This allows you to adjust the shaft angles similarly as you would do on fairway woods and your driver.

Adjustability includes the clubhead weight, lie and loft angles, and the offset. This will enable you to keep the hybrid longer in your bag as you progress and improve your swing.

Body Type

Hybrids come in a variety of body shapes that can be split into wide bodies and narrow bodies.

Wide Body

Ideally suited to beginners with slow to fast swing speed. The wider body allows the manufacturers to present a large head thus increasing the forgiveness while boosting your confidence. The larger head generates more spin.

Narrow Body

This is aimed at more experienced golfers with a high swing speed. The narrower head increases the chance of a mishit. The smaller head generates less spin.

Best Hybrid Clubs for Beginners FAQs

How Many Hybrids Should A Beginner Carry?

It is common for beginner golfers to carry between 2 and 4 hybrids. The best hybrids for high handicappers are to replace the 3-iron up to the 5-iron. Ultimately your swing and confidence level will determine the number of hybrids you carry in your bag.

What Hybrids Should a High Handicapper Use?

Hybrids, in general, are great for high handicappers. Our favorite is the Cobra Golf F9 Speedback. It offers great value for money alongside its fantastic forgiveness.

Is Callaway Mavrik Hybrid Good for High Handicappers?

Yes, the Callaway Mavrik hybrid is perfect for high handicappers, especially if you already use a Mavrik driver or irons.

Which and How Many Hybrids Should High Handicappers Carry?

High handicappers should carry at least one hybrid to help them get out of the rough. But, if you can keep your ego out of the way, using one or two extras on the fairway for forgiveness and distance would be fine. Hybrids are much easier to hit straight than irons.

Which Hybrid Is the Easiest to Hit?

The best hybrid high handicapper clubs are generally those that look the most like fairway woods or drivers. It still depends on your bias though. Try out the Callaway Big Bertha if you get a chance, it’s super forgiving.

Final Thoughts

Hybrids are aimed at making the game of golf easier, and everyone can do it with all the assistance that they can get to enjoy a solid round of golf — no matter your handicap.

Beginners will benefit most from putting a few hybrids in the bag in their quest to improve their swing and handicap. The number of hybrids available at a wide range of price points makes it difficult to decide which is the best one for your swing.

Beginners are advised to select a club that offers great value for money, yet offers the technology and features that will assist them in improving their scores and reduce their handicap.

Although the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers depend on the player, I rate the Cobra Golf F9 Speedback as the best value-for-money hybrid offering the best of Cobra Golf’s technologies while keeping the price affordable.

Related Articles

• Where to Buy Used Hybrid Golf Clubs-Buy With Peace Of Mind
• 5 Iron vs 5 Hybrid; What’s The Difference?
• Best Hybrid Golf Clubs