Golf instructor Sarah Stone says a putter is generally a safe way to keep a fringe shot on the ground, while a 7-iron and hybrid send the ball faster. She highlights hybrids for long, uphill shots that need to roll across the green.
Stone says it can be difficult to generate enough speed with a putter on shots from more than 50 feet. A 7-iron launches the ball and moves it faster than a putter, while a hybrid produces even more speed with a smaller motion.
Stone personally favors a hybrid when she needs a long roll from just off the fringe. She recommends trying all three clubs toward the same hole location and comparing how the ball behaves, including the backswing each requires and the sound at impact.
