Most golf clubs are designed with varying club head lie angles and in half-inch length increments across a set. So, in addition to the putter and driver, the set contains 12 clubs with 12 different lie angles and lengths. To become a truly well-rounded player, a golfer should learn 12 different swings across 12 different planes, postures, and ball positions.
This approach naturally results in some clubs having more extreme angles and specialized use cases. Easily the most infamous one among these extreme golf clubs is the 1 iron. Learn more about what makes this club so unique and how you can use it to take your own game to the next level.
What is a 1 iron?
Also known as driving irons, the 1 iron are the longest and lowest lofted irons in a player's arsenal. They're roughly equivalent to the 3 or 4 woods, so if you already have a 1 iron in your bag, there's no need to bag a 3 or 4 wood as well.
The driving iron is widely considered to be one of the most challenging clubs. This is mainly due to its loft (14 or 16 degrees), which makes it difficult to use for recreational golfers. Needless to say, driving irons can be extremely potent in the right hands.
Do you need a 1 iron?
As with many other clubs, it depends on your personal style and the situations you tend to find yourself in during a game. Despite their reputation for being unforgiving, 1 irons can be a godsend in specific situations where other, more versatile clubs simply won't cut it.
These situations include:
- Driving on holes where a regular driver golf club would run into problems, but the 1 iron lays up just short of these problems.
- When you're under a tree and need a long shot, a 1 iron makes it easy to recover with a good either cut/fade or hook/draw.
- When playing into strong wind, a driving iron's ability to reliably send a ball flying under the wind is invaluable.
- When you need a bump and run under tree branches or through low openings in bushes, but could also benefit from plenty of release when the ball hits the ground.
Of course, at the end of the day, it's ultimately up to you to decide what goes into your bag. Analyze the situations you frequently find yourself in when you play, and consider how and whether a driving iron could help you navigate them effectively.
How far can a 1 iron hit?
As with all shots, there are many factors that determine how far you can send the ball flying with a 1 iron golf club. These include weather, the lie of the ball, and the player's swing. With good technique, men can achieve a distance between 180 and 220 yards, while women can still expect to get over 160 yards. This excellent distance allows the player to potentially reach long par-5s in two shots.
Here are 3 tips on how to get the desired flight with a 1 iron:
- Keep your head steady. This may sound strange, but aiming your chin at the ball can be extremely helpful when using a long iron.
- Work on your directional control. Since single golf irons can be hard to use, focusing on direction first and distance second is recommended. Once you've dialed in the direction control, the distance will come naturally.
- Practice, practice, practice. As with all aspects of the game, regular practice is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with your golf clubs and make the most of your 1 iron.
Are 1 irons good for beginners?
Although driving irons haven't been used frequently during the past decade, they're undergoing something of a renaissance these days. This is in big part due to the advancements in manufacturing technology that have made newer 1 irons both easier to use and more effective, and helped them carve out their niche in a golfer's bag.
Most commonly, these clubs are used in windy conditions and on tight courses that have firm fairways. The high level of control provided by a 1 iron and the flatter trajectory they produce helps keep the ball under the wind and bouncing along the turf.
Even if they don't plan to use a driving iron regularly in their games, it's still recommended that beginners spend at least some time practicing with one. This will help them get a better understanding of the different club types and form a more rounded playing style in the long run.
Where can I buy single golf irons?
Looking for a great one iron that has all the advantages and none of the drawbacks of the traditional 1 iron? Then you've come to the right place. Here at BombTech Golf, we specialize in designing and manufacturing highly dependable clubs that boast durable materials, competitive prices, and highly attractive aesthetics. By selling directly to our customers via our web store, we're able to offer outstanding value for the money.
We're extremely confident in the quality of our products, as shown by our 60-day guarantee that allows you to return the club if you decide it's not right for you. Our team also has a deep understanding of the game, and regularly shares this knowledge via our blog. Want to learn how to use the 52, 56, and 60 wedges like a pro or where to get an all-black golf iron set? Or perhaps you'd like to take a deep dive into golfing terminology or minimize the risk of injuries while golfing? In any case, we've got you covered!
Visit our online store today or reach out to us directly to learn more about who we are and what has made us so successful!
