In Defense of the Two Iron

By Eric Flowers for River’s Edge Golf Course

It was Lee Trevino who once famously said that “Not even God can hit a one iron.” He was only slightly exaggerating. And today’s club manufacturers are well aware of the age old struggle faced by golfers of all abilities: how to cover the distance between a trusted fairway wood and reliable 7 iron.

Thanks to hybrid and rescue, players don’t have face the frustration of trying to hit a two,three, or even four iron. (Many of the modern sets start at the five iron and work their way up to the pitching wedge).

I’m one of the many players who converted early to the hybrid club for the 200 + yard shot and have never looked back. (My three iron is formally retired and my four iron is reserved for punch shot recoveries).

Still, I know more than a few recreational players and weekend hackers that play golf in Bend and stubbornly refuse to come into the 21st Century. I’ve stopped long ago trying to convince them otherwise. And at this point, I’m ready to salute their obstinance. Their stubborn refusal to change is part of the game’s allure and its ongoing tradition.

Why the change of heart? Well consider this, the resuce or hybrid club is the logical solution to practical problem — a more forgiving and efficient club for situations (long approaches, distant par 3s and lies in the rough) that give all but the most gifted players fits.

Here’s the problem: Golf isn’t a logical game. It’s impractical by design and efforts to make it more practical defy the games very DNA.

So the next time your buddy pulls out his trusty two iron and carves one into the lava rock on Hole 6, don’t get angry.

Thank him for his commitment to futility and inefficiency. He is a guardian of the game.

PS: For those who are already too far gone to be redeemed by a good three iron, check out the full line of Titleist hybrid and rescue clubs in the River’s Edge pro shop. We are happy to let folks take them out for test drive on the range and offer professional fitting services. Two hundred yards isn’t as far as it looks.

Eric Flowers is a Bend-based freelance journalist and the former editor of Bend’s Source Weekly. His work appeared in 1859 Magazine, Oregon Business, Central Oregon Visitors Association and the Drake. He spends his free time with his wife and two daughters, chasing trout, fresh snow, firm trails and an even-par round of golf.