Min Woo Lee, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, has been using his 2-iron off the tee for nearly half of his shots at TPC Sawgrass. Despite consistently ranking high in driving distance on the Tour, Lee has found success with his 2-iron due to his ability to hit it long and straight. During the first round of the Players Championship, Lee’s ball speed with the 2-iron was slightly below average but still produced impressive numbers. His strategy of using the 2-iron has proven effective, as he is currently tied for the lead at the tournament.
Lee’s affinity for the 2-iron is evident in his statistics, with clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex height, flight time, carry, and total distance all rivaling those of other players’ drivers. This unconventional approach has worked well for Lee on the challenging TPC Sawgrass course, where he has made cuts in all three appearances and achieved a sixth-place finish in his debut. Despite his ability to hit the ball far with his driver, Lee appreciates the versatility of the 2-iron and other clubs off the tee, allowing him to adjust his strategy based on the course layout and conditions.
In a post-round interview, Lee credited his 2-iron as a key weapon in his game at TPC Sawgrass, citing its ability to be shaped and hit straight for long distances. He expressed a preference for hitting the 2-iron whenever possible, although he acknowledges the need for variation in his club selection. The newly renovated 6th hole posed a challenge for Lee due to an overhanging tree, prompting him to opt for a 4-iron instead of his usual 2-iron to avoid running through the fairway. Despite averaging 320 yards with his driver, Lee appreciates the strategic opportunities presented by using different clubs off the tee on a course like TPC Sawgrass.
The PGA Tour has seen a rise in young players like Lee who are reshaping the traditional approach to golf. Lee’s success with the 2-iron and his willingness to adapt his game to suit the course’s demands highlight the importance of versatility and creativity in modern professional golf. His performance at the Players Championship serves as a testament to the effectiveness of using unconventional clubs for tee shots and showcases his ability to compete at the highest level. As the tournament progresses, Lee’s use of the 2-iron will be closely watched to see if he can maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard.
