Hybrids, which are also known as rescue clubs, started to gain popularity in the late 1990s/early 2000s (remember the Cobra 'Baffler'?) Designed in a way that makes them more forgiving and easier to get airborne than long irons, they have become a ‘go to’ club for many players, both on Tour and at club level.
More skilful players and accomplished ball strikers will often lean towards playing with a 2-, 3, or 4-iron, favoring the superior workability, feel and feedback that they offer. However, even Tour players enjoy the extra forgiveness the best golf hybrids provide, as well as their versatility from different lies, which is why many of the best players in the world now carry at least one hybrid.
