Long irons | USHandicap Classic

LBCbeerbrotha Professional
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I'm thinking of putting my 2 and 3 iron back into the bag and ditching my hybrids. Anyone out there hitting the long irons? Suggestions or comments are welcome.
LBCbeerbrotha Professional
# 16 1/16/2017 8:05:12 PM
That looks like so much fun. Hard to hit but fun I do understand the enthusiasm around hitting old irons like my Mizuno MP-29 1i as I played MP-29 blades for about 6-7 months, but I've come to the conclusion that without the ability to practice iron striking for several hours every day, blades and long irons are impractical for all but the better amateurs near scratch. I gave up on the blades, moved to MP-59 "muscle back" irons for a little over 1 season, and just changed those out to more forgiving JPX900 Forged irons. I've never had consistent ball flight that I would describe as 'pretty' until now. Sure, I had some awesome shots with the blades and the MP series, but my 'misses' with the JPX900 don't penalize me near as bad and I feel like I can still work the ball left or right if needed. I know that isn't necessarily on-topic, but I find that playing blades made me look cool to all the 20.x index players, but the single digits just laughed behind my back. Also - what hybrids do you have? If you're ditching them, I'll direct message you my address and pay for shipping ;) ;) Keep them, you may find them back in your bag at some point. That's funny. I have 913H 21 and 24 degree. I had the shafts fitted for me and the clubs are awesome. But the draw of long irons works. For now anyways.
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 17 1/16/2017 9:02:08 PM
1-IRON, ``Call it what you want. It's a dying breed.'' The 1-iron, perhaps the most fascinating club in the bag, has been on its way out for years as players opted for fairway metals to more easily get the ball in the air. Then came the hybrids, a cross between fairway metals and long irons, that are replacing even the 2-iron and 3-iron in some bags. I, love what Jack said about the 1-Iron. ``A lot of people had trouble getting the 1-iron in the air,'' Nicklaus said. ``I don't think it has anything to do with a sweet spot. I think it's basically a technique of power and speed to be able to hit the ball up in the air.''
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 18 1/16/2017 9:07:10 PM
The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying. And then there's Jack Nicklaus. ``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said. Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272. Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open. Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.
LBCbeerbrotha Professional
# 19 1/16/2017 9:42:32 PM
The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying. And then there's Jack Nicklaus. ``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said. Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272. Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open. Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack. The journey for that is why I enjoy the chase!
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 20 1/16/2017 10:02:06 PM
The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying. And then there's Jack Nicklaus. ``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said. Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272. Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open. Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack. The journey for that is why I enjoy the chase! AGREE. Hit it like Ben Hogan. The most famous photo in golf history: Ben Hogan hits a 1 iron toward the green on the 18th hole at Merion.
njgolfer Legend
# 21 1/17/2017 7:59:22 AM
I carried a 1 and 2 iron(s), or any long iron well into my 50's. I firmly believe if you have the swing speed and athleticism, these clubs are heaven sent, especially on tight fairways that need to be hit. Instead of a hybrid, which I have no love for, I now carry a 7 wood, which I have found very easy to hit either off a tee or lie.
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 22 1/17/2017 8:22:27 PM
I carried a 1 and 2 iron(s), or any long iron well into my 50's. I firmly believe if you have the swing speed and athleticism, these clubs are heaven sent, especially on tight fairways that need to be hit. Instead of a hybrid, which I have no love for, I now carry a 7 wood, which I have found very easy to hit either off a tee or lie. wow! you carry a 1 & 2 iron, good for you Fairways & Greens , my friend. I, like what Jack, says....``A lot of people had trouble getting the 1-iron in the air,'' Nicklaus said. ``I don't think it has anything to do with a sweet spot. I think it's basically a technique of power and speed to be able to hit the ball up in the air.''
Dandy Professional Champion
# 23 1/17/2017 9:21:24 PM
The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying. And then there's Jack Nicklaus. ``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said. Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272. Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open. Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack. And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that.
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 24 1/17/2017 10:10:58 PM
The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying. And then there's Jack Nicklaus. ``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said. Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272. Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open. Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack. And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that. that would be 19 - 23 Deg Loft and not 16 Deg Loft. wow. I, did not know that. Jack, had the loft altered to get the ball airborne. fairways & Greens makes 18 Majors.
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 25 1/17/2017 10:17:15 PM
It's fun to try and hit it, but I'd never keep it in my bag. Most of TylorMade 4 irons have the same loft as a 3i from a few years ago. I like my setup as D , 3w, 3hy, 4i - GW, 54, 58. I don't see any significant distance gaps other than self-inflicted gaps. Why punish yourself unnecessarily? Anyone who has never hit a 1i and is at the next NGT, I'll bring it. I, want to hit that 1-Iron. Count me in at the next 2017 NGT
HIGH_LANDER Legend
# 26 1/17/2017 10:19:30 PM
I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron. Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron?
Vincedaddy Legend
# 27 1/17/2017 11:03:03 PM
I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron. Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron? 5 yards short of Jay's 5-Iron?
LBCbeerbrotha Professional
# 28 1/18/2017 12:10:29 AM
I can't hit the 2i. It has a DG S300 shaft and I connect with an open face. Pushed everything right today. The 3i has a Project X 5.5 shaft and I hit it well today at the range. Let the chase continue tomorrow.
Dandy Professional Champion
# 29 1/18/2017 1:23:48 PM
And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that. that would be 19 - 23 Deg Loft and not 16 Deg Loft. wow. I, did not know that. Jack, had the loft altered to get the ball airborne. fairways & Greens makes 18 Majors. No, that was just the standard back then. Irons have continued to get stronger in the loft department
Dandy Professional Champion
# 30 1/18/2017 1:25:14 PM
I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron. Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron? 5 yards short of Jay's 5-Iron? ^^^^^ This. So about 205. That's with roll out.

LBCbeerbrotha

Professional

Go to Last Reply

249 Views 30 Replies 2 Likes

I'm thinking of putting my 2 and 3 iron back into the bag and ditching my hybrids.

Anyone out there hitting the long irons? Suggestions or comments are welcome.

LBCbeerbrotha

Professional

# 16 1/16/2017 8:05:12 PM

That looks like so much fun. Hard to hit but fun

I do understand the enthusiasm around hitting old irons like my Mizuno MP-29 1i as I played MP-29 blades for about 6-7 months, but I've come to the conclusion that without the ability to practice iron striking for several hours every day, blades and long irons are impractical for all but the better amateurs near scratch. I gave up on the blades, moved to MP-59 "muscle back" irons for a little over 1 season, and just changed those out to more forgiving JPX900 Forged irons. I've never had consistent ball flight that I would describe as 'pretty' until now. Sure, I had some awesome shots with the blades and the MP series, but my 'misses' with the JPX900 don't penalize me near as bad and I feel like I can still work the ball left or right if needed.

I know that isn't necessarily on-topic, but I find that playing blades made me look cool to all the 20.x index players, but the single digits just laughed behind my back.

Also - what hybrids do you have? If you're ditching them, I'll direct message you my address and pay for shipping ;) ;) Keep them, you may find them back in your bag at some point.

That's funny. I have 913H 21 and 24 degree. I had the shafts fitted for me and the clubs are awesome. But the draw of long irons works. For now anyways.

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 17 1/16/2017 9:02:08 PM

1-IRON, ``Call it what you want. It's a dying breed.''
The 1-iron, perhaps the most fascinating club in the bag, has been on its way out for years as players opted for fairway metals to more easily get the ball in the air. Then came the hybrids, a cross between fairway metals and long irons, that are replacing even the 2-iron and 3-iron in some bags.
I, love what Jack said about the 1-Iron. ``A lot of people had trouble getting the 1-iron in the air,'' Nicklaus said. ``I don't think it has anything to do with a sweet spot. I think it's basically a technique of power and speed to be able to hit the ball up in the air.''

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 18 1/16/2017 9:07:10 PM

The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying.

And then there's Jack Nicklaus.

``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said.

Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open

Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272.

Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open

In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open.

Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.

LBCbeerbrotha

Professional

# 19 1/16/2017 9:42:32 PM

The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying.

And then there's Jack Nicklaus.

``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said.

Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open

Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272.

Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open

In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open.

Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.

The journey for that is why I enjoy the chase!

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 20 1/16/2017 10:02:06 PM

The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying.

And then there's Jack Nicklaus.

``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said.

Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open

Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272.

Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open

In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open.

Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.

The journey for that is why I enjoy the chase!

AGREE. Hit it like Ben Hogan.

The most famous photo in golf history: Ben Hogan hits a 1 iron toward the green on the 18th hole at Merion.

njgolfer

Legend

# 21 1/17/2017 7:59:22 AM

I carried a 1 and 2 iron(s), or any long iron well into my 50's. I firmly believe if you have the swing speed and athleticism, these clubs are heaven sent, especially on tight fairways that need to be hit. Instead of a hybrid, which I have no love for, I now carry a 7 wood, which I have found very easy to hit either off a tee or lie.

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 22 1/17/2017 8:22:27 PM

I carried a 1 and 2 iron(s), or any long iron well into my 50's. I firmly believe if you have the swing speed and athleticism, these clubs are heaven sent, especially on tight fairways that need to be hit. Instead of a hybrid, which I have no love for, I now carry a 7 wood, which I have found very easy to hit either off a tee or lie.

wow! you carry a 1 & 2 iron, good for you Fairways & Greens , my friend.
I, like what Jack, says....``A lot of people had trouble getting the 1-iron in the air,'' Nicklaus said. ``I don't think it has anything to do with a sweet spot. I think it's basically a technique of power and speed to be able to hit the ball up in the air.''

Dandy

Professional Champion

# 23 1/17/2017 9:21:24 PM

The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying.

And then there's Jack Nicklaus.

``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said.

Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open

Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272.

Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open

In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open.

Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.

And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that.

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 24 1/17/2017 10:10:58 PM

The 1-iron is often referred to as a butter knife, although even some butter knives are more forgiving. It often requires the perfect blend of speed and power, which most players don't have or don't want to risk trying.

And then there's Jack Nicklaus.

``I would say that probably the best shots that I've played in golf, and the ones I remember the most, have been 1-iron shots,'' Nicklaus said.

Baltusrol, 1967 U.S. Open

Nicklaus needed a birdie on the 18th hole to tie the U.S. Open scoring record held by Hogan, but he had 238 yards for his third shot -- uphill, all carry, into the wind. He hammered his 1-iron to about 20 feet and made the putt to finish at 272.

Pebble Beach, 1972 U.S. Open

In what many consider his most memorable shot, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par-3 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and settled 6 inches away for birdie to clinch his third U.S. Open.

Man, I, wish I, could hit that 1-Iron, like Jack.

And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that.

that would be 19 - 23 Deg Loft and not 16 Deg Loft.
wow. I, did not know that. Jack, had the loft altered to get the ball airborne. fairways & Greens makes 18 Majors.

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 25 1/17/2017 10:17:15 PM

It's fun to try and hit it, but I'd never keep it in my bag.

Most of TylorMade 4 irons have the same loft as a 3i from a few years ago. I like my setup as D , 3w, 3hy, 4i - GW, 54, 58. I don't see any significant distance gaps other than self-inflicted gaps.

Why punish yourself unnecessarily?

Anyone who has never hit a 1i and is at the next NGT, I'll bring it.

I, want to hit that 1-Iron. Count me in at the next 2017 NGT

HIGH_LANDER

Legend

# 26 1/17/2017 10:19:30 PM

I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron.

Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron?

Vincedaddy

Legend

# 27 1/17/2017 11:03:03 PM

I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron.

Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron?

5 yards short of Jay's 5-Iron?

LBCbeerbrotha

Professional

# 28 1/18/2017 12:10:29 AM

I can't hit the 2i. It has a DG S300 shaft and I connect with an open face. Pushed everything right today.

The 3i has a Project X 5.5 shaft and I hit it well today at the range.

Let the chase continue tomorrow.

Dandy

Professional Champion

# 29 1/18/2017 1:23:48 PM

And that 1-iron that Jack carried had the loft of a modern 3 or 4 iron. You have to remember that.

that would be 19 - 23 Deg Loft and not 16 Deg Loft.
wow. I, did not know that. Jack, had the loft altered to get the ball airborne. fairways & Greens makes 18 Majors.

No, that was just the standard back then. Irons have continued to get stronger in the loft department

Dandy

Professional Champion

# 30 1/18/2017 1:25:14 PM

I still play a 2 and a 4 iron, but the 2-iron is a T-MB, and it's like cheating. They're amazing. The 4 iron is the MP-5 blade and I don't find it any harder to hit than a 7 iron.

Dandy, how far you hit that 2-Iron?

5 yards short of Jay's 5-Iron?

^^^^^ This. So about 205. That's with roll out.

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