This hybrid was great both into the wind and with a tailwind. Shots could be shaped either way.

TESTER: John Culbert

HANDICAP: 9

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Seve Golf Icon Hybrid 21º with Proforce 65 stiff flex graphite shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The head on this hybrid is similar in shape to many others I’ve tried and overall presents as a compact, no-frills club. It looks like it will get the job done. The dark matt finish on the top of the head is a nice contrast to the face and helps in lining up behind the ball.

VERDICT: The club feels solid in the hands and the stiff shaft was nicely matched to my swing. Good shots came off the face with a lovely feel and sound, whereas my occasional bad shot still gave a good outcome, albeit with a muted sound and feel at impact.

This hybrid was great both into the wind and with a tailwind. Shots could be shaped either way. Harder swings resulted in a slight draw even though my normal shot shape is a slight fade. Once I compensated for this, I felt as though I could hit it wherever I wanted and used it effectively on tee shots on tighter par-4 and par-5s to good effect.  The only negative was that it may not be quite as long as other hybrids (but it’s not far off). Overall, I was very impressed with this club and give it a nine out of 10.

TESTER: Matt O'Donnell

HANDICAP: 18

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Seve Golf Icon Hybrid 21º with Proforce 65 regular flex graphite shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I don’t currently use a hybrid so I found this club a bit of a novelty. My first swing with the club felt a bit ‘heavy’ – heavier than my driver. However, the more I used it, the better it felt.

VERDICT: I used this off the tee on several holes, as well as on a couple of par-3s. Almost all my shots with this club went straight and reasonably long, which is a rare occurrence for me. I loved the feel at impact when I hit one purely – the ball really rocketed off the face without much effort and the trajectory was quite good on a nice medium flight.

Of course, I hit a few shockers as well, but these still ended up going pretty straight and rolling a good distance, so the results weren’t too punishing. I also hit a few out of the rough with the ball nestled down, and was happy that the clubhead seemed to push through the grass a bit easier than a normal long iron.

After using this Seve hybrid, I’d now seriously consider putting one in my bag. I’ve been converted.

FACTS AND FIGURES

SUITABILITY: All levels of player.

SHAFTS: UST Proforce 65 is standard.

LOFTS: 18, 21 and 24.

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: No.

HOW MUCH?: $149.95.

SEVE GOLF SAYS: “The Seve Icon Hybrid offers forgiveness and playability that you don’t often get with a long iron. “There are three loft offerings: 18, 21 and 24 degrees, to ensure all the gaps in your golf bag are complete.“The hybrid comes fitted with the finest quality Proforce 65 shaft in black/red and also available in stiff and regular flex. The grip is the US Multi Compound.”

CONTACT SEVE GOLF:  info@sevegolf.com.au or www.sevegolf.com.au