Golf-FAQ.com

eli5 when to use each golf iron

by Keith Bahringer Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
image

The 5-iron can be used many times on a golf round for par three holes, and approach shots on both par 4 and 5’s. The 5-iron is also one of the longer irons that is possible to hit from the rough or the semi-rough. Even the fairway sand trap too.

Full Answer

What is a 5 iron used for in golf?

The 5-iron can be used many times on a golf round for par three holes, and approach shots on both par 4 and 5’s. The 5-iron is also one of the longer irons that is possible to hit from the rough or the semi-rough.

How do I know which irons are right for me?

By getting to know your collection of irons, you’ll be in better position to pick the right one for the distance and shot you have in front of you. • As irons get longer, the number on the bottom gets bigger -- and the farther the club hits the ball. • Shorter clubs have more loft and produce shots that come down more steeply and stop more quickly.

How do I choose the best beginner golf irons?

Beginners should always choose irons described as "game improvement" or "super game improvement," as these provide the golfer the most help. A typical, off-the-shelf set of irons will include a 3-iron through pitching wedge (advertised as "3-PW"), 8 clubs total.

What are the best irons for low handicap golfers?

Typically a low handicap recommendation, forged irons have found a way into the game improvement category with Srixon Golf. On the other end of the spectrum, the latest Srixon irons for lower handicap golfers provide more control and speed with their blade irons. Wilson Golf is the dark horse of high-quality irons.

image

What is the first wedge in a set after the 9 iron?

The first wedge in a set after the 9-iron is the pitching wedge. It got its name from the task that it accomplishes to well – the pitch. A short shot, often with a quarter or half swing, with a high trajectory will be perfect for the pitching wedge. It enables the golfer to land and stop the ball at a short distance.

How many slots are there in a driver putter?

If you’re looking to carry a driver, a 3- and a 5-wood and (of course) a putter you will have 10 slots left for the irons and wedges. Then you can carry a set of irons from 3-9 along with a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a lob wedge. But if you’re looking to add a hybrid, a 7-wood or even a 2-iron, then the compromise will start.

How hot is a lob wedge?

It usually comes in 60 degrees, but can be seen up to 64 degrees. Be aware that if you use this wedge in a tall grass lie, it will be possible to just dig away the grass under the ball, for the ball to drop down into the divot hole. If you master the lob wedge though, you will be able to pull off amazing shots.

Which is easier to hit, a short iron or a mid iron?

Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those will be used for the shortest approach shots and some very short par threes. The short irons are the easiest to hit. Lastly there are a vast selection of wedges to choose from. These can be utilized for many shots around the green and in and around hazards.

What is the back roll of an 8 iron?

When you play more and more, you will most likely develop the ability to put a little bit of spin on the ball. Spin with an 8-iron will most likely be one of the first irons where you’ll be able to achieve a back-roll. This is where the ball rolls further back towards you, from the point where it landed.

Why don't golf sets come with a 3 iron?

With the emergence of utility woods the long irons have become less and less popular. The 3-iron suffers from the fact that it is still quite hard to hit well consistently, for the inexperienced golfer. That is also why a lot of golf sets don’t come with a 3-iron, it is something that you need to request specifically.

What are the small numbers on a golf iron?

The small numbers are the long irons, and they will be used for tee shots or long approach shots. The middle numbers are obviously the mid irons, and they will be used on shorter par three holes and approach-shots that are not too long and require more accuracy. Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those ...

Why are irons called irons?

The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal.

Why are golf clubs called irons?

The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal. Of course, "woods" are now also made of metal, but that's a relatively recent development. Irons have featured metal clubheads (steel, these days) for centuries. The clubheads of irons are thin from front to back, and the clubfaces are grooved to impart spin on ...

What is the difference between a blade and a muscleback iron?

The difference is that a blade-style features a full back on the rear ...

How many clubs are in a set of irons?

A typical, off-the-shelf set of irons will include a 3-iron through pitching wedge (advertised as "3-PW"), 8 clubs total. The clubs are identified by a number (3, 4, 5, etc.) on the sole of each club, except for the pitching wedge which will have a "PW" or "P." Other irons may be available for purchase separately, including a 2-iron and additional wedges ( gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge). None of the additional clubs are necessary for beginners, and especially not the 2-iron. 1-irons used to be available, too, but are now virtually extinct.

How many yards is a 3-iron?

The yardage gap between irons is generally 10-15 yards. Your 3-iron, in other words, should produce shots that are 10-15 yards longer than your 4-iron. The specifics of this gap depend on the player, but the gap should be consistent from club to club.

What are the different types of irons?

Irons are generally categorized as long irons, mid-irons , and short irons. Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one ...

Why is a shorter shaft better?

A shorter shaft makes a club easier to control in the swing (think of baseball where a batter will " choke up " on the bat—essentially, shorten the bat—when he's simply trying to make contact rather than swing for the fences). More loft helps get the ball airborne and adds a little more control to the shot.

Super Game Improvement Irons

The super game improvement iron category has been around for less than a decade. There have always been versions of super game improvement irons, but today just about every manufacturer offers its own version.

Game Improvement Irons

Game improvement irons are a toned-down version of super game improvements irons and they fit a much wider range of golfers. Some players can actually stay in game improvement irons for their entire golf life.

Players Distance Irons

The players distance iron genre came out of necessity and consumer demand. Golfers playing game improvement irons who found they weren't getting enough spin on their approach shots but weren't ready sacrifice distance by switching to players irons needed another option. And with that, players distance irons were born.

Muscle Back Irons

Muscle back irons are a more forgiving alternative to the traditional blade. The point of a muscle back iron is to provide feel and workability to better players while incorporating some of the offset and forgiveness found in other types of irons. The word “muscle” refers to the noticeable material you’ll see near the sole on the back of the club.

Players Irons

Players irons are another broad category, but to to put it simply, they are intended for better golfers. Players irons can take on the design profile of cavity backs or muscle backs, but they typically don’t lean towards the blade profile.

Blade Irons

Blades irons feature the thinnest top and bottom line of any golf iron you can find. They are the least forgiving, lowest launching, and overall hardest to hit. Sold yet? No worries, blades aren’t for everyone, but for advanced players, blades can be a tremendous asset to your golf game.

Iron Selecting Guide

Now that you know all about every type of iron on the market, it's time to decide which style is best for your game. Use this table to help guide you to the perfect set of irons.

Mizuno Irons Handicap Chart

Mizuno irons have a reputation of being “better player irons.” While their latest selection of irons are geared toward low handicappers, they do offer a couple options for mid to high handicappers.

Callaway Irons Handicap Chart

Callaway irons are one of the most consistently high performance golf clubs in the market. Ever since they introduced Apex technology, their irons are the perfect blend of accuracy, distance and forgiveness.

Titleist Irons Handicap Chart

When it comes to irons, Titleist Golf is known for their blade designs and driving irons. You will see plenty of Titliest long irons on Tour utilized as driving irons when the fairways get too narrow.

TaylorMade Irons Handicap Chart

TaylorMade Irons also range from low to high handicap options. If you’re looking for a more controlled ball flight and like having some shot shaping skills in your bag, the TaylorMade P700 series is right up your alley.

Cobra Irons Handicap Chart

Cobra irons have a large offering for every skill level. If you’re looking for control and feel, you’ve got it; if you’re looking for speed and distance - check.

PING Irons Handicap Chart

PING irons have mainly focused on Moment of Inertia (MOI) as of late. By increasing the MOI, or resistance of the clubhead in the impact zone, PING Golf has given the clubface a much higher chance to be square at impact, creating straight, long shots.

Cleveland Irons Handicap Chart

Cleveland irons are focused on increasing your launch angle, as noted by the models listed below. Theoretically, the higher your golf ball goes - with the appropriate amount of spin - the longer your carry distance.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9