The great news for golfers today is that there are plenty of options when it comes to hybrids and irons. The bad news is that the number of options can be overwhelming.
I love golf and the opportunity to help others and learn more about the game. As a golf instructor, I work with a wide range of people, mainly average to high handicap golfers that want to get “good” at golf.
One of the first things we do is make sure they have the right golf clubs in their golf bag and this includes considering if they should replace their irons with hybrids. Many golfers often ask the difference in hybrids vs irons.
Hybrids vs Irons
For the majority of golfers, especially those with an average to below average swing speed, a hybrid is going to be a better option when it comes to the long irons (3, 4 and 5). The lower center of gravity in a hybrid makes it easier to launch higher and a bit further.
One of the common misconceptions is that the golfer will automatically replace a 3 iron with a 3 hybrid. In some cases, depending on the loft of the iron or the hybrid, it might not be an exact swap. Below, I have developed a chart to help compare the numbers on a hybrid vs iron.
Process: While there are many great manufactures, I have a bias towards the Callaway brand for the mid to high handicap golfer. I find the clubs easy to hit high and far and provide a bit of extra distance that most amateurs need. I took a common Callaway model and compared hybrids clubs vs irons in the chart below. I had an 18 handicap student that I work with, who has a driver swing speed of 95 mph, test each club and we took an average of 5 shots with each club for the distance.
Related: Average club distance by age
Related: Average driving distance by age
Hybrid Clubs vs Irons Chart
| Club # | Loft (Degrees) | Average Distance |
| 3 Iron | 15 | 193 |
| 4 Iron | 18 | 185 |
| 5 Iron | 21 | 176 |
| 6 Iron | 24 | 165 |
| 2 Hybrid | 16 | 210 |
| 3 Hybrid | 18 | 202 |
| 4 Hybrid | 20 | 192 |
| 5 Hybrid | 23 | 183 |
| 6 Hybrid | 26 | 173 |
Hybrid Clubs vs Iron Chart – Key Takeaways:
- He hit 5 shots with each club and took the best 3 for the average.
- The bad shots with the long irons were worse than the poor shots with the hybrids.
- He reported that the hybrid felt better compared to the irons.
- He was encouraged that he can play par 3s better, especially those in the 175 plus range.
Do Hybrids and Irons Go The Same Distance?
No, typically with the same number hybrid and iron, the hybrid will travel 7-10 yards further. Many times, even with more loft, the hybrid will fly further due to the technology and the lower center of gravity. Making hybrids a great option for many mid to high handicap golfers.
Based on our data above we see a 7-10 yard difference in the clubs. A key takeaway is that the poor shots with the hybrids were better than the poor shots with the irons.
Another benefit of the hybrid is that it will perform better out of the rough as our test above was completed from a quality hitting mat using a launch monitor to measure the distances.
Average 3 Hybrid Distance
The average hybrid distance for all golfers is 178 yards with a range of 154 on the low end to 189 on the high end. This distance will depend on the loft of your hybrid and the length and material of the shaft, which both can impact distance.
The 3 hybrid is a great option for 95% of golfers. Only golfers with a swing speed of 105 mph or higher with the driver might prefer a 2 driving iron compared to the 3 hybrid. Most golfers will prefer the lower center of gravity that the hybrids provide vs irons.
Average 3 Hybrid Distance Chart
| Age Range (10 Year Gaps) | Hybrid Distance Average |
| PGA Tour Player | 225 (Carry) |
| LPGA Tour Player | 185 (Carry) |
| 10-19 | 189 |
| 20-29 | 194 |
| 30-39 | 189 |
| 40-49 | 182 |
| 50-59 | 174 |
| 60-69 | 165 |
| 70 | 154 |
| Average 10-70 | 178 |
Related: 5 wood vs 3 hybrid
Average 5 Hybrid Distance
The average hybrid distance for all golfers is 167 yards with a range of 144 on the low end to 182 on the high end. This distance will depend on the loft of your hybrid and the length and material of the shaft, which both can impact distance.
Most golfers are going to benefit on those longer par 3s if they go with the 4-6 hybrids and replace some long or mid irons. The goal is to get the ball in the air and on the right start line, giving the golfer a better average when it comes to proximity to the pin.
Average 5 Hybrid Distance Chart
| Age Range (10 Year Gaps) | Hybrid Distance Average |
| PGA Tour Player | NA |
| LPGA Tour Player | 185 (Carry) |
| 10-19 | 177 |
| 20-29 | 182 |
| 30-39 | 177 |
| 40-49 | 171 |
| 50-59 | 163 |
| 60-69 | 155 |
| 70 | 144 |
| Average 10-70 | 167 |
Related: 5 Hybrid vs 5 Iron
What Hybrid Club Replaces A 3 Iron?
A hybrid 4 is a great option to replace a 3 iron. Golfers will find that they hit these two clubs similar distances, but can hit quality shots more frequently with the hybrid 4 vs the 3 iron. The lower center of gravity and larger sweet spot benefits the golfer.
It is safe to say that 99% of golfers should replace their 3 iron with a hybrid or at at minimum a driving iron. The technology behind both the hybrid and driving iron make them easier to hit compared to a traditional 3 iron.
Related: Benefits of a Hybrid Club
What Hybrid Club Replaces A 4 Iron?
A hybrid 5 is a great option to replace a 4 iron. Golfers will find that they hit these two clubs at a similar distance, but can hit quality shots more frequently with the hybrid 4 vs the 4 iron. The lower center of gravity and larger sweet spots benefits the golfer.
Close to 100% of golfers with a swing speed with the driver below 100 mph will more than likely want to replace the 4 iron. The golfer with a driver swing speed above 100 mph might still benefit from the 4 iron and need and benefit from the precision that a 4 iron provides.
My current driver swing speed is between 105-108mph. I recently did a test with my 4 iron vs a hybrid 5 and check out the differences below:
| Club # | Shot # | Carry Distance (Yards) |
| 4 Iron | 1 | 201 |
| 4 Iron | 2 | 202 |
| 4 Iron | 3 | 202 |
| 4 Iron | 4 | 201 |
| 4 Iron | 5 | 202 |
| Average | 201.6 | |
| 5 Hybrid | 1 | 207 |
| 5 Hybrid | 2 | 201 |
| 5 Hybrid | 3 | 210 |
| 5 Hybrid | 4 | 208 |
| 5 Hybrid | 5 | 207 |
| Average | 206.6 |
Related: 4 Iron vs 4 Hybrid
4 Iron vs Hybrid 5 – Key Takeaways
- While I hit the 5 hybrid 5 yards longer on average, I seek the precision that the 4 iron provides me in the consistency in carry distances.
- The hybrid 5 had too large of a gap between the 201 (low end) and the 210 (high end).
What Hybrid Club Replaces A 5 Iron?
A hybrid 6 is a great option to replace a 5 iron. Golfers will find that they hit these two clubs at a similar distance, but can hit quality shots more frequently with the hybrid 6 vs the 5 iron. The lower center of gravity and larger sweet spots benefits the golfer.
Once we get to this range, the golfer with a swing speed between 90-95 or lower might want to consider replacing the 6 iron for sure. For the golfer right around 95 mph driver swing speed, it comes down to personal preference.
The extra precision in start line control and carry distance that the 5 iron could provide might be a difference maker. The best option is to test out the two clubs on a golf launch monitor and get the actual numbers. One thing to consider is what is your tolerance level on your bad shots. Are the bad shots with the 5 irons worse than the bad shots with the hybrid 6?
What Hybrid Club Replaces A 6 Iron?
A hybrid 7 is a great option to replace a 6 iron. Golfers will find that they hit these two clubs at a similar distance, but can hit quality shots more frequently with the hybrid 7 vs the 6 iron. The lower center of gravity and larger sweet spots benefits the golfer.
The golfer looking to replace the 6 iron is more than likely someone with a swing speed at 85 mph or below with the driver. This will typically be your senior golfer or young junior golfer that needs the extra launch angle and low center of gravity that the hybrid provides.
I would highly encourage senior golfers to take a deep look into this. A senior golfer that I play a ton of golf with who is 66 has taken this step and is able to still work his way around a 6,000 plus yard course. Give yourself a chance and consider the hybrids!
Hybrid vs Irons: Next Steps
Our number one recommendation is to find a place that will allow you to test out the different options between the hybrid clubs vs irons. You might find that you are ready to take the next step and replace those irons. Some overall considerations:
- Is distance the number one factor? (if so, the hybrid will be better)
- Have you considered your shot dispersion? (both left and right and short and long)
- Do you need help out of the rough? (the hybrids will be better)