‘Rescue’ your golf game

How do you rescue a fledgling golf game anyway? Buy a new driver and start crushing your drives? Listen to all the tips your friends and families are eager to give you? Buy a new putter?

Nope. The salvation to rescuing your game is found in the hybrid/utility "rescue" club. Recreational/ amateur golfers and touring professionals alike are now playing hybrid clubs. In fact, I double all bets if my fellow competitor is not carrying a hybrid in his bag.

What exactly is a hybrid/ utility club anyway? Well the club combines all the advantages of an iron with the forgiving nature of a wood. That is exactly the reason why using hybrid golf clubs can be so beneficial. The improved play that golfers experience when using them is unlimited.

Here are some advantages of using hybrids instead of your long irons:

* Improved ball loft/ trajectory with a trampoline effect off the club face with a high launch angle and lots of backspin for a soft-landing shot.

* Easier swing ability.

* More forgiveness on tough shots, especially from the rough.

* Most versatile club in your bag. It can handle bad lies, rough and even long chip and run shots from around the green.

Most golfers hit a 16-degree or 19-degree hybrid golf club much straighter and longer than their 3-woods or even 5-woods with much less effort. Many tour pros are even using utility clubs for their tee shots on short, tight layup par 4s and longish par 3s. So, why don't you replace those 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and even 6-irons with hybrids of similar loft angles for more consistent ball-striking and higher trajectory?

Ron Bosler is the PGA director of instruction at Desert Pines Golf Club. He can be contacted at 672-3007.