What is a driving iron in golf and why you should use one?

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Terms And Definitions

What Is a Driving Iron in Golf?

The driving iron is a golf club that is typically used for long shots off the tee. It is shorter and has a more lofted head than a traditional iron, which makes it easier to hit the ball high and far. Driving irons are often used by golfers who struggle to hit the ball long with a driver, or who need to hit the ball over a hazard.

In this article, we will discuss the history of the driving iron, the different types of driving irons available, and how to use a driving iron effectively. We will also provide tips on choosing the right driving iron for your game.

So if you’re looking for a way to hit the ball longer off the tee, or if you need to hit the ball over a hazard, a driving iron may be the right club for you.

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
What is a driving iron in golf? A driving iron is a golf club with a long shaft and a relatively small head. It is designed for hitting long, high shots off the tee. Driving irons are typically used by golfers with a high swing speed and a strong grip.
Advantages of using a driving iron Driving irons can provide golfers with a lot of distance off the tee. They are also very versatile clubs that can be used for a variety of shots. Disadvantages of using a driving iron Driving irons can be difficult to hit for golfers with a slow swing speed or a weak grip. They can also be difficult to control, especially in windy conditions.

What is a driving iron?

Definition of a driving iron

A driving iron is a golf club that is designed to be used off the tee. It is typically longer and has a more lofted head than a traditional iron, making it easier to get the ball in the air and achieve a greater distance. Driving irons are often used by golfers who struggle to hit long drives with their driver.

History of the driving iron

The driving iron is a relatively new club, having only been introduced in the early 1900s. Before that, golfers used a variety of clubs to hit their tee shots, including wooden drivers, brassies, and spoon irons. The driving iron quickly became popular, as it was easier to hit than the other clubs and allowed golfers to hit longer drives.

Different types of driving irons

There are a few different types of driving irons available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics.

  • Standard driving irons have a loft of around 17 degrees and are designed for golfers who want to hit long, straight drives.
  • Utility irons have a loft of around 20 degrees and are designed for golfers who want to hit a higher, more controlled shot.
  • Crossover irons are a hybrid of a driving iron and a fairway wood, and have a loft of around 22 degrees. They are designed for golfers who want to hit a long, high shot with a fairway wood-like trajectory.

How to use a driving iron

To use a driving iron, you will need to:

1. Set up your stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly flexed.
2. Grip the club in your dominant hand with your left hand (for right-handed golfers) slightly below the right hand.
3. Position the ball in the center of your stance, just inside your left heel.
4. Take a swing that is smooth and powerful, and make sure to release the club head through impact.

Advantages of using a driving iron

There are a number of advantages to using a driving iron, including:

  • Increased distance: Driving irons are designed to be hit with a higher loft, which helps to generate more distance.
  • Greater accuracy: The longer shaft and more lofted head of a driving iron make it easier to hit the ball straight.
  • Better control: The higher loft of a driving iron also helps to give you more control over your shot, making it easier to shape the ball.

Disadvantages of using a driving iron

There are also a few disadvantages to using a driving iron, including:

  • Less forgiveness: Driving irons are less forgiving than drivers, so they are more difficult to hit if you mis-hit the ball.
  • More difficult to hit: Driving irons are more difficult to hit than drivers, so they may not be the best choice for golfers who struggle with their swing.
  • More expensive: Driving irons are typically more expensive than drivers.

When to use a driving iron

Driving irons are best used in situations where you need to hit a long, straight shot. They are also a good choice for golfers who struggle to hit long drives with their driver.

Here are a few specific situations where you might want to use a driving iron:

  • When you are playing from a tight lie.
  • When you need to hit over a hazard.
  • When you need to hit a draw or a fade.
  • When you are playing in windy conditions.

Driving irons are a versatile club that can be used in a variety of situations. If you are looking for a club that can help you hit longer, straighter drives, a driving iron may be a good option for you.

What Is A Driving Iron In Golf?

A driving iron is a type of golf club that is designed for long shots off the tee. It is typically played with a low, penetrating trajectory and a high degree of spin. Driving irons are often used by golfers who have a high swing speed and who are looking for a club that will help them hit the ball long and straight.

Driving irons are typically shorter and have a smaller head than other irons. They also have a stiffer shaft, which helps to generate more clubhead speed. The loft of a driving iron is typically between 17 and 21 degrees, which is lower than the loft of other irons. This lower loft helps to produce a higher launch angle and a steeper descent angle, which results in a longer, straighter shot.

Driving irons can be a valuable addition to a golfer’s bag, especially for those who are looking for a club that they can use to hit long, accurate shots off the tee. However, it is important to note that driving irons are not for everyone. Golfers who have a slow swing speed or who struggle with accuracy may find that they are better off using a fairway wood or hybrid club off the tee.

How to Hit a Driving Iron

Hitting a driving iron is not as easy as it looks. It requires a good swing and a solid understanding of the club’s unique characteristics. Here are a few tips for hitting a driving iron:

  • Grip. The grip on a driving iron should be slightly stronger than the grip on a standard iron. This will help to generate more clubhead speed and control.
  • Stance. Your stance for a driving iron should be slightly wider than your stance for a standard iron. This will help to stabilize your body and create a more powerful swing.
  • Swing. The swing for a driving iron should be smooth and rhythmic. Avoid making any sudden movements or jerky swings.
  • Follow-through. The follow-through for a driving iron is just as important as the swing itself. Make sure to finish your swing with your arms extended and your clubhead pointing down at the ground.

Tips for Using a Driving Iron

  • Practice. The best way to improve your driving iron game is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at hitting the ball long and straight.
  • Experiment with different types of driving irons. There are many different types of driving irons on the market, so it is important to experiment with different models until you find one that you feel comfortable with.
  • Choose the right shaft flex. The shaft flex of your driving iron is important for optimizing your performance. A stiffer shaft will help you generate more clubhead speed, while a softer shaft will provide more forgiveness.

    What is a driving iron in golf?

A driving iron is a golf club with a long shaft and a relatively small head. It is designed to be hit with a high swing speed and produces a low, penetrating ball flight. Driving irons are typically used for tee shots on long par 4s and par 5s, as well as for approach shots on par 3s.

What are the advantages of using a driving iron?

There are several advantages to using a driving iron, including:

  • Increased distance: Driving irons are typically longer than other irons, which allows golfers to hit the ball farther.
  • Lower ball flight: The low ball flight of a driving iron makes it easier to hit the ball over trees and other obstacles.
  • More control: The long shaft and small head of a driving iron give golfers more control over the shot.

What are the disadvantages of using a driving iron?

There are also a few disadvantages to using a driving iron, including:

  • Less forgiveness: Driving irons are less forgiving than other irons, so golfers who miss the sweet spot will likely have a poor shot.
  • More difficult to hit: Driving irons are more difficult to hit than other irons, so golfers who are not confident in their swing should avoid using them.

When should I use a driving iron?

Driving irons are best used in situations where golfers need to hit the ball long and low. This includes tee shots on long par 4s and par 5s, as well as approach shots on par 3s.

What is the difference between a driving iron and a hybrid?

Driving irons and hybrids are both designed to be hit with a high swing speed and produce a low, penetrating ball flight. However, there are some key differences between the two clubs.

  • Head size: Driving irons have smaller heads than hybrids. This makes them more difficult to hit, but also gives golfers more control over the shot.
  • Shaft length: Driving irons have longer shafts than hybrids. This allows golfers to hit the ball farther, but also makes it more difficult to control the shot.
  • Price: Driving irons are typically more expensive than hybrids.

Which is better, a driving iron or a hybrid?

The best club for a particular golfer will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Some golfers prefer the increased distance and control of a driving iron, while others prefer the forgiveness and ease of use of a hybrid. Ultimately, the best way to decide which club is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you hit better.

a driving iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots, from tee shots to approach shots. It is typically played with a lower loft than a traditional iron, and it offers more forgiveness than a fairway wood. If you are looking for a club that you can use to hit long, accurate shots, a driving iron is a great option.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.

GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.

Welcome to GolfPGAChampionship.com – let’s make every swing count!