For mid to high handicap golfers, choosing the right club for tee shots and long approaches can be a game-changer. While hybrids and fairway woods are often the go-to options, driving irons—also known as utility irons—have gained popularity in recent years. But are they a wise addition to the bag for the average golfer? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.

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Pros of Driving Irons

1. Accuracy Off the Tee Driving irons offer a lower, more penetrating ball flight compared to hybrids or fairway woods. This makes them ideal for tight fairways or windy conditions where control is paramount. For golfers who struggle with dispersion, a driving iron can provide a straighter alternative.

2. Versatility While primarily used off the tee, driving irons can also be effective from the fairway or light rough. They’re particularly useful on firm courses where a low-running shot can chase up to the green.

3. Confidence for Strong Iron Players Golfers who are more comfortable with irons than woods may find a driving iron easier to align and swing. The compact head and familiar setup can inspire confidence, especially for those who dislike the look or feel of hybrids.

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Cons of Driving Irons

1. Less Forgiveness Driving irons typically have smaller clubheads and less perimeter weighting than hybrids, making them less forgiving on off-centre strikes. For mid to high handicappers who struggle with consistent contact, this can lead to poor results.

2. Demands Higher Swing Speed To get the most out of a driving iron, a reasonably fast swing speed is needed. Slower swingers may struggle to launch the ball high enough, resulting in low, underwhelming shots that don’t carry far.

3. Limited Use in Rough Unlike hybrids, which glide through thicker lies, driving irons can dig into the turf. This makes them less effective from the rough, limiting their versatility for players who miss fairways often.

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Verdict

Driving irons can be a valuable tool for mid to high handicappers who prioritize accuracy and play on firm, windy courses. However, they require solid ball-striking and may not offer the forgiveness or launch help that many average golfers need. For those unsure, testing one against a hybrid in a fitting session in a GolfSpace is the best way to decide.

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