Hybrid and utility irons have changed the look of the typical golf set composition. Not too long ago, the 2-iron was a great club for hitting stingers off the tee or chasing one to the green in two on a par-5. But with launch monitors and modern putting data, it turns out that the 2-iron golf club can be a little tougher to hit than most golfers realized. Has the 2-iron become obsolete and replaced by more forgiving and versatile options? Does anyone still carry a 2-iron? If not, what has taken its place?
Longest iron in the bag: Handicap damage
Shooting range helped us with some data on players’ club selections based on their handicaps. Most scratch players don’t have the same makeup that higher handicap players do. What we found is that even players with handicaps lower than 10 don’t carry a 2-iron or even a 3-iron.
Shot Scope’s data on golfers of all handicaps reveals interesting trends around the longest irons in golfers’ bags:
| Handicap | The longest iron in the bag | endnoteS |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3-iron or 3-hybrid | Some keep both and drop the lobe wedge. 50/50 split between 3-iron and 3-hybrid. |
| 5 | 4-iron | The 3-iron was swapped out for a hybrid 3 for more forgiveness. |
| 10 | 5-iron | The 4-iron is swapped out for a 4-hybrid, two hybrids in the bag |
| 15 | 5-iron | Longer irons replaced by hybrids/woods. |
| 20 | 5-iron | The preference shifts to more hybrids and woods. |
| 25 | 5-iron | Same makeup as the 20 handicap golfer |
These data show that, as the handicap increases, players are more likely to carry 2, 3, and 4 irons out of the golf bag. You’ll notice that even scratch players choose the hybrid over the long iron 50 percent of the time.
What replaces the 2-iron?
If golfers are no longer carrying the 2-iron golf club, what are they doing to fill that yardage gap? There are three options for replacing a 2-iron, which typically has 18 to 20 degrees of loft.
5-wood
The 5 wood generally has about 19 degrees of loft. Offers a higher release and more forgiveness than a traditional 2-iron. Additionally, if your lie is less than ideal, the 5-wood can help you get away a little easier than the 2-iron.
At one point, it was reported that Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas tested 2 irons but ended up adding 5 woods to their bags. McIlroy now carries one TaylorMade Qi10 5-wood (18 degrees) while Thomas uses a Title 915 Fd.
3-hybrid
The 3-hybrid is easier to hit than a long iron. It’s also a versatile club that works from a variety of lies and conditions. In fact, some players find it easier to use from the fairway than a 5-wood and certainly easier than a 2-iron.
The 3-hybrid is a natural addition to the setup for players who hit their irons well.
Utility irons
The utility iron is probably the most direct replacement for the 2-iron golf club. It will have the same loft and look similar to the 2-iron.
The difference between most utility/driving irons and the 2-iron golf club is that they have wider soles to help increase forgiveness.
Do manufacturers still make 2-irons?
Some manufacturers make 2 irons or swing irons, but very few still make a traditional 2 iron. of Mizuno Pro 245 The 2-iron has 16.5 degrees of loft. Most manufacturers make a 3 iron in the player and player distance iron groups. It’s common to see the 4-iron or 5-iron as the longest in the game-improving and super-game-improving sets.
Why carry a 2 iron?
If you’re still holding an iron from 2 years ago, you might want to test it on a launch monitor and make sure you’re getting the consistency, accuracy and distance you think you’re getting. The 2-iron isn’t as popular as it once was simply because of its lack of forgiveness.
The 2-iron golf club leaves very little room for error. That’s why you see players like Tiger Woods playing one. When hitting a 2-iron fairway, it’s great for tip shots into tight fairways and creating a low, penetrating ball flight into the wind.
The problem is the lack of consistency the club offers for mid and high handicap players. Try hybrids, fairway woods and modern utility irons to see if their performance is a better fit.
Final thoughts
Golfers who prefer traditional setups or situational hitting requirements often carry a 2 iron in their bag. For most players, however, hybrids, 5-woods and utility irons offer a better mix of forgiveness, distance and versatility.
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