Golf Gear Heaven, Part 2

Note that "woods" is now a misnomer, because these clubs are made of graphite, steel and all sorts of composites, unless you want to again visit our friends at Louisville Golf. Regardless of what you read in any number of instructional articles, fairway woods aren't the easiest thing for a mid- to high-handicap player to actually hit off the fairway. That's probably a big reason hybrids and utility clubs have seen such explosive growth in the last couple of years.

Lofts vary widely, but many companies offer hybrids starting around 14 degrees or 15 degrees -- about the same as a 3-wood. Hybrids can inspire confidence because they have smaller heads than fairway woods, and they tend to fly the ball higher. At the same time, they're easier to hit than long irons. The fact that more Tour pros are carrying them has aided in their growing popularity among ordinary players.

For $300, you can have the TaylorMade Rescue Dual TP Graphite, available in lofts from 14 degrees to 22 degrees. Sonartec's MD series retails for $199, and the Callaway FT hybrid is tagged at $179 to $199. MacGregor, a company with a long history in golf, is selling the Mactec NVG2 hybrid for $179.99.

If you prefer something that's a lot more like an iron than a wood, consider Miura Golf's IC-2003 utility at $219.99 for a club with a steel shaft and $249.99 for a graphite shaft.

Precept's ECU utility club is available for as low as $90, and it's worth mentioning because you can get it with a bright orange graphite shaft. That'll make you stand out halfway across the golf course.

Remember that the clubs mentioned here merely scratch the surface of what's available. What's important is that you have fun, play golf, carry the sweetest gear you can and live the good life.

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