Is the 1-Iron making a comeback?

 

The 1-iron was in its prime in the 1950's through the early 80's and in that time, it was the club responsible for a number of memorable shots. For example, Ben Hogan's second shot on the final hole in regulation at the 1950 U.S. Open forced a playoff, which Hogan won easily.

 

This shot produced what is perhaps the most famous golf photograph in the sport's history. Many of the other truly memorable 1-iron shots belong to Jack Nicklaus. In the 1972 U.S. Open, Nicklaus hit a 1-iron into the wind on the par three 17th. The ball hit the flagstick and came to rest less that a foot from the cup. Nicklaus tapped in for birdie, and clinched his third U.S. Open title. 

A difference of opinion

 

Affectionately referred to as the "butter knife" because of its flat face and nearly impossibly small surface area, the 1-iron invokes many different opinions from both professional and amateur golfers. Nicklaus once said, "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."

 

It would seem Jack was rather fond of the 1-iron. Lee Travino, it appears, had a slightly different opinion. Travino once said, "If you're caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1 iron." And perhaps the most comical quote of all came from Los Angeles Times writer, Jim Murray who quipped, "The only time I ever took out a 1-iron was to kill a tarantula, and I took a 7 to do that." 

A new generation of golf clubs

 

In its time, the 1-iron was most often called into action when wind was an issue and the shot needed to be low and controlled. However, today's hybrids offer that same low loft, with a much more forgiving surface area. That, combined with the evolution of the golf ball, which has the ability to fly much farther and straighter in any conditions, has made the 1-iron a bit of a forgotten club.

 

There are still a number of golf purists who prefer their irons over hybrids. However, the number of golf professionals who carry a 1-iron in their bag is nearly non-existent. Not only has golf equipment evolved, golfers themselves have evolved as well. Most of today's golf professionals are stronger and more fit than most of the pros from a generation ago. This physical strength gives many golfers an ability to hit a shot through wind that was much more difficult in the past.

While the 1-iron has certainly held a special place in the history of golf, it may be just that, history. Golf clubs have evolved to a point that the need for a 1-iron in the bag is just not there. However, if you have room in the bag for an extra club, you may want to consider the 1-iron. Just in case there's lightening!

 

By Dan Cole