While the 1-iron has long been thought of as one of the hardest golf clubs in the bag to hit, today it is more aptly described as the hardest club to find in anyone's bag. Even though the 1-iron is the longest iron available, its small surface area makes it a very difficult club to strike cleanly. That, combined with the evolution of golf equipment, has rendered the 1-iron virtually obsolete.
Famous 1-Iron shots
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!