How to Use the 2 Iron Golf Club

Tour player Tom Watson says the best shot he ever hit was a 2-iron approach that set up his winning par at the 1983 British Open. Hale Irwin cites a pair of 2-iron shots that helped him win the 1974 and 1990 U.S. Opens as among the most memorable strokes of his career. For most golfing beginners, however, the 2-iron is a difficult golf club to employ. That’s one reason so many players – from high-handicappers to PGA tour pros – have replaced the standard 2 iron golf club with hybrid golf clubs.

What is a 2 iron?

The 2-iron is one of the long irons or driving irons and typically measures 39 to 39½ inches long. It’s also one of the least-lofted clubs in the golf bag; other than the 1-iron, the putter and some drivers. That combination of length and loft makes the club difficult to hit on the golf course. But if you’re a low-handicap golfer with a fast swing speed – or perhaps you’re just more comfortable doing it the old-fashioned way – the 2-iron can be a valuable club – from tee to green.

How to tee off with a two iron?

Tee the golf ball lower than you would with a driver. Place the club head next to the ball; no more than one-quarter of the ball should rise above the middle of the club face when the ball is on the tee. Take your stance with the ball between your center of gravity and the inside of your left heel, and then sweep the ball off the tee with your golf swing. Choke down on the club a bit to gain greater control of your clubhead speed and accuracy. The 2-iron can be a good choice off the tee if you need to hit the ball with low loft and straighter than a driver would allow – on days with windy conditions, for example.

How to use a 2 iron in the fairway?

Play the ball a few inches forward of the center of your stance when using a 2-iron in the fairway. Your swing will resemble much of what a golf shot looks like with a fairway wood. Use a shallow arc on your backswing and a controlled backswing to maximize ball speed. (in other words, keeping the club low to the ground and sweeping in the backswing). Hit slightly down on the ball, taking a shallow divot after you hit the ball.

When you’re hitting an approach shot, remember that a lower ball flight will roll farther and won’t hold the green as easily. Use the 2-iron to bounce the ball onto the green, if the terrain permits, or to hit the front part of a larger green.

How to chip with a 2 iron?

Use a 2-iron to chip the ball if you have a good lie near the green and a clear path to the hole. Keeping your wrists firm (no wrist cock), take the club one-quarter to halfway back – depending how far you are from the hole – then swing straight through the ball, with a follow-through that at least equals the length of your backswing. Chip with a 2-iron when you don’t want to hit the ball high in the air. Land your chip shot well in front of the cup and watch the ball roll.

Where to get a 2-iron?

You can find 2-irons at any sporting goods store or big box retailers but if you want one right away; check Amazon. You can get the premium Taylormade P790 UDI with a steel shaft for $250 on Amazon.com. This is the same brand that Tiger Woods uses for his 2-iron while on the course.