Hybrids have become really popular in recent years
, a lot of the pros now carry at least one hybrid in their bag. At last years Open Championship the lowest iron in Rickie Fowler's bag was a 6 iron.
Hybrids are a lot easier to hit more consistently than your traditional long 3 and 4 irons. They are more forgiving and ideal to use when the ball is nestled up in some rough just off the fairway.
Hybrids have bigger club heads than the traditional longer irons which give you more confidence over the shot and a bigger sweet spot to aid you with any off centre strikes.
When using your hybrids, use them like you would an iron, ie strike down through the ball like an iron shot and avoid positioning the ball forward in your stance and taking a sweeping shot.
A good set up is also key. Ensure that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are all aligned square to the target. Step back behind your ball to check your target lines first.
By using hybrids you will become more consistent on longer shots. This consistency will lower and improve your scoring over time.
A lot of golfers like to use their putters around the greens. This is because there is less of a back swing and you can get a firmer connection with the ball.
The disadvantages of using your putter off the green is if you have a bad lie in the fringe or if you are more than a foot back from the green. Judging how hard to putt through rough can be a tricky skill.
A bump and run shot with a chipper is a good option for shots in and around the green. The chipper has enough loft to get the ball airborne slightly, avoiding the rest of the fringe and running onto the green.
I have seen Tiger Woods use his 3 wood around the green to achieve similar results. Slight loft to push through the rough and a long roll on the green. Rolling the ball is easier to control and is more predictable. Like a putt.
The Palm Springs 2EZ Chipper is similar in shape to a fairway wood. The new Wilson Prostaff HL Chipper is similar in shape to a blade putter.
When using your shipper take a narrow stance with your feet less than should width apart. Your weight should be distributed towards your front foot. Your ball should be positioned back in your stance, with the club leaning forward.