Driving irons, also known as utility irons, close the gap between irons and fairway woods. They are becoming increasingly popular. The fitting experts at HIO Fitting explain why this alternative to hybrids can be an advantage in the long game.
Guide: Everything you need to know about the driving iron
Strong performance from the tee box
Driving irons have long been established among professionals, but they are also becoming increasingly interesting for amateurs. In the following, the experts from HIO Fitting show how these clubs work, who they might be suitable for and which models are currently in vogue.
Driving irons: efficiency and control
Long irons have always been difficult to play, which is why many golfers prefer to use hybrids or woods. However, for those who prefer the classic look of an iron, driving irons could be the solution. These clubs combine the traditional style of an iron with modern technologies to increase forgiveness and make longer shots easier. Most utility irons also use graphite shafts, which allow for easier acceleration of the club head. This combination of components and special technologies is intended to make driving irons easier to play.
Technology and construction
Driving irons initially have a wider profile in order to distribute more weight in the edges and on the underside of the club head. This increases forgiveness and makes it easier to launch the ball. Modern models are also often equipped with cavity technology and special fillings to improve club head speed and sound. The chosen head shape thus supports a ball flight with less spin, which achieves more distance due to the flatter flight curve and longer roll.
Target group and use
Driving irons tend to fly flatter than hybrids and are particularly suitable for tee shots. They can also be used for shots into the green, but this requires high swing speeds and therefore high ball speeds in order to achieve a higher ball flight and less roll. Players who often play from the fairway or semi-rough into the green and want a club that is easier to play than a long iron and also generates more spin may be better off with a hybrid.
Example models based on TaylorMade
Different manufacturers use different technologies in the development of their utility irons. Which of the models is best suited to individual use should therefore be analyzed as part of a professional club fitting. In the following, the experts from HIO Fitting present different concepts of driving irons based on three TaylorMade models.
TaylorMade has three clubs in its range that fall into the category of driving irons: the P UDI, the P DHY and the new P790 UDI. The abbreviation UDI stands for Utility Driving Iron, which means that TaylorMade strategically covers both common names for this category of clubs. While the P790 UDI is still very reminiscent of a traditional iron, the other two clubs in the P family are characterized by more exotic designs. The P DHY is more like a hybrid and is therefore also referred to as a driving hybrid. The P UDI, on the other hand, has a futuristic, thick and powerful design. All models promise increased precision and optimum trajectories with maximum forgiveness.
The fitter’s view on driving irons
So much for the theory, but practice can differ considerably. Thanks to 15 years of fitting experience, the HIO experts have been able to accompany countless customers in their search for the perfect golf clubs. There are always people who would like to play a driving iron, after all, its characteristics sound quite conclusive and also advantageous in many aspects. Already during the fitting, or at the latest out on the course, fitters notice that utility irons perform worse than hybrids in one area in particular, namely when it comes to the forgiveness of the club types. A driving iron is significantly more difficult to hit, flies flatter and is not as consistent behind the ball as the hybrid. The typical slice is also amplified with a driving iron. The hybrid, on the other hand, has a natural draw tendency, which benefits many golfers, especially in the long transport clubs. For these reasons, the experts at HIO Fitting find that driving irons are by far the least used and fitted clubs at HIO, as most fitting customers are won over by the strong performance of hybrid clubs.
Nevertheless, the experts can draw important conclusions for the iron game from the technology of the driving irons: In general, a wider iron is always advantageous to approach precision play with even more control. It can also be helpful to use a wider model in the long 5 or 4 irons in order to increase forgiveness. Ultimately, the clear advantage of graphite shafts can also be seen in the irons, as the club is easier to move without compromising precision – even for athletic players.
To summarize, driving irons are an interesting alternative to hybrids, especially for players who prefer the classic look and controllability of an iron. Utility irons are characterized by their special design, which is intended to improve precision and fault tolerance. However, hybrids often offer greater forgiveness and consistency, making them the more popular choice for most golfers. Ultimately, however, it all comes down to individual playing style, which is why a professional fitting is essential to find the club that best suits your needs.