Definition

Noun: * A type of golf club: A "long iron" is a specific category of golf club. It is characterized by having a relatively long shaft and a clubhead (the "iron") with a steep face and minimal loft (the angle of the face). This design is intended for hitting golf balls over long distances with a low, penetrating ball flight.

Usage

• "Long irons" are typically used for shots from the fairway that require maximum distance, such as second shots on long par-4 or par-5 holes.
• They are numbered, with lower numbers indicating less loft and longer potential distance (e.g., a 1-iron, 2-iron, 3-iron, and sometimes 4-iron are considered long irons).
• Because they are difficult to hit consistently, many modern golfers replace them with hybrid clubs.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "short iron" (e.g., 9-iron, pitching wedge) and "mid-iron" (e.g., 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron).
• In golf commentary, you might hear: "He has a long iron in his hands for this crucial shot into the green."

Variants and Related Words

• Iron (n): The broader category of golf clubs with a flat, angled metal head. All long irons are irons, but not all irons are long irons.
• Hybrid (n): A modern club designed to replace a long iron, combining features of irons and woods for easier launch.
• Fairway wood (n): Another type of club used for long-distance shots, but with a larger, rounded head compared to an iron.

Synonyms

• Driving iron (n): A term sometimes used for a 1-iron or 2-iron, emphasizing its use for long, straight tee shots.
• Low-numbered iron (n): A descriptive synonym (e.g., 2-iron, 3-iron).

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Short iron (n): A golf club with a shorter shaft and much higher loft, used for shorter, higher-flying shots near the green (e.g., 9-iron, wedge).
• Putter (n): A club used exclusively for rolling the ball on the green.

Noun

1. an iron with a long shaft and a steep face; for hitting long low shots