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Chipping. Wedge vs Hybrid. Which is Better?

When we think about the short game, most of us reach for a wedge. But what if a different club could offer even more consistency and control, especially for golfers struggling with the yips? A recent study led by Todd Nelson, Chelsea Hoyle, Matheus Quon, Serena Skinner, Pawel Kudzia, and Joaquín Hoffer from Simon Fraser University looked into this exact question: does a hybrid club have a place in our short game? Here’s what the researchers discovered and how their findings might impact your approach around the green.

Study Overview

The study conducted by Nelson and his colleagues tested three methods of chipping: using a traditional wedge, a hybrid with a standard grip, and a hybrid with an unconventional “arm-lock” grip, which reduces wrist movement and could theoretically help golfers affected by the yips. In total, 40 participants took part in the study, chipping balls to targets from various distances.

This research was split into two parts:

1. Part 1: Each participant chipped 60 balls to a target 40 feet away. They chipped 20 shots each with a wedge, a hybrid using a normal grip, and a hybrid using the arm-lock grip.

2. Part 2: Each participant chipped 20 balls with each club type to four different target distances: 40 feet, 30 feet, 20 feet, and 10 feet.

Performance was measured by the distance each shot finished from the target (known as the “leave”), and each club was outfitted with a wireless sensor to record swing data. The researchers used this information to compare accuracy, consistency, and swing characteristics.

Key Findings

Across both parts of the study, chipping with a hybrid produced tighter leaves compared to chipping with a wedge. Below are the key results:

• Accuracy with a Hybrid: The hybrid resulted in smaller average leaves from the target across all distances compared to the wedge. Notably, chipping from the closest target (10 feet) with the hybrid and arm-lock grip achieved the most accurate leaves on average.

• Consistency and Swing Speed: The study found that participants generated lower swing speeds with hybrids than with wedges, yet this did not compromise distance or accuracy. The data showed that shots using the hybrid were often more consistent, as swing speed and shot length were better correlated, suggesting that players had better distance control with the hybrid. This trend held true across all handicap levels.

• Performance Across Handicap Levels: The data below clearly shows a tighter grouping of shots with the hybrid, and the hybrid with the armlock grip did better from the closest distances!

What This Means For You

This study provides a clear message: don’t overlook the hybrid!

• Consider the Hybrid: The study suggests that a hybrid can offer a controlled, putt-like stroke that keeps the ball close to the ground and reduces variability. If you’re trying to chip from the fairway or short rough and you have a lot of fairway and/or green between you and the hole, a hybrid may be a great option.

• Try the Arm-Lock Grip for Close Chips: For shots closer to the hole the arm-lock grip on a hybrid might be something you want to try. While some players may be hesitant to try a new grip, the results suggest that the arm-lock method could be a game-changer for golfers dealing with yips or other short-game inconsistencies.

• Consistency: This study suggests that a hybrid might be the club to achieve the best consistency for certain types of short game shots. Using a hybrid can help reduce the number of big misses and keep more shots near the hole.

Final Thoughts

This research from Nelson and his team provides valuable insights into the potential of hybrids in the short game. While a wedge remains a versatile and essential tool, the study makes a strong case for adding a hybrid to your short game tool bag!

I would love to see a follow up study that also brings the putter into the mix.

Give this a try. Experiment. Measure. Find out what works best for YOU.

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