I understand that most golfers have trouble with a 1-iron. I must not be typical, because I like a 1-iron.
When I played golf in my teens, I preferred my 1-iron to a regular driver. I took a break from golf for some years, and during that time, my home suffered a break-in. Among other things, they stole my set of clubs–including my 1-iron.
I’ve replaced the clubs, except for my 1-iron. No matter where I look (new or used golf equipment and sports stores), I can’t find one. The only one I’ve found was at an antique market, but it was too small for me.
So, my questions are:
– Are 1-irons still made?
– If so, who makes them?
– Are they so unusual nowadays that they would have to be specially ordered?
– What about these “driving irons” I’ve seen? Are they similar to a 1-iron; do they work the same sort of way?
– Yes, you most likely won’t find them on the rack because they’ll never sell.
– DI are usually similar to 1- and 2- irons, but a lot of manufacturers make their DIs so that they’re more of a mix between an iron and a wood, so they may not have that traditional 1- iron feel.
Most large golf stores (In the US - Golfsmith, Pro Golf Discount, Las Vegas Golf) have a decent selection of 1 irons. You can probably only get them in the more expensive makes and models like Titleist or Ping, etc. because most golfers playing cheap clubs can’t hit a 1 iron.
I bought a Titleist 962 “off the rack” at Golfsmith.
I don’t really know what a “driving iron” is. I have seen trouble woods, which are like a wood with a tiny head and around 20 degrees of loft, in fact I have one. The difference is that you can hit the trouble club from the rough but you wouldn’t even think of trying a one iron from long grass.
I only use my 1 iron from the tee. My course has a lot of doglegs that a driver is too much for, so I use the club exactly 3 times per round.