30.04.2024 - As a new golfer, stepping up to the tee box with a bag of unfamiliar clubs is intimidating. While the driver gets most of the glory for distance, the irons will become your constant companions on the course.
You'll use golf irons for various shots, from launching the ball high and soft onto the green to powering long approaches from the fairway. But with so many iron options available, how do you choose the correct set to improve your game?
Here are the different types of golf irons:
How Many Irons Do You Need?
With 14 golf clubs in a bag, it's easy for a beginner to get confused. This group of players often asks how many irons they should bring to the course. Golfers usually have between five and seven irons. Most beginners find shorter sets more convenient to use.
Many feel much more comfortable with the 7-iron because it has a fair loft, which makes it easier to launch. If you are accustomed to an iron-7, expanding to iron-6 and eight becomes easier. However, the best way to decide how many irons you need is to try different sets and see what feels most comfortable.
Types of Golf Irons
Golf has a lot of terminology: we already talk about iron-7 and other numbers there. Before you get lost, let's talk about different irons and what they do in golf. Iron golf clubs can be used in several situations on the golf course. However, they are primarily for approach shots to the green.
Golf irons are divided into three categories. Long irons consist of 2, 3, and 4 irons. They travel the furthest among irons but have a lower loft. Mid irons are 5, 6, and 7-irons. They offer an excellent balance between distance and control.
Finally, short irons are 8, 9-iron and pitching wedges. They travel shorter distances but with a higher loft.
Forged Irons
Forged irons are crafted from a single piece of soft metal (usually carbon steel or stainless steel) that's been heated, hammered, or pressed into shape.
This process creates a denser clubhead with a softer feel and excellent feedback. Skilled golfers love control and workability. However, forged irons are more expensive and require more skill to hit consistently.
Cast Irons
Cast irons are made by pouring molten metal into a mould. They are cheaper and more accommodating options. The manufacturing process allows for a wider cavity back design that redistributes weight for a more prominent sweet spot and more forgiveness on mishits.
Cast irons are an excellent choice for beginners and mid-handicappers who prioritize distance and forgiveness over pure feel.
Blade Irons (Muscle Backs)
These are classic forged irons with a thin topline, minimal offset, and a small, sweet spot. They offer maximum control and versatility in skilled golfers' hands. However, they require a precise swing for consistent results, and beginners may find them challenging to hit.
Cavity Back Irons
These irons feature a larger cavity at the clubhead's back. This redistributes weight for a larger sweet spot, making them more forgiving on off-center hits. Cavity-back irons are an excellent option for golfers who value forgiveness and distance over pure feel.
Game Improvement Irons
Taking the cavity-back design further, game improvement irons have even larger sweet spots and perimeter weighting for maximum forgiveness. They often have wider soles to help with turf interaction and strong lofting to generate more distance.
These irons are ideal for beginners and high-handicappers who are still developing their swing and need all the help they can get with launching the ball and achieving distance.
Super Game Improvement Irons
These are the most forgiving irons. They have a square clubface at impact, and strong lofts for maximum launch and distance. These are designed for golfers with high handicaps who prioritize getting the ball airborne and achieving playable distance through precise shot-shaping.
Player Performance Irons
These irons have a smaller clubhead and less offset, which increases feedback and shot-shaping ability. The compact design and high COG (center of gravity) enable you to control trajectory and ball flight precisely. These irons are best for experienced golfers.
Which Irons Should You Use?
There's no straight answer to what iron to use in golf. It depends on your experience and playing style. Workability and feel are very vital for skilled golfers. Mid-handicappers seek a balance between forgiveness and control, while beginners prioritize forgiveness and distance.
The best way to know is to try different irons or get fitted by a professional. They can adjust lie angles, loft, and shaft length to ensure the irons match your physical dimensions and swing mechanics. This will lead to better contact, improved accuracy, and more confidence in the course.
