Driving Irons
Driving irons are meant for speed. A LOT of speed. Sure, the heavy head design makes them easy to hit, but you have to understand to maximize the capabilities of the driving iron the way that it is intended, swing speed is key. They are the option to a fairway wood or a hybrid, and they are sleek in their design, however many golfers truly do not understand who a driving iron is really intended for. I am going to let you know right now. These ball speed numbers are courtesy of My Golf Spy.
Club Ball Speed/Club Speed
Ping iCross. 134.0 mph/91.78 mph
TM UDI 790 133.7 mph/91.57 mph
TM Stealth UDI 133.5 mph/91.43 mph
Srixon ZX MKII 133.1 mph /91.16 mph
TM Stealth DHy 132.9 mph/91.02 mph
Avg. Ball Speed=133.02 mph/91.39 mph
Now if you go to a club fitter and your average swing speed with your longest iron is underneath 91 mph, then a driving iron is not for you. You simply cannot compress the ball efficiently to utilize the driving iron technology the way that it is designed. In this case, a hybrid or a 5 or 7 fairway wood is the better option.
Now, if that answer is not what you want to hear, then the other option is for you to build a bigger engine. That is to say, begin a workout regimen where you gain swing speed, so that you are capable of utilizing the clubs in your bag the way that they were designed.
Driving irons are not for everyone, but if you feel the need, then you need the speed. Perhaps this has made you realize you just may need a driving iron.
-David