Best Hybrid Golf Clubs For High Handicappers 2022

Best Hybrid Golf Clubs For High Handicappers

You should never be too proud to accept a bit of help because golf can be very, very hard. Manufacturers are well aware of this, of course, which is why they design clubs for golfers of all levels. If clubs are easier to hit, it stands to reason that you'll enjoy the game more, and who doesn't want to enjoy playing golf more?! For that reason, we have put together a definitive list on the game's best hybrid golf clubs (opens in new tab), and have narrowed it down, in this guide, to the models that will appeal more to the high handicap player or beginner golfers. 

VIDEO: Hybrids expert Matthew Moore compares the leading hybrids on the market

Typically, hybrids are designed to help golfers hit better approach shots from long range. They are also used to help you dig the ball out from difficult lies, as they can be a more forgiving option to use, compared to a 4 or 5-iron. Many top professionals carry a hybrid with them during tournament weeks over a long iron because they too can also benefit from the forgiving advantages hybrids offer. If you're a high handicap golfer, you're more likely to reap the rewards of from using a hybrid, as these clubs deliver forgiviness and inspire confidence when you look down the shaft, which you might not get when holding a scary looking 3-iron.

The good news is that you have plenty of options available to you - so let's take a closer look at the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers. Alternatively also take a look at our guides on the most forgiving hybrids (opens in new tab) and the best hybrid golf clubs for seniors (opens in new tab) as well.

Best Hybrid Golf Clubs For High Handicappers

The Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid ranks as one of the most forgiving hybrids (opens in new tab) on the market and hence earnt a spot in our Editor's Choice Awards in 2022. (opens in new tab)

Featuring an incredible amount of technology, the Launcher XL gives you the confidence to save you from a magnitude of disaster in various on-course predicaments: The specific focus in the design process was to help golfers escape poor lies with power and accuracy.

The Halo features Cleveland's XL head design which is larger than most hybrids. As well as the large head design, the hybrid has an MOI of 2,961 - the most ever in a Cleveland Golf hybrid. The Launcher XL Halo also features great stability and resistance at the moment of impact, with three Glide Rails on the sole helping keep the clubface straight for better strikes, regardless of lie quality.

• Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid Review 

Appearing on our list of the most forgiving hybrids (opens in new tab), the Honma Tw 757 is a fantastic club for any high handicap golfer. It is sleek, elegant and inspires confidence when you address the ball. It boasts a clean black carbon crown that gives off a premium feel, but it doesn't seem oversized at all, like many other forgiving hybrids. 

Internal weights situated low in the head and it features a sole slot for that helps to generate faster ball speeds, making it perfect for those who have a slower swing. The club launched nicely for us in testing and it was very easy to flight the ball, but also felt excellent off the clubface. It did deliver quite a high-pitched sound off the face though, which was something we were not wholly impressed by, but that was only a small drawback from what is an excellent club.

• Read our full Honma TW 757 Hybrid Review (opens in new tab)

This hybrid from PXG features clean and modern aesthetics that will appeal to the high handicapper. What will also appeal is how long it is from toe-to-heel, whilst not being too bulky. Because of the design, it is quite shallow, which again will provide the user with a versatile option that can be hit powerfully off the tee without being too big to use effectively from the rough. 

Where this hybrid excels is out on the course, performing superbly in windy conditions. Because it is so powerful to strike, you can use it from an array of different lies without sacrificing distance and, importantly, accuracy, making it perfect for high handicappers.

• Read our full PXG 0211 2022 Hybrid Review

Building on the success of the Mavrik Max, which remains a great option for high handicappers, the new Callaway Apex Hybrid has some new features, making it an ideal club for those who struggle with their long irons. With the brand's updated Jailbreak Velocity Blades and Face Cup technology, this is one of the most forgiving hybrids on the market and will allow golfers to maximise their ball speed. 

The technology that has gone into this club is superb, with artificial intelligence helping Callaway process thousands of different face designs before they concluded this was the best to use. Off-centre hits travel far with this club, but the low CG and adjustability options in the hosel also mean it can be easily tailored to aid those who need help launching the ball. Combine it with some of the irons found on our best Callaway irons (opens in new tab) guide and you'll be hitting low scores in no time.

• Read our full Callaway Apex Hybrid Review (opens in new tab)

All the tried and tested TaylorMade hybrid technology is here again, from the V Steel sole to Twist Face and the Speed Pocket. What’s different in the Stealth Rescue is a new carbon crown construction. The lighter head lets engineers shift seven grams of weight lower in the head for a better CG (centre of gravity), easy launch and optimal forgiveness.

The sleek top line and carbon head do inspire confidence at address which, for most golfers, leads to a freer swing. We also found the Stealth Rescue easy to hit with a firmer feel off the high strength C300 steel face. This lead to great acoustics at impact and a stable penetrating trajectory. So, how did it perform? Well, it certainly dampened down our tendency to miss left and overdraw shots, with the flight of the ball being at a good height with plenty of control into greens.

Indoors on TrackMan (opens in new tab), results were good compared to other leading brand hybrids, especially in terms of accuracy and dispersion. Forming part of TaylorMade's exceptional range of golf clubs (opens in new tab), the Stealth Rescue wasn’t as long as other leading hybrids, but this didn’t worry us, especially as their is an excellent range of custom shaft options available so you can fine tune the set-up for distance gains.

• Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Rescue Review (opens in new tab) 

In 2014, Callaway opened up a whole new market by introducing a long and forgiving forged iron for better players. Now, Callaway is attempting to create a new gear niche with the launch of its Apex UW (Utility Wood), a club that looks and flies like a fairway wood but offers the versatility and precision of the best hybrids.

Comprised of old-school looks, it is perhaps not obvious where the tech is until you reach the silver-grey soleplate that has a composite carbon-like appearance. Featuring a MIM’D Tungsten weight (18g per club) which sits behind two Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades in a neutral forward position close to the face, Callaway says this weight creates a neutral CG (centre of gravity) configuration for higher launch, steeper landing angles and better stopping power.

On test, it was exceptionally long, around 25 yards past similarly struck shots with other leading brand hybrids tested the same round. No matter the wind conditions, the Apex UW could even rival the best fairway woods (opens in new tab) on the market and was recently chosen for our 2022 Editor's Choice Awards. (opens in new tab)

• Read our full Callaway Apex UW Hybrid review (opens in new tab) 

As soon as you set the Wilson D9 hybrid behind the ball, it inspires confidence. That makes it an attractive option for all golfers, but especially high handicappers. Forming part of Wilson's excellent range of clubs (opens in new tab) the D9 hybrid is a fantastic value option for any high handicap players looking for a game-improvement club.

On the technical side, it delivers too. The variable face technology provides high ball speeds and makes it really easy to get in the air, something that can't be said for all clubs of this type. Engineered using the same premium steel that Titleist uses, you know you're getting quality but at a fraction of the price.

• Read our full Wilson Staff D9 Hybrid Review (opens in new tab)

The Srixon ZX hybrid has a stepped crown that lowers the centre of gravity to optimise launch and increase MOI as well as helping with alignment. Its looks are almost a throwback to the original TaylorMade rescue clubs. Anyway, as Srixon says, it's a 'true player's hybrid', featuring a smaller head shape and square toe to provide more confidence at address. We really noticed this when looking down from up high.

Another thing we liked was the all-black face. It's not uncommon among hybrids or clubs in general, but it did make it just that little bit more appealing than the more traditional silver-faced models. Featuring Srixon’s Rebound Frame Technology, the ZX provides increased ball speed and distance from a variety of lies. 

One thing we would point out is that it is only available as a 2H, 3H or 4H and doesn't come with the option to adjust the hosel. However, if you find yourself in the market for a 16°, 19° or 22° club that you want in the bag to replace a long-iron, then you could do far worse than the Srixon ZX.

• Read our full Srixon ZX hybrid review (opens in new tab)

The beauty of hybrids compared to even the most forgiving golf irons (opens in new tab) is that they can get the ball moving forward from the type of lie high handicappers typically struggle from. The wide sole in this club minimises unwanted turf interaction and makes it a lot easier to hit from awkward lies.

Elsewhere, the CT Response Channel helps to boost ball speeds across the face, minimising ball speed drop off in those strikes that don't find the centre. It also features an eight-point adjustable hosel, whilst a dense rear Weight Cell moves the CG position low and back in the head fo help golfers generate a high launch. There's no lack of technology involved in this club, and for high handicappers - and those on a stricter budget - it's certainly one to consider.

Everything about this club has been designed to help golfers optimise their ability to launch the ball and be one of the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers. This makes it an ideal hybrid for golfers who perhaps struggle to get it in the air and have a lower swing speed.

The streamlined shape ensures you'll be able to get every ounce out of your swing and with 16 independent loft and lie settings, setting a club up to suit your unique delivery has never been easier. We think the TSi hybrid range from Titleist is one of the most versatile on the market. There truly is something for everyone in there.

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 hybrid (opens in new tab) shares many of the same technologies as the driver, as well as additional offset to promote a straighter flight. The hybrids incorporate dual MIM'ed (Metal Injected Moulding) tungsten weights into the sole to further enhance launch and trajectory. Meanwhile, Jailbreak bars boost ball speed.

This is a distance-boosting hybrid, but one that also offers plenty of forgiveness. For anyone who struggles with a slice, the B21 is well worth trying. With the Mavrik line, specifically the standard model and the Max version, high handicappers have the choice of three really solid hybrids in Callaway's range.

How we test hybrids

When it comes to Golf Monthly's testing procedure (opens in new tab), we use the same ethos and methodology for all golf products to make sure they are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible. When it comes to golf clubs, we usually attend product launches so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.

After we have an understanding here, our first port of call when hitting clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK. Specifically for hybrids, product testing is headed up by Matthew Moore, supported by technical editor Joel Tadman. Both are competitive low handicap golfers, able to efficiently test the biggest product releases and successfully communicate equipment technology and product features to a wide golfing audience.

How to choose the right hybrid

It's one thing knowing what the best golf hybrid clubs on the market are, and something else entirely choosing which model to add to your bag. So, how do you make such a decision?

In an ideal world, a properly executed club fitting will provide the answers - the amount of data available covering things like swing speed, club path, ball speed, angle of attack, and distance is quite staggering. One of these will definitely get the right make and model in your hands. However, if this isn't possible for whatever reason, we have a few tips.

1. Performance 

How a hybrid performs is the most important factor. You are looking for versatility that will improve your scores and help you out of trouble in a range of on-course situations. We would recommend trying out hybrids off the tee, from the rough, fairway, around the green and even from the middle of low-lipped fairway bunkers. You need to gauge how well they perform for you and a demo day is an ideal opportunity to do the kind of testing you need to be sure a hybrid is right for you. 

2. Feel 

A thorough test can inform how some clubs feel during the golf swing and most importantly at impact. Some models sound loud at impact, others are more muted. Some will feel like the contact is a dense thud, others will feel hot and energetic off the face. Feel is entirely subjective and personal to the player. Again, we recommend hitting some models indoors and outdoors, so you can have an idea of what you like and dislike.

3. Looks 

With all golf clubs you need to like how they look, especially at address, because you don't want to be distracted by a club you really don't enjoy looking at. Take some time to shop around, feel the club in your hands and see if you like the way it looks and feels at address. Does it match the rest of your set-up, will you feel completely comfortable putting it in the bag? As much as it may seem vain to judge a club on looks, it can increase your confidence on-course if you love the look of your hybrid when you pull the headcover.

Not every hybrid is the same. Some are more wood-like in appearance, whilst others have a higher toe and are designed to look more like an iron.

4. Budget

The penultimate factor you should consider is budget. Given the number of hybrids available on the market, you can find a quality club at most price points and to suit almost any budget. If you want a premium brand model then you can get one, or if you want to save money, there is usually value for money to be found if you are happy not to own a club by a marquee manufacturer.

5. Testing 

We hate to sound like a broken record but go to a range and try some out. Most places still tape clubs up and let you conduct your own range test. It won't be as thorough as a custom fit but you can draw some conclusions. For example, you'll be able to get a sense for the weight and looks of the club and whether the shaft suits the way you swing it. 

Hitting some shots, even with tape on the face, will also give you an idea of how easy each hybrid is to hit and get airborne. For higher handicappers, this will likely be very helpful. Better golfers may be in the market for something that's more workable and therefore would be suited to something with plenty of hosel adjustability. Ultimately, it depends on what aspect(s) of performance you value above all else and which hybrid is able to tick the most boxes for your game. 

For more advice on buying your next rescue club, check out our guides on the most forgiving golf hybrids (opens in new tab) and the best hybrids for senior golfers (opens in new tab) for more excellent options.

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