Jason Day’s towering 2-irons at TPC Sawgrass were a big part of his fairway-finding success, so we give options to help you find the short grass, too.
By Dave Pauley
If you watched any of the Players Championship last week, you probably noticed Jason Day often relying on his 2-iron from the tee en route to the convincing wire-to-wire victory. Not only did the World No. 1 hit a lot of fairways with this mythical wonder club, but his extraordinarily high and straight bombs touched over 300 yards multiple times.
With the combination of a shorter shaft, more loft and fade bias than many hybrids and fairway woods on the market today have, Day’s 17-degree TaylorMade RSi 2-iron with a Dynamic Gold X7 shaft is a prototype model not available for retail purchase. But TaylorMade does offer a comparable alternative available to the public, and along with similar options from Callaway Golf and Ping, it may be worth taking a page from Day’s book to hit more fairways yourself.
TaylorMade M1
The tour-inspired TaylorMade M1 Rescue hybrid has moveable weights that allow for a straight or fade bias, meaning the better player who fights a hook with other hybrids need not worry, as this club’s adjustability and ease to hit provide the full package for clubs in this category. And with lofts of 17, 19, 21 and 24 degrees, the M1 has you covered no matter what gapping your bag calls for.
Callaway Apex Utility
Callaway offers the Apex Utility (UT) iron, where their unique Forged Cap Face technology was used to create a faster face and larger sweet spot. Heavier sole-weighting also lowers the CG, creating higher ball flight and more consistent contact. Offered in lofts of 18, 21 and 24 degrees, the Apex Utility should be incredibly easy to keep the ball in the middle of the fairway, while not sacrificing too much distance.
Ping Crossover
This year, Ping joined the market by launching the Crossover. This 
club combines the precision, workability and control of an iron, but with the speed and forgiveness of a hybrid. It’s not a driving iron and not a hybrid, but a true crossover between the two in the eyes of Ping’s engineers. Offered in lofts of 18, 21 and 24 degrees, the Crossover is incredibly forgiving and creates a towering launch, enabling the golfer to hold greens while achieving maximum distance. The control of an iron and the distance of a hybrid is just what you need to keep it long and straight.
Now back to 2-irons…
While we may not be able to carry a 2-iron 258 yards like Jason Day, any of these alternatives can help every golfer employ the same fairway-finding course management Day used to win The Players.
So, sit back, relax, and watch one of the prettiest 2-irons on Tour …
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