If you’ve been in the world of golf for even a short amount of time, chances are that you have heard the name ‘rescue club’ before. If you are not familiar with what it is, what it does, or when to use it, keep reading as this will provide you with everything you need to know about rescue clubs.
What Is A Rescue Club? A rescue club is TaylorMade’s version of a hybrid. The two words are used more or less interchangeably, because TaylorMade has a large market share of hybrids. There is a slight difference though. The rescue club is much more like a fairway metal.
Got any hybrid converts out there? ✋ #SIM2rescue pic.twitter.com/nfCufqibr5
— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) March 17, 2021
Is A Rescue Club The Same As A Hybrid?
While the rescue club and hybrid are both very similar to each other, there are some differences between the two. A hybrid has a shallower head than that of a rescue club, and the head doesn’t extend back as far. The sole of a hybrid is flatter than the sole of a rescue club, and the hybrid has the lie angle of an iron. Some people even chip with hybrids to get a little pop before the ball runs out. The hybrid is effective for chipping from close greenside rough. That shot requires a lot of practice though.
Rescue clubs on the other hand have a lower center of gravity and bigger “sweet spot.” They can lift the ball higher and land it more softly. Rescue clubs utilize their “twist face” technology that allows more forgiving mid-hits and more accuracy overall.
| Rescue Club | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| - Lower Center of Gravity - Lift The Ball Higher - Lands the Ball Softly - More Forgiving in Mid-Game | - Shallower Head - Flatter Sole - Has Lie Angle of an Iron |
When Would You Use A Rescue Club?
Based on the type of golfer you are, there are certain scenarios in which you would use a hybrid over an iron or a wood. Because hybrids are generally more forgiving, and easier to use than irons, they normally help golfers get out of sticky situations on the course. Below is a list of times when you should think about using a hybrid:
- You have trouble hitting a low iron (5 iron and below) you should use a hybrid instead
- You can’t get enough distance from your irons
- If you can’t hit your shot properly with another club
Most rescue clubs and hybrids fall between 18 and 27 degrees. They do not correspond to the same lofts in fairway metals and irons. A 17-19 degree hybrid will replace a 2-iron. A 20-21 degree hybrid takes the place of a 3-iron. A 22-23 degree hybrid can be substituted for a 4-iron. And if you don’t like your 5-iron, get a 24-25 degree lofted hybrid.
| Iron | What Rescue Club/Hybrid To Replace It With: |
|---|---|
| 2-iron | 17-19 degree rescue club/hybrid |
| 3-iron | 20-21 degree rescue club/hybrid |
| 4-iron | 22-23 degree rescue club/hybrid |
| 5-iron | 24-25 degree rescue club/hybrid |
What Is The Difference Between A Rescue Club And A Fairway Wood?
A rescue club or a hybrid is much easier to hit well and get up in the air than a fairway wood. And the longer shafted woods can be hard to master. Even the hybrids that are “iron style” have lower centers of gravity than woods. Those style hybrids have smaller faces, are more workable, and provide more backspin.
In addition, rescue clubs tend to be much more forgiving. Rescue clubs also have slightly longer shafts than woods, which makes them generate more speed, and get more distance overall.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Hybrids?
You will end up paying more for hybrids. Luckily, sets of irons are now typically available with different options for what’s included. You can order a set of 5-PW, for instance. But you will still pay more for the hybrids. A current name brand model can cost $250 or more. Another disadvantage is that you only get to have 14 clubs in your bag. When you remove your long irons, you lose your ability to hit punch shots under tree limbs. Hybrids don’t get the job done for those shots.
How to Hit a Rescue Club/Hybrid
The technique for hitting a hybrid is different from fairway metals. You want to hit down on it with a more descending swing than the sweeping swing you want with fairway metals. Set up with the ball more in the middle of your feet.
Try hybrids out before investing in them. Compare them with lofted fairway metals. Any place that does club fitting will assist you. Your club or local driving range is likely to have a demo day. Pro shops often have demo clubs. Or try a friend’s hybrid. Just don’t break it or even ding it!
Alternatives To Rescue Clubs & Hybrids
Many pros and top amateurs prefer to carry driving irons instead of hybrids or a rescue club. They keep the ball lower than hybrids and fairway metals but higher than long irons. They’re ideal for windier conditions. They come in 1 or 2, but they’re not the 1-iron or 2-iron of old. Driving irons are good for hitting low, controlled “stingers” off a tee. They’re more forgiving than the old long irons.
Amateurs with slower swing speeds might want to consider a 7-metal. It is the equivalent of a 21 degree 3-hybrid. The 7-metal’s longer shaft may gain you more distance, and the size of the head makes it less likely to miss-hit. It will fill the gap nicely between your other fairway metals and your longer irons.
Surprisingly, Tour players such as Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, and Tommy Fleetwood have carried the club in their bags at one time or another. It’s worth it to try both hybrids and 7-metals. Individual results may vary, as they say. You might even consider a 9-metal.
