Equipment
Greatest Adams hybrids of all time
It’s almost impossible that, over the past decade, you or someone you played golf with didn’t own an Adams hybrid. The fact that they can still be found in the bags of players on the PGA Tour demonstrates the kind of cult-like dedication some players have to those clubs.
They were in everyone’s bags—from low handicaps to golfers just trying to break 100. Simply, Adams was hybrids in the early-to-mid 2000s. In an age when many would still call them “cheater” or “old man” clubs, Adams pushed the envelope of design and ushered in a new era of small, workable-yet-forgiving, anti-left clubs.
Adams was also one of the first companies to do exclusive combo sets off the rack for better players with the initial Idea Pros and then later with the Idea Pro Golds. It’s a common practice now, but at the time it was revolutionary.
Here is a list of some of Adams’ all-time great hybrid designs.
Original Idea Pro – 2008
This is the one that started it all. After going through a number of tour issue prototypes leading up to the retail release, the Idea Pro had a lot of buzz, and it delivered. It wasn’t that other companies weren’t producing hybrids at the time, but the sheer popularity of the Adams outweighed what others had in the market thanks to it working its way to become the number one hybrid on the PGA Tour. It also came stock with an 80g Aldila VS Proto Hybrid shaft that was directly aimed at better players, and considering the aftermarket price of the shaft on its own, it made the Idea Pro a no brainer for those looking to replace harder-to-hit longer irons.
XTD – 2014
This was the final hybrid ever made by Adams and was packed with technology: all-titanium construction, crown, and sole slots for greater face deflection and ball speed—along with an adjustable hosel. TaylorMade had taken over ownership at this point and engineers at Adams took advantage by using the proprietary TaylorMade adjustable sleeve—this allowed for more shaft options for many golfers that had used TaylorMade hybrids in the past.
The entire XTD line from Adams was premium by design and from the driver to the hybrid, offered real-deal shafts and tight quality control. This is still a hard club to beat.
Idea XTD Super Hybrid Ti – 2012
You could argue the 2012 Super Hybrid XTD was the original bomber hybrid. Thanks to the multi-material titanium construction, it produced a higher-than-expected launch, along with exceptionally low spin. For faster players, this was a perfect control club off the tee and easily replaced a 5-wood (in the 19 degree). Don’t believe it? Check out this historic review from the GolfWRX Archives: GolfWRX.com – Adams Super Hybrid Review (2012)
Super 9031 – 2013
The Super 9031 was released the year after the original Idea Pro Blacks and featured an updated white paint job along with a technology upgrade that included both sole and crown slots for faster ball speeds compared to the original (hence the “Super” designation). It has a high toe, flatter lie angle, and open appearance from address—something better players love! Although I should attempt to be unbiased, I will admit that not only did I love these hybrids, but I still hold a place in one of my travel bags.
It’s not just me that has a sweet spot for the Super 9031, you can still find these in the bag of PGA Tour player Brian Gay.
Boxer A3 Idea – 2007
You might be wondering that after all of the others on the list, how the A3 earned its spot. Well, it’s quite simple. Just before the launch of the Idea Pro, the A3 and A3OS (oversized) were massive sellers at the retail level. The sets offered classicly shaped irons alongside easy-to-hit hybrid clubs into the longer clubs. Although never marketed towards better players, it did have a bit of a cult following to the point that even Vijay Singh was using one during the 2008 season in replacement of a 5-wood. They came stock with Grafalloy ProLaunch Red hybrid shafts and in both right and left-handed to outfit almost any player.
GolfWRXers, did you have any of these clubs? Check out the Cult Classic Clubs Discussion in the GolfWRX.com forums.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
From the seller: (@lasallen): “For sale is a BRNR mini 11.5 deg head only in brand new condition. $325 shipped.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.
From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.
Specs/ Additional Details
-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)
-Original Anser Design
-PING PP58 Grip
-Putter is built to standard specs.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes
As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.
The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.
On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.
Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.
At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.
“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.
Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.
“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.
“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.”
In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.
On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.
“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.”
See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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BillyG
Apr 19, 2020 at 12:46 am
What hybrid did Tom Watson play?
John D Gleason
Apr 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm
I still use the 2012 XTD ti in 18 & 20 degree lofts. I bought the 2014 versions but never felt as good. Incredibly easy to hit and long long long!
Wreiman
Apr 13, 2020 at 9:34 am
I still Bag the Gold Pro and Boxter to this day….lol Nothing has really replaced them in my bag,
Risky Plan
Dec 10, 2020 at 8:10 pm
I have the A3 Boxer 2, 3 and 4 and don’t carry a fairway wood (4 wedges) I’ve tried others, but nothing has come close. The rectangular shape is what drew me to them when new and the performance and consistency has kept them in my bag.
Kevin
Apr 11, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Not on the list here, but I still have a 21* Idea Super Black in the bag. Every time I think about taking it out I just start nailing it again…
RJ
Apr 11, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Hey Ryan,
I can not disagree with your list at all but I did find one small error. The Idea Pro Hybrid actually launched in January 2006, not in 2008. I was the South Florida sales rep from 2004-2008 covering Vero Beach to the Florida Keys. But nonetheless, great article.
ssspence
Apr 4, 2020 at 9:27 am
After the Idea Pro — you could argue for a dozen or more “Top 5” Adams hybrids, including the obvious PNT mentioned numerous times above.
I think a more interesting topic would be Most Underrated hybrids from Adams. Examples:
Both the A12 / VST (Silver) and the A12 Pro were outstanding. The former is a low spin bomber (I still game one as a 5 wood replacement), the latter a super accurate take on the original Idea Pro.
The Idea Pro Gold boxer is also excellent — a point and shoot club that saw plenty of tour play.
And what about the V3? It’s a super solid club, that was considered the best of its generation. It’s hallmark was that crisp feel.
I also agree the DhY should be considered. I still game the 21 degree — a perfect 3 / 4 iron replacement that bridges the gap between iron control and playability with hybrid power. It’s now been imitated repeatedly by other OEMs.
And lastly, the Super LS is the longest hybrid ever created. It’s certainly not the most accurate, but man is it a cannon. I found that matching it with a very stable, tipped shaft tamed it. It’s still a legit 3 wood killer with a nice small head by comparison. Seriously — who doesn’t need a club you can smoke out of the rough 230 to get back into a hole every once in a while?
So I just raised 7 that deserve mention. Honestly, none of these takes a back seat to the A3 or the XTD ti.
Sharky
Apr 3, 2020 at 11:51 am
I still bag a tour issued *24 idea pro, it’s my most reliable club in the bag, I see Bernhard Langer stil has the same club in his bag . Just recently put down my Adams Idea Pro Gold 18* and mb2 raw for some new irons, will miss them…
JP
Apr 3, 2020 at 11:45 am
A12 Pro Proto was my ATF.
And how come no PNT mention? Seriously?
Chris
Apr 3, 2020 at 7:40 am
Any Adams club list (whether hybrids or not) starts with the PNT (Peanut). Any exclusion of this club renders your list obsolete and pointless as it is the best club Adams ever produced.
JungleJimbo
Apr 2, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Hi Ryan: There’s enough interest/ other cult-fave Adams hybrids not listed in your article…for a “Part 2++” article pls? ????
y2zar
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 pm
The best hybrids ever existed along with the easiest f-wds to hit with, I can just simply command my golf balls with those things. Playing with Pro Black 20′ & 23′, latest Tight Lies 25′ and XTD 26′. So far I’ve yet to find anything closer to Adams, so these clubs ain’t gonna be sold or let off from my bag
HKO
Apr 2, 2020 at 1:40 pm
how come no PNT (aka Peanut) is mentioned here?
Jack
Apr 2, 2020 at 10:16 pm
It is. Tour issue/prototype Idea Pro. First hybrid on the list 🙂
Nicklaus#1
Apr 2, 2020 at 10:32 am
The Adams idea A3 is a beast. I still use the 3 iron hybrid and would be lost without it!
DC2000
Apr 2, 2020 at 3:33 am
Adams 2014 Pro Hybrid was the club to own..still play it. Surprised you missed this gem…
SoHigh247
Apr 2, 2020 at 2:02 am
Still got the super 9031 in the bag, great iron replacement hybrid (not overly hot, dank trajectory). Adams irons and hybrids are still relevant and cheap!
Howard Hayden
Apr 1, 2020 at 10:05 pm
Somebody needs to buy the name and whatever intellectual property they can and restart the company Tragedy what TaylorMade did to it. Obviously still plenty of well-deserved goodwill. Maybe more than TaylorMade.
Thebigdad
Apr 1, 2020 at 4:48 pm
A12 Pro, 18° and 20° are still in my bag
Cdub
Apr 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm
No pro black?!
Project X
Apr 1, 2020 at 12:25 pm
The A7 PNT that McDowell used to win the 2010 US Open has to be on this list.
JB
Apr 3, 2020 at 9:26 am
Yep, exclusion of a7 PNT makes this list questionable at best.
Cm
Apr 1, 2020 at 12:22 pm
???? no Peanut? They also made the RED hybrid after the XTD.
Brandon
Apr 1, 2020 at 12:04 pm
DhY was my favorite. Finally got knocked out of the bag for a Tour Edge Exotics CBX Ironwood.
Andrew Thompson
Apr 3, 2020 at 11:04 am
DHY! How was it not included? Club is still the best players hybrid out there, sadly underrated.
Adams Fan
Apr 1, 2020 at 11:53 am
The silver Adams Super Hybrid was my personal favorite. Definitely one of the best Hybrids ever.