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how to know what iron to use in golf

by Fiona Balistreri Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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The clubheads of irons are thin from front to back, and the clubfaces are grooved to impart spin on the golf ball. Accomplished players might choose a "muscleback" or "blade" style of iron, whereas beginners and most recreational players will want a "cavity back" style.

IRONS
  1. 2-iron = 105 to 210 yards.
  2. 3-iron = 100 to 205 yards.
  3. 4-iron = 90 to 190 yards.
  4. 5-iron = 80 to 175 yards.
  5. 6-iron = 70 to 165 yards.
  6. 7-iron = 65 to 155 yards.
  7. 8-iron = 60 to 145 yards.
  8. 9-iron = 55 to 135 yards.

Full Answer

What are the different irons in golf?

Sep 14, 2019 · Courtesy. There are dozens of iron options on the market (and more coming), but only three types: Players, Players Distance and Game Improvement. Knowing what best suits your game will make the ...

How do I know which irons are right for me?

Nov 19, 2019 · THE LOFT, LENGTH, AND DISTANCE. Irons are divided into three sets; long irons (2, 3 and 4-irons), mid-irons (5, 6 and 7-irons) and short irons (8 and 9-irons, plus the pitching wedge). Long irons are used to hit the ball further with a shorter loft, while the short irons are designed to produce a higher loft.

How do I choose the best beginner golf irons?

Jul 28, 2020 · The highest numbered iron, and therefore the shortest. Like all the other irons it has no particular key usage, but is good for various shots around the course. Most golfers will use it for short par threes or short approach shots. Wedges It might seem counter intuitive to begin calling irons different names when they get more loft than a 9-iron.

What is considered a short iron in golf?

2-iron: 190 yards: Not recommended; 4-wood or hybrid = 170 yards: 3-iron: 180 yards: Not recommended; 5-wood or hybrid = 160 yards: 4-iron: 170 yards: 150 yards (consider a hybrid, instead) 5-iron: 160 yards: 140 yards: 6-iron: 150 yards: 130 yards: 7-iron: 140 yards: 120 yards: 8-iron: 130 yards: 110 yards: 9-iron: 120 yards: 100 yards: Pitching wedge: 110 yards: 90 yards: …

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How do I know which golf clubs to use?

To figure out which golf club to use for a specific shot, you need to know the average distance you hit a ball with each golf club in your set. Then, you simply choose the golf club that fits the distance you need to hit. The best way to find out is to hit about 50 balls with each club.Mar 15, 2022

What golf clubs to use for what shots?

Generally speaking, a 3-wood is used for a shot in the range of 210 yards, while a 3-iron is used for a shot in the range of 180 yards. A 5-wood is used for a shot of about 180 yards, while a 5-iron is used for a shot of about 160 yards.

How far should you hit a 7 iron?

172 - 215 ydsThe average distance golfers hit each club varies widely. A PGA Tour player hits a 7-iron between 172-215 yards....Average Distances for PGA Tour Players.ClubAverage Distance7 Iron172 - 215 yds8 Iron160 - 200 yds9 Iron148 - 185 ydsPitching Wedge136 - 170 yds7 more rows

What size iron should I use golf?

The Complete Golf Club Length ChartGOLF CLUBLENGTH FOR MEN (steel/graphite shaft)LENGTH FOR WOMEN (steel/graphite shaft)5-iron38/38.5 inches37/37.5 inches6-iron37.5/38 inches36.5/37 inches7-iron37/37.5 inches36/36.5 inches8-iron36.5/37 inches35.5/36 inches23 more rows

How far should I hit an 8 iron?

Golf Club Distance ChartClubMenWomen6-iron130-150-16070-100-1307-iron120-140-15065-90-1208-iron110-130-14060-80-1109-iron95-115-13055-70-959 more rows•Feb 12, 2020

How far does Tiger woods hit a 7-iron?

Tiger hits his 7 irons approximately 172 yards. This is an average figure and there will times when Tiger hits the ball closer to 200 yards.

What is a 8-iron used for?

The 8 and 9 irons are commonly called the "short irons". They have the highest-mass clubheads and the shortest shafts of the numbered irons, and are used for shots requiring high loft or moderate to short distance (typically between 130 and 150 yards with a full swing).

How far should a 70 year old hit a golf ball?

A 70-year-old man should be hitting a driver anywhere from 180 to 190 yards. This number has grown a bit in the last few years with the introduction of improved driver and shaft technology. At 70 years old, some golfers are having no trouble getting the ball to fly 200 yards or more.

Why do I hit my 3 wood farther than my driver?

2:254:30Do You Hit Your 3-Wood Farther than your Driver? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSince it's got more loft not only does the ball get in the air longer to help you hit it longer.MoreSince it's got more loft not only does the ball get in the air longer to help you hit it longer.

What is the difference between a 4 iron and a 9 iron in golf?

The 9 iron is a short iron so it will invariably have a lot of loft – on average, between 41 and 43 degrees. It is a bit difficult at first because it's so short but it will certainly be easier to learn than a 4 iron. At any rate, a 9 iron is useful for approaches from about 120 yards out.

Is a 5 iron a long iron?

A five iron is considered a long iron. Many golfers will keep the five iron in their bag so that they have a low lofted club for hitting out a bad position.

Do I need a 4 iron?

For hitting into greens, the 4-hybrid is the best play for most. Golfers across the board hit more fairways with a 4-iron. The 0-5 handicap bracket is more effective with the 4-iron than any other bracket. Almost every other bracket hits it longer and records more GIRs with the 4-hybrid.May 6, 2020

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 ...

Why are irons called irons?

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

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.

How many degrees does a long hitter need to keep his irons separated?

Long hitters often keep irons separated by 3 degrees, while short hitters can use a 5-degree difference to ensure proper gapping.  TYPES OF SHAFT AND FLEX. The type of shaft and flex you choose affects the feel of the club, the distance it produces and your swing speed.

How many clubs are in an 8 club iron set?

Typical iron sets include seven or eight clubs: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons, as well as a pitching wedge and sometimes a gap wedge. Now, 8-club sets generally come with a gap wedge instead of a 3-iron. Hybrid iron sets replace the harder to hit long irons with hybrid clubs that are easier to launch with more forgiveness.

What is the difference between a long iron and a short iron?

Long irons are used to hit the ball further with a shorter loft, while the short irons are designed to produce a higher loft. The higher loft results in a steeper ball launch angle from the initial elevation to the final drop.

What are the two main styles of irons?

DIFFERENT STYLES OF IRONS. The two main styles of irons are cavity-backand muscle-backblades. The muscle-back style features a full back on the rear, while the cavity-back is made with a hollowed-out rear club head. Muscle backs are primarily used by the pros and advanced players, and the hollowed-out rear club head offers novices perimeter ...

What is hybrid golf club?

Hybrid clubs, also known as rescue clubs, are designed with a larger profile and sweet spot that makes it easier to quickly elevate the ball to achieve a straighter shot with its more forgiving club face.

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 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 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.

What is a golf iron?

Irons are the most commonly used golf clubs. They are highlighted by thin clubheads and a spin that is set at the clubface.

What should your arm be behind the ball when swinging with an iron?

When swinging with an iron, the idea is to focus on descending blows, as well as a stacked position. This is to ensure adequate hand release and keep your wrists cocked at the point of release.

What is the most common golf club?

The iron is the most common and basic golf club that both beginners and experienced golfers can use. The swinging motion doesn’t significantly differ from the one when you are using a wood golf club. We did our best to run through the most important fundamentals.

What is the difference between a 3 iron and a pitching wedge?

Thus, the lower the number, the longer the golf club is. On the other hand, it has less loft but covers a bigger distance.

How many clubs are in a 3-iron wedge?

Today, it is most common to see a 3-iron pitching wedge that includes eight golf clubs. You should keep in mind that irons are always numbered and that irons 1 and 2 are virtually out of the game.

What do you need to know to be a golfer?

Being a golfer requires you to be physically and mentally prepared, as well as educated on the fundamentals of the game. Being aware of the physics and mechanics of a golf swing is essential. However, you also need to have knowledge of the different equipment that can be used. Bearing this in mind, there are a few different types of golf clubs, ...

Do 4 irons roll as far as 4 irons?

This means that, once the ball lands on a surface, it will not roll as far as it would with a 4-iron. The logic behind this is quite clear.

What are the parts of a golf club?

However, there are some main parts that you always have including the shaft, the grip, the hosel, the club head and the ferrule as well.

Why is grip important in golf?

A good grip can support your game and a bad grip can kill you. If you have a bad grip, you will never hit a consistent and powerful shot. Therefore, the grip is the first thing you need to feel comfortable with. That is how the club is connected to the body and vice versa.

What is a hosel in golf?

To make it simple, the hosel is one of the components included in the club head. This part connects to the shaft and is able to lower the gravity’s center of the golf club. As a result, the player can have better distance during their game.

How many faces does a golf putter have?

For every golf club, there is only one face contacting the ball. And the putter is the only club that has two striking faces. However, they are identical and share the same characteristics.

What is ferrule in a car?

The ferrule is a small piece of plastic which lays just above the hosel of the shaft. It acts as the protection to keep the shaft stick with the other parts.

How to grip a golf club properly?

DO: Learn how to grip the club properly.#N#DON’T: Try to keep your head “down and still” through impact. Let it follow through with the rest of your body .#N#DO: Bend from your hip s.#N#DON’T: Bend from your knees.#N#DO: Get your lead shoulder under your chin on the backswing and finish with your face , chest and hips and facing the target.#N#DON’T: Stay flat-footed through impact.#N#DO: Concentrate on the short game by chipping and putting before focusing on long irons (3-iron, 4-iron, etc.) and your hybrids, fairway woods and driver.

Who said golf is the greatest game ever invented?

In the immortal words of Arnold Palmer: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening—and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”.

Do you take range balls to the golf course?

Always be ready to hit your shot when it’s your turn. DON’T: Take range balls to the golf course. Many are limited-flight models, so it’s just not worth it. DO: Take the time to learn basic rules and etiquette.

Is golf the greatest game in the world?

Getty Images. Golf is the greatest game in the world—just ask anyone who plays! But getting started as a beginner can be a daunting—and often intimidating—prospect. To help you (or someone you know) take the plunge, here’s a definitive list of dos and don’ts for the aspiring player.

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Set Composition

Loft, Length, and Distance

  • As you go through the set, from the 3-iron to the pitching wedge, each iron has a little more loft than the previous, and a little shorter shaft length than the previous, so each club (going from 3-iron to PW) hits the golf ball a little less distance than the previous. That is, a 5-iron has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots th...
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Long, Mid-, and Short 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 of the long irons. We still classify it as a mid-iron…
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Distances

  • Learning your distances—how far you hit each club—is much more important than trying to hit each club to some predetermined "correct" yardage. There is no "right" distance for each club, there is only your distance. That said, a typical male recreational golfer might hit a 4-, 5-, or 6- iron from 150 yards, while a typical female might use a 3-wood, 5-wood, or 3-iron from that distance. …
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Hitting

  • Irons can be played from the teeing ground, using a golf tee, and it is often appropriate to do so. On a par-3 hole, for example, you will probably use an iron on your tee shot. Or you might use an iron off any (or even every) tee in order to have better control over the shot. But most of your iron shots will come from the fairway. Irons are designed with divots in mind. That's why they have a …
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