Contents
Before anything else, how about I make it loud and clear that it would indeed be more beneficial if you used one of these best 2 irons (also known as driving irons) with a slightly more advanced golfing technique and higher clubhead speed. BUT that does not mean you shouldn’t purchase a 2 iron in case you happen to be an average/amateur golfer.
Agreed that technology like graphite shaft, HOT clubface, and hollow clubhead, etc. in irons have made these particular golf clubs a little forgiving. With the driving iron especially, even a decent golf swing is enough to keep the club from bringing you very quickly back down to the ground.
This is why slow-swing golfers often choose hybrids, which have proven to be a lot more forgiving than traditional 2 irons. But then I said traditional, right? Modern-day 2 irons or driving irons, on the other hand, are crafted another way, so all kinds of golfers can choose and play.
In This Post
- Best Driving Irons: 10 Top Choices
- 1. LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons Set
- 2. TaylorMade Golf P790 UDI Utility Club
- 3. Callaway X Forged Utility Individual Iron
- 4. TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club
- 5. TaylorMade SIM UDI Iron
- 6. Srixon Golf ZX Utility Iron
- 7. Cleveland Golf Launcher UHX Utility Club
- 8. Wilson Staff Model Utility Men’s Golf Irons
- 9. Callaway 2020 X-Forged Utility Iron
- 10. Cobra King Utility Iron
- What Is A 2 Iron (Driving Iron) Golf Club?
- Who Should Play 2 Irons?
- When to Use 2 Irons?
- 2 Iron vs. 3 Iron – What Should You Carry?
- 2 Iron vs. 3 Hybrid – What’s the Difference Here?
- 2 Iron vs. 3 Wood – Which Is Better?
- How to Hit 2 Iron
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Note
Best Driving Irons: 10 Top Choices
1. LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons Set
- Well-balanced clubheads meet the ‘intended’ path
- Deep grooves for greater control and consistency
- Solid contact and premium appearance
- Custom LAZRUS grips – very basic, slightly cheap
- Heavier steel shaft not for slow-speed players
These LAZRUS golf irons come very close to the Big Bertha by Callaway, in terms of how they’re shaped. That means not doubting their ability to launch a shot, and launch a shot HOW! Despite the absence of a lightweight graphite shaft!
So long as you’re a flexible, stronger golfer with a modest clubhead speed, hitting these heavier steel-shafted, Regular-flex irons shouldn’t be a problem AT ALL. Also, the benefit of steel shafts is that you don’t have to coddle them like you might do a graphite shaft – the former surely is indestructible.
The deep grooves impart impressive spin, control, as well as consistency. And this applies to every situation – fringe, fairway, or rough. So if you’ve got no physical limitations holding you back, then it only makes sense to purchase these and even save as much as $500.
2. TaylorMade Golf P790 UDI Utility Club
- Forged, hollow-bodied iron that’s easy to hit
- Jacks up clubhead speed even on low-face shots
- Tungsten weighting makes the club very forgiving
- Graphite shaft fit for slower swing speed
- Obviously, a bad choice for fast-swing golfers
This TaylorMade 2 iron may look like a long iron but it plays like a hybrid when you take factors like forgiveness, distance, and accuracy into consideration. P790 UDI ranks among the best for this very reason – it gives even those golfers who cannot yet generate an above-average clubhead speed exceptional forgiveness and maximum distance.
And this is all achieved through the forged, hollow-bodied construction. TaylorMade P790 UDI Utility Club aims to strike the perfect balance between distance and precision. With the low center of gravity here, you have to get more forgiveness, distance, and even playability.
And pair that up with the brand’s Speed Pocket (more forgiveness, enhanced ball speed) and SpeedFoam (maximum ball speed, better feel).
3. Callaway X Forged Utility Individual Iron
Presenting the Callaway 2 iron, which is also forged like TaylorMade P790 UDI. So that’s forged performance and precision all over again.
With the forged design, the center of gravity and center of clubface are positioned strategically in line for boosting ball speed and generating a straighter shot. So whoever said that 2 irons or utility irons are only reserved for Tour-level golfers must’ve surely not come across Callaway X Forged.
Long carry and easy launch are made possible with tungsten weighting. Hollow-bodied golf irons like these, and all of them, know how to correct those shots struck low on the clubface. And that’s not what you get with the traditional shaping of long irons. What also minimizes the loss of distance on mis-hits is Callaway’s 360 Face Cup.
4. TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club
- SpeedFoam produces a more forgiving route
- Extreme distance with ultra-low center of gravity
- Easy alignment, mid-high trajectory, and solid feel
- Not the easiest/quickest to get used to
Another TaylorMade 2 iron with SpeedFoam, which really is only a phenomenal technology created by the brand that takes the form of a faster, thinner clubface to not just maximize ball speed but also improve feel and sound. The feel and sound are ‘improved’ by dampening those unwanted vibrations.
On top of that, the center of gravity is ultra-low to take the launch higher and higher for broadening your scope of distance and playability. Speaking of the latter, versatility is further enhanced through the medium-width of the golf club. And for loft options, you get to choose from 18, 21, and 24 degrees.
It’s so forgiving, you’d think it was a hybrid. It’s so versatile/playable, you’d think it was an iron. This gives you one of the best utility irons to boost confidence off that tee and fairway.
5. TaylorMade SIM UDI Iron
- Forged, hollow-bodied iron – lion’s share of forgiveness
- Greater speed potential with Speed Pocket, SpeedFoam
- Very lightweight, very thin face takes your shots straighter
- Graphite shaft for slower swing speed
- You may get less spin
Once again, the Tour-inspired shape. Once again, SpeedFoam-injected clubhead maximizes ball speed and improves feel. Once again, the forged, hollow-bodied construction. And once again, the inclusion of Speed Pocket for low-face/mis-hit forgiveness.
What’s added here with TaylorMade SIM UDI is ICT (Inverted Cone Technology). Now what you get with this one is a ball flight that always goes straight. An enhanced sweet spot will always do that, as you may already know.
If you struggle with driver control, this TaylorMade driving iron is exactly what you need. The approx. 18-degree loft is pretty much like that of a fairway wood. So do look forward to a whole lot of forgiveness as well as a piercing ball flight, more than what you might expect from irons. And the shaft, by the way, is graphite, thus more kick as well.
6. Srixon Golf ZX Utility Iron
- Easier to hit and very, very forgiving
- Hollow-bodied iron adds a lot of distance
- Milled pattern for increased ball speed
- Tungsten weighting and low CG produce high launch
- A narrow profile does nothing to inspire confidence
Advanced golfers get their hands on another very useful tool for attacking the course with this Srixon ZX Utility Iron. It’s cheaper priced, more compact, and smaller. You also get a blade-type address with this Srixon driving iron, unlike the brand’s previous models that haven’t been crafted to be as forgiving.
The added forgiveness actually comes from the flexibility-boosting milled pattern at the back of the clubface. So being able to attain exceptional ball speed and distance is indeed in the cards. And ZX Utility allows you to do that in the most seamless, effortless manner.
With A.I.-designed MainFrame, this becomes the brand’s fastest iron to date. Combine that with the hollow construction, and you unleash the power of higher launch, increased control, and added distance off the tee or fairway.
7. Cleveland Golf Launcher UHX Utility Club
- Super-chunky iron yet easy to hit
- Even when mis-hit, it generates more distance
- V-shape sole makes turf interaction better
- Graphite shaft for slow swing speed
- Not for you if you can’t hit irons well
Many hybrids have been tried. Even then, the task of improving consistency still remains a goal TO BE accomplished. Enter Cleveland Launcher UHX. If you hit your irons well enough, then there’s not a problem with resorting to utility golf clubs like this one. And buying doesn’t feel like such a gamble given the inexpensive price tag here.
The loft angle is just the best for gaining the distance you would normally expect from a hybrid or fairway wood but with more consistency of course.
Moreover, this one’s also generously forgiving in case you’re worried about that. So hitting off the toe doesn’t necessarily translate into the loss of yardages. And no right fading either! It’s actually all because of the hollow-bodied construction. As for the explosive distance despite toe or heel impact, that’s brought about by the high-strength, variable steel face.
8. Wilson Staff Model Utility Men’s Golf Irons
- Hollow-bodied iron, hence so very forgiving
- High-strength clubface for faster ball speed
- Low center of gravity improves/increases launch
- Easy to swing because of the graphite shaft
- None worth mentioning
A hollow-bodied iron construction is just the thing, just the solution to your long-iron problem. Improved launch, forgiveness, AND distance – you get all three with this Wilson utility iron. Definitely worth your time and money if what you’re looking for is the best driving iron to replace hybrids or woods.
Boosting confidence is much easier with this utility golf club in comparison to when you play the long iron. The very precise performance and exceptional touch also have to be factored in of course. I mean when there’s immediate feedback and it’s so good that you know directly if or not you made solid contact with the golf ball, then there’s confidence flowing out of you.
And what also increases launch angles and makes this utility iron so abundantly forgiving – the sole weighting of the golf club.
9. Callaway 2020 X-Forged Utility Iron
- Tungsten weighting makes the iron very forgiving
- Wider sole and longer blade length enhance control
- Vibrations dampened, hence better feel and sound
- Clean, classic look with forged steel finish
- Made for more adept golfers
If you’re a better player and low handicapper and you don’t pick Callaway X-Forged UT Iron, you would be making a HUGE mistake. So make none with this Callaway driving iron that gives you consistent ball flight and spin.
Now I know that for a low-handicap golfer, it’s surprising to find out that X-Forged utility has a hollow-bodied structure. But then you have to admit to yourself, even as a low handicapper, that a little bit of ‘forgiveness’ on the golf course is always a requirement.
Callaway’s A.I.-designed Flash Face is what increases ball speed. The wider sole and longer blade design take your mis-hits long and straight. And well-struck shots gain a moderate-to-low trajectory.
Forgiveness may be infused into this one but you still need to be able to generate a good amount of clubhead speed with good swing mechanics for favorable results.
10. Cobra King Utility Iron
- Extremely forgiving hollow-bodied construction
- 8 adjustable settings for the loft (MyFly8 hosel)
- Tungsten weight will max out ball speed across clubface
- Larger sweet spot also for faster ball speed on mis-hits
- Loft adjustability can be tricky to get right
Every review of Cobra King Utility Iron would be incomplete without mentioning that it has that perfect 18-degree loft. From where I see it, this Cobra 2 iron can be labeled as 3, 2, and 1 iron. You may be pulling your hybrids, but that certainly becomes more and more infrequent with this utility golf club.
One look at it and you know that it’s well-designed – classic looks combined with distance and precision boosting modern technology. Golfers who demand more control on tee shots (tight ones) and approach shots (long ones) know what to rely on now.
So you get control from its traditional muscle-back shaping, what else? Well, the hollow body and wider sole make way for much-needed stability and power as well. And let’s not forget that the center of gravity placement is also low to increase and strengthen trajectory.
The new thing, however, is the PWRSHELL clubface – forged clubface insert wrapped around the sole to expand the sweet zone. And that translates into more ball speed and higher launch.
What Is A 2 Iron (Driving Iron) Golf Club?
Technically, it’s a long iron that you use for tee shots. The loft angle here is mostly 20 degrees. And the loft can differ depending on whether or not the iron is forged or if it features loft adjustability. But one thing to note is that the loft of a 2 iron is the same as that of a 3 hybrid or 5 wood.
Who Should Play 2 Irons?
Here’s the thing – 2 irons, or driving irons as they’re also called, are not for every golfer. Those with a faster swing speed are the most suitable for playing a 2 iron.
So that would be professional, Tour-level players, right? Well, not every one of them because now fewer pros choose driving irons. Instead, more and more of them are starting to use woods and hybrids. However, there are those with the fastest swing speed who prefer playing the driving iron.
It’s actually more about the following…
When to Use 2 Irons?
Why use the 2 iron? The primary reasons for playing a 2 iron are higher trajectory and greater accuracy. The design of a 2 iron is such that it hits the ball low. Hence, professional golfers can rely on it for keeping the golf ball low during windy conditions. Or when you have to play against the wind.
The spin, needless to say, is minimized when you use a 2 iron. And the ball flight, at such times, is unaffected by it, which means trajectory remains unaltered. As a result of which, control and accuracy are maximized.
2 Iron vs. 3 Iron – What Should You Carry?
Generally, if you go to buy a golf iron set, it starts from 3 iron. 2 iron then is nothing but an extra long iron that is pretty much the same as its 3 iron counterpart except that it’s lower-lofted.
But you should also know that not every 2 iron and 3 iron are similarly designed. For instance, the former sometimes has a bigger profile, higher level of forgiveness, lightweight graphite shaft instead of heavy steel, etc.
2 Iron vs. 3 Hybrid – What’s the Difference Here?
There is no shortage of golfers, both noobs and experienced, that have replaced their long irons with hybrids merely because the latter is so much easier to hit because of the big sweet spot, large profile, and the ability to produce a high launch with ease.
For a distance of more than 200 yards, a hybrid performs more effectively (twice as effective, to be more precise) than a long iron. But ceases to be so within 180 yards. So the difference here is that you shouldn’t carry irons you can hit above 180 yards. Rather use a hybrid in place of that. This is the most suitable for slow-swing golfers.
It’s the more experienced, professional players that play 2 iron instead of hybrid as it helps a great deal when it comes to keeping the ball flight low in windy weather.
2 Iron vs. 3 Wood – Which Is Better?
One is an iron and the other is a fairway wood, so both are not the same type of golf clubs. But they do have something in common, which is that both 2 iron and 3 wood are great long-iron alternatives.
3 wood has a loft angle of 15 degrees whereas 2 iron features a loft of 19 degrees. Performance-wise, it’s much easier to hit a 3 wood because of its larger sweet zone and bigger profile. At the same time, with 3 wood, launching the ball higher with more ease is possible. And you get a longer distance as well in comparison to 2 iron.
How to Hit 2 Iron
Because the clubhead is smaller on a 2 iron, there are certain instructions to keep in mind if you want to hit a good shot.
Correct the Ball Position
The golf ball should be placed further in the stance, around 2” inside the left heel, or the right heel if you’re a leftie. Otherwise, you don’t get the right angle of attack. But with correct ball positioning, the clubface gets enough time for squaring up at impact.
Adjust Your Posture
It’s only natural to adjust your posture for a longer golf club since it’s more difficult to hit in comparison to shorter clubs. Only when you do that right will you get to turn the shoulders effectively to hit good shots consistently using the 2 iron.
Create A More Balanced Swing
You can’t expect positive results when you’re only just swinging down hard. Rather you should be able to create a well-balanced, smooth swing. The goal is to allow the clubhead and your body to work in unison; more like a rhythmic golf swing instead of hitting the ball hard.
But how do you go about achieving this? Practice swings should help infuse some balance and rhythm into your golf swing. But practice with the golf club upside down. With this particular technique, you learn how to use those hips and shoulders (main muscles) for producing a well-balanced back and forth swing movement. It’s only when your arms interfere with this that swings tend to go off balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 Iron A Driving Iron?
A 2 iron is indeed also known as a driving iron. It’s basically long iron golfers use for their tee shots. This type of iron is what you use as an alternative to long irons, 5-wood, and hybrids off the tee. 2 irons or driving irons, since they keep the golf ball low, are the best for when the weather is windy.
Should Beginners Use 2 Iron?
It’s a long iron after all, right? And long irons almost every beginner finds the most challenging to hit. So beginners are often better off with higher-lofted woods or hybrids, which are so much easier to hit.
How Long Is the Shaft of 2 Iron?
The average shaft length of 2 iron is about 39 inches (steel) and 40 inches (graphite).
What is the Difference Between 2 Iron and Driver?
What actually differs is the clubhead shape. Drivers have a larger head, usually made of titanium. In fact, a driver has the largest clubhead in the golf bag.
As for 2 iron, this has a more blade-type design, which works the best for a shorter distance. And it’s mainly used for hitting long with a low ball flight. Many golfers prefer using a driving iron to achieve a straighter flight path with more accuracy.
But then if you’re a high handicapper, your first choice should be a hybrid, not a 2 iron or driving iron.
How Far to Hit 2 Iron?
Pros hit their 2 irons 240-270 yards. Some can squeeze greater distances in case they have a higher clubhead speed.
However, the standard distance of 2 iron can be anywhere between 200 yards and 250 yards (around 225 yards being the average distance). And this is largely based on the loft angle of the golf club and how tall you are.
Should High Handicappers Play A Driving Iron?
The best advice for a high-handicap golfer – DO NOT use a driving iron as it might cost you distance. Instead, hit straight and long off the tee with a driver, 3-wood, or hybrid.
Is A Driving Iron Hard to Hit?
In comparison to long irons, a driving iron is easier indeed. But then keep in mind that they produce lower shots. Hence, perfect for windy weather conditions where a low ball flight is just what you need for long distances.
Final Note
No denying that 2 irons are highly versatile since they’re such a great choice for both amateur golfers and professional players. Not just the latter!
Just make sure your swing speed, clubhead speed, and overall golfing abilities are at least well established at a decent level for you to be able to hit a 2 iron. Also, get the right shaft as well (for instance, slow-speed players should always choose lightweight graphite).
