Can you use an iron off the tee in golf?
Irons can be played from the teeing ground, using a golf tee, and it is often appropriate to do so. On a par-3 hole, for example, you will probably use an iron on your tee shot. Or you might use an iron off any (or even every) tee in order to have better control over the shot.
What are the long irons in golf?
Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one of the long irons. We still classify it as a mid-iron, however, as do most.)
How to hit a successful iron tee shot?
Consistent contact is the key to a successful iron tee shot, so pay close attention to your stance and your movement during each swing. Tip #3 – Swing down on the ball. Many golfers, both experienced and inexperienced, will sometimes try to help lift the ball with their golf swing.
What are the easiest golf irons to hit?
Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those will be used for the shortest approach shots and some very short par threes. The short irons are the easiest to hit. Lastly there are a vast selection of wedges to choose from. These can be utilized for many shots around the green and in and around hazards.
Do you hit off a tee with an iron?
If you are playing from the correct tee box, most par-3s you encounter should leave you with an iron into the green. There are times when a hybrid or even fairway wood will be required, but for the most part, you'll be hitting irons off these tees. For this reason, you need to learn how to hit irons off the tee.
Can you tee off with a 2 iron?
The 2-iron can be a good choice off the tee if you need to hit the ball low and straight – on windy days, for example.
Can you tee off with a 3 iron?
They allow you to lay up to the precise distance and put yourself in a promising position for your next shot. My home golf course is short, so I can bang a 3-iron on most par 5's and have a 5-iron into the green. However, the fairways are lined with trees, leaving no room for error.
Do you use a tee with a 9 iron?
1:514:36Perfect tee height for irons – hit your irons further from the tee - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor a starter that will make it easier to hit that long iron in the middle of the fairway for theMoreFor a starter that will make it easier to hit that long iron in the middle of the fairway for the better player when he uses a 9-iron or a 5-iron.
What club should I use to tee off?
You can tee off with any club that you'd like. This means you can tee off with a driver, hybrid, wood, iron, or even a putter. The USGA has no rules on which clubs a golfer can or cannot tee off with.
What iron do you use for distance?
Loft Angle (Degree) This angle provides the golfer with distance, with a little more loft than a driver. Irons, ranging from a 3-iron to a 9-iron, are primarily used for shots into greens for varying distances, with the loft increasing — therefore distance decreasing — with higher numbered irons.
How should a beginner tee off?
3:355:38How to Hit Driver for Beginners (Beginner Golf Tips) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you're gonna do you're gonna tee the ball up. So about half of its above. Top of the club headMoreWhat you're gonna do you're gonna tee the ball up. So about half of its above. Top of the club head we're gonna get our stance width. About shoulder width we're going to take our lead shoulder.
Should you tee up a wedge?
Irons & Wedges: For long to mid-irons (2-5i), golfers should look to leave a quarter of the tee above ground, while for shorter irons and wedges ((6i-wedges) players should press the tee all the way into the ground so that only the head of the tee remains above the turf.
Can you tee off with a hybrid?
1:562:59Perfect tee heigh for hybrids - hit your hybrid further from the tee - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich is available which you can do with a hybrid. If i have normal conditions i want to play theMoreWhich is available which you can do with a hybrid. If i have normal conditions i want to play the ball from a slightly lower t towards inside of my left foot. And if i want to play the ball. Lower i
What iron should I use on a par 3?
9-ironUse a 9-iron on a short par-3 of about 130 yards. The 9-iron will help you get loft on the ball, and that's important because you want the ball to come in high and soft. If you come into the green high and soft, your shot is much less likely to bounce off the green.
Should I tee up on a par 3?
In the fairway, when the ball sits on the ground, you might hit it thin or fat. But if you tee the ball a little higher on a par 3, you can make more of a sweeping swing, and you've just eliminated the two things you don't want to happen. JIM FLICK: Jack's comments show once again how the mind of a great player works.
What size tees for irons?
2.75-inch: For small-head drivers. 2.125-inch: For hybrids, fairway woods, and irons. 1.5-inch: For hybrids and irons.
When should you tee off with an iron?
The simple answer? As often as possible. It's much easier to hit a quality shot off of a tee, since you're taking grass out of the equation. A clea...
Can you use a tee on the fairway?
The official rule is no, you can't use a tee on the fairway. Tee boxes are reserved for tee shots. Even though some golfers may bend the rule in ca...
Do pros tee up irons?
On a tee shot, yes. There is a reason why tees are only permitted on the tee box. Pros know that anything they can do to ensure direct club to ball...
How can you hit your irons better?
Make sure you're setting your tee to the proper height (1/4" off the ground or just slightly above the grass). Pay close attention to your stance a...
Why do you hook irons off the tee?
There are a few reasons why you hit hook shots. It could be that your grip is too strong, your alignment is off or your swing needs some adjustments.
How do you hit long irons off the tee?
It takes some practice to get good with long irons, but there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure a better hit. Widen your stance. The lo...
Should you use a tee when hitting an iron off the teebox?
Definitely. Since you only get to use a tee on the tee box, take advantage of the opportunity to hit the ball without any grass getting in the way....
Should you tee up your iron on a par 3?
Definitely. Tees set to the proper iron height (1/4" or just slightly off the ground) will take grass out of the equation and allow you to hit a be...
How often do you see golfers practicing iron tee shots at the range?
Not nearly enough. Everyone loves crushing the ball, but getting good with your irons can make a huge difference. I take a 20/30/50 approach.
Why are golf clubs called irons?
The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal. Of course, "woods" are now also made of metal, but that's a relatively recent development. Irons have featured metal clubheads (steel, these days) for centuries. The clubheads of irons are thin from front to back, and the clubfaces are grooved to impart spin on ...
What are the different types of irons?
Irons are generally categorized as long irons, mid-irons , and short irons. Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one ...
Why are irons called irons?
The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal.
What is the difference between a blade and a muscleback iron?
The difference is that a blade-style features a full back on the rear ...
How many clubs are in a set of irons?
A typical, off-the-shelf set of irons will include a 3-iron through pitching wedge (advertised as "3-PW"), 8 clubs total. The clubs are identified by a number (3, 4, 5, etc.) on the sole of each club, except for the pitching wedge which will have a "PW" or "P." Other irons may be available for purchase separately, including a 2-iron and additional wedges ( gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge). None of the additional clubs are necessary for beginners, and especially not the 2-iron. 1-irons used to be available, too, but are now virtually extinct.
How many yards is a 3-iron?
The yardage gap between irons is generally 10-15 yards. Your 3-iron, in other words, should produce shots that are 10-15 yards longer than your 4-iron. The specifics of this gap depend on the player, but the gap should be consistent from club to club.
Why is a shorter shaft better?
A shorter shaft makes a club easier to control in the swing (think of baseball where a batter will " choke up " on the bat—essentially, shorten the bat—when he's simply trying to make contact rather than swing for the fences). More loft helps get the ball airborne and adds a little more control to the shot.
Why don't golf sets come with a 3 iron?
With the emergence of utility woods the long irons have become less and less popular. The 3-iron suffers from the fact that it is still quite hard to hit well consistently, for the inexperienced golfer. That is also why a lot of golf sets don’t come with a 3-iron, it is something that you need to request specifically.
What are the small numbers on a golf iron?
The small numbers are the long irons, and they will be used for tee shots or long approach shots. The middle numbers are obviously the mid irons, and they will be used on shorter par three holes and approach-shots that are not too long and require more accuracy. Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those ...
What is the first wedge in a set after the 9 iron?
The first wedge in a set after the 9-iron is the pitching wedge. It got its name from the task that it accomplishes to well – the pitch. A short shot, often with a quarter or half swing, with a high trajectory will be perfect for the pitching wedge. It enables the golfer to land and stop the ball at a short distance.
How many slots are there in a driver putter?
If you’re looking to carry a driver, a 3- and a 5-wood and (of course) a putter you will have 10 slots left for the irons and wedges. Then you can carry a set of irons from 3-9 along with a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a lob wedge. But if you’re looking to add a hybrid, a 7-wood or even a 2-iron, then the compromise will start.
How hot is a lob wedge?
It usually comes in 60 degrees, but can be seen up to 64 degrees. Be aware that if you use this wedge in a tall grass lie, it will be possible to just dig away the grass under the ball, for the ball to drop down into the divot hole. If you master the lob wedge though, you will be able to pull off amazing shots.
Which is easier to hit, a short iron or a mid iron?
Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those will be used for the shortest approach shots and some very short par threes. The short irons are the easiest to hit. Lastly there are a vast selection of wedges to choose from. These can be utilized for many shots around the green and in and around hazards.
What is the back roll of an 8 iron?
When you play more and more, you will most likely develop the ability to put a little bit of spin on the ball. Spin with an 8-iron will most likely be one of the first irons where you’ll be able to achieve a back-roll. This is where the ball rolls further back towards you, from the point where it landed.
What degrees are driving irons?
2 Iron – 17-19 degrees. 3 Iron-19-22 degrees. 4 Iron- 22-25 degrees. Compared to standard irons, driving irons generally have a bulkier back of the club, which adds more weight to the swing and the ability reach further distances off the tee. They are different than hybrid golf clubs which are the combination of a fairway wood and an iron clubface.
How to hit a driving iron?
Tips to Hit a Driving Iron Successfully 1 Play the ball higher in the stance- The golf ball needs to be played closer to your front foot 2 Don’t break the wrists- During the backswing, drag the club about 2 feet before starting your swing. If you break the wrists to soon and start the swing, you are going to come down too steep at the golf ball and struggle with consistency. 3 Hold the finish- After making contact, make sure to rotate all the way through the ball so that your chest is pointing towards your target. This helps make sure you are fully releasing the clubface through impact.
What is the consistency of driving irons?
Consistency- Many golfers struggle with finding consistency in a driving iron. In addition to the small clubface, driving irons require a golf swing much similar to that of a 4 iron or 5 iron which are hard clubs to hit for beginning golfers. (Follow the steps below to improve!)
What does driving irons look like?
Some golfers like the look of irons better than fairway woods or drivers. Driving irons resemble the look of an iron which is appealing to a lot of golfers when setting up at the ball.
What happens when you play golf in wind?
Windy conditions- If you have ever played golf into the wind, you know how much distance you can lose off the tee. With a driving iron, golfers can hit long, low shots that don’t get too high into the air and cause the ball to balloon even higher . Trees- Trees are prevalent on most golf courses and can be frustrating when trying to avoid them.
How many clubs can you use in golf?
The ability to be able to hit low golf shots can be beneficial in poor playing conditions or when needed to hit under trees. The USGA allows golfers to use up to 14 golf clubs, including a putter. So if you are under 14 clubs, it wouldn’t hurt to add a driving iron to your bag!
How far should you drag the club before you start your swing?
Don’t break the wrists- During the backswing, drag the club about 2 feet before starting your swing. If you break the wrists to soon and start the swing, you are going to come down too steep at the golf ball and struggle with consistency.
The Test
Over the past several years, I’ve conducted a lot of interesting tests using my launch monitor. It helps shed light on topics like driver dispersion, how ball position can affect your ball flight, and how often you should change your wedges. Granted, these are hardly scientific experiments.
4-Iron Results
For a long time, I avoided hitting my driver in favor of safer clubs off the tee. On holes that had tighter landing areas, I often chose a club like my 4-iron. I never stopped to think about the relationship between accuracy and distance, though.
Driver Results
Over the past several years, I’ve put a lot of work into my driver. Where I used to consider it a liability off the tee, I view it as one of the strengths in my game now. That’s not to say I’m perfect with it every round, but my overall performance is far better.
Some Analysis
On the whole, I believe hitting an iron off the tee to gain accuracy would be a losing strategy in the long run for my game. The amount of distance I’m losing far outweighs the precision I would gain, which was less than I expected it would be.
When Limiting Distance Makes Sense
I don’t want to suggest that all of you should hit driver off the tee every single time, swing as hard as possible, and be aggressive on every hole. The other key factor in tee shot analysis is avoiding big trouble. Eluding fairway bunkers, trees, deep rough, and penalty areas is just as important as how far you can hit the ball.
A Few Caveats and Closing Thoughts
While some of the analysis I’ve done does apply to many golfers, your results might not be the same as mine. It’s very possible that some of you are so erratic with your driver, that it does not make sense to hit it on certain holes. My advice would be not to avoid it altogether.
Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?
He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
Is hitting fairways the same as a 5I?
Hitting fairways is important, but it’s not on the same level as having a pitching wedge as opposed to a 5I on your approach. Just like Myth #1, this is absolutely busted. In fact, we found that, at least for some golfers, the driver is significantly more accurate.
Is there consistency advantage to short clubs?
In sum, there is no clear consistency advantage to shorter clubs. While the results are mixed, the onus is on the distance-challenged short clubs to prove their worth off the tee, and they failed to make their case. This is a myth that doesn’t lend itself to being busted or confirmed because it’s too ambiguous.
Is hitting driver on every hole a meat head?
It turns out that the guy who hits driver on every hole isn’t a meat head after all…at least not when it comes to club selection. Our testing found that hitting driver off the tee results in longer, more consistent, and more accurate shots than any other club.
Can you put a golf ball on the ground?
No, you can place your ball on the surface of the ground. The surface of the ground includes the turf, whether you might have raised it up by creating a little divot, or you may have placed a small pile of sand on the ground so you can tee your ball up.
Do all tees have to be created equal?
All tees are created equal, unless you believe the marketing spin that the manufacturers put on their product. This is because tees must not be designed to influence the movement of the ball or assist the player in making a stroke.
Can you tether a tee to an anchor?
You are permitted to tether your tee to an anchor (to reduce the chance of losing your tee) but the tees and anchor are not permitted to be used to assist the player in making a stroke, such as indicating the line of play.
Set Composition
Loft, Length, and Distance
- As you go through the set, from the 3-iron to the pitching wedge, each iron has a little more loft than the previous, and a little shorter shaft length than the previous, so each club (going from 3-iron to PW) hits the golf ball a little less distance than the previous. That is, a 5-iron has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots than the 4-iron; the 4-iron has more loft, a shorter sh…
Long, Mid-, and Short Irons
- Irons are generally categorized as long irons, mid-irons , and short irons. Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one of the long irons. We still classify it as a mid-iron…
Distances
- Learning your distances—how far you hit each club—is much more important than trying to hit each club to some predetermined "correct" yardage. There is no "right" distance for each club, there is only your distance. That said, a typical male recreational golfer might hit a 4-, 5-, or 6- iron from 150 yards, while a typical female might use a 3-wood, 5-wood, or 3-iron from that distance. …
Hitting
- Irons can be played from the teeing ground, using a golf tee, and it is often appropriate to do so. On a par-3 hole, for example, you will probably use an iron on your tee shot. Or you might use an iron off any (or even every) tee in order to have better control over the shot. But most of your iron shots will come from the fairway. Irons are design...