Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Golf) A long iron club with the most nearly vertical face: A "driving iron" is a type of golf club, specifically a long iron, characterized by having a clubface with very little loft (i.e., the most upright or vertical angle among irons). It is designed to hit the ball a long distance with a low trajectory, often from the tee or fairway.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He selected his driving iron for the long par-3 hole.
  • The driving iron is less common in modern bags, often replaced by hybrid clubs.
  • Her accurate shot with the driving iron landed the ball safely on the green.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "driving iron" traditionally refers to a 1-iron or 2-iron, clubs known for their difficulty to hit due to the minimal loft. In contemporary golf, these clubs are rarely used by amateur players.
• Technical Specification: The "most nearly vertical face" refers to the club's loft angle, which is typically between 14 to 18 degrees for a 1-iron or 2-iron, making it the flattest-faced iron.

Variants and Related Words

• 1-iron: Often synonymous with a traditional driving iron.
• Long iron: A category of golf clubs (typically 1, 2, 3, and 4-irons) that includes the driving iron.
• Utility iron / Driving Iron (Modern): In modern equipment, some manufacturers market "driving irons" or "utility irons" that are more forgiving and designed as alternatives to long irons or fairway woods.

Synonyms

• 1-iron
• Long iron (in the specific context of the club with the least loft)

Related Idioms or Phrases

Noun

1. (golf) the long iron with the most nearly vertical face