
The Composition of Iron Sets
- Long Irons. Long irons have low lofts with longer shafts making them amongst the most difficult to hit. ...
- Medium Irons. These include a 6-iron and 7-iron aimed at longer approach shots with a higher ball flight.
- Short Irons. ...
- Wedges. ...
Who makes the best irons in golf?
· 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.
What are the best golf irons?
Iron Irons are golf clubs that are designed to send the ball on distances between that of fairway woods and hybrids and that of wedges. This category of clubs is usually the most represented in a golfer’s bag – oftentimes at 7 clubs and classically numbering from 3-iron all the way to 9-iron.
What are the top Irons in golf?
Golf Irons Explained: Types and How to Choose Super Game Improvement Irons. The super game improvement iron category has been around for less than a decade. There... Game Improvement Irons. Game improvement irons are a toned-down version of super game improvements irons and they fit a... Players ...
What are the best value golf irons?
· The different golf irons can be divided into three categories: Long irons: 2, 3 and 4-irons. Used for long par threes or drives when your clubs are misbehaving. Can also be used for approach shots on long holes, but are harder to land where you want. Mid irons: 5, 6 and 7-irons.

What do the different irons mean in golf?
6-iron = 150 yards. 7-iron = 140 yards. 8-iron = 130 yards. 9-iron = 120 yards. Pitching wedge = 110 yards.
What are the 7 irons for golf?
The 7-iron is often the middle club in your bag with the 8-iron, 9-iron, and pitching wedge on the shorter end and your 6-iron, 5-iron, and 4-iron on the longer end of the bag. It is also one of the most versatile clubs in your bag.
What are the 14 clubs in a golf bag?
Golfers are allowed to have up to 14 clubs in a golf bag, each serving a specific purpose. The most common setup is:Driver.Pitching wedge.Sand wedge.Gap wedge.Lob wedge.3-wood.5-wood.Putter.More items...•
How many irons are there in golf?
A modern set of golf clubs typically consists of three woods (the 1-driver, 3, and 5), at least 1 hybrid (3H) seven irons (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and PW), and a putter. This gives you a total of twelve clubs.
Which iron is the easiest to hit?
From experience, most golfers will tell you that the 7-iron is the easiest club to master. A 5-iron will go further, and you can be on the green in three if you are lucky, but a 7-iron will go at least 120-130 yards, getting you easily on the green in four.
How far does Tiger Woods hit a 7 iron?
Tiger Woods is a legend of golf but on average, how long does he 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.
Do hybrids go further than irons?
Do Hybrids And Irons Go The Same Distance? On average, hybrids will hit the ball 7 yards further than the corresponding iron, but the distance could range between 5 and 12 yards. As an example, my 5 hybrid typically hit the ball 188 yards while my 5 iron hits the ball closer to 182 yards.
What is the golden rule of golf?
Play the ball as it lies. Don't move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don't press anything down.
What is the difference between a 4 iron and a 4 hybrid?
Key Differences Between A 4 Hybrid vs 4 Iron For the most part, the hybrids deliver a high and straight ball flight. That makes it easier for the average golfer to get their ball airborne and achieve consistent carry and distance. On the other hand, a 4-iron has a more compact head and launches at a mid to low degree.
What is the putter for?
A putter is a club used in the sport of golf to make relatively short and low-speed strokes with the intention of rolling the ball into the hole from a short distance away.
What irons to use for distance?
Beta ProgramClubMen's Average DistanceWomen's Average Distance2-iron190 yardsNot recommended; 4-wood or hybrid = 170 yards3-iron180 yardsNot recommended; 5-wood or hybrid = 160 yards4-iron170 yards150 yards (consider a hybrid, instead)5-iron160 yards140 yards9 more rows•Mar 15, 2022
Do you need a full set of irons?
The fact is that until you start getting better, start learning your yardages — until you've gotten to the point where you will actually see some difference in ball flight and distance between, say, hitting a 4-iron and hitting a 5-iron — there is really no need for a full set of clubs.
What is a set of irons?
A set of irons is one of the biggest investments any beginner or advanced golfer makes to better their game. TGW offers all types of golf iron sets from TaylorMade and Titleist irons to Callaway, Cobra, PING, and more. As you’re searching for the perfect iron set to match your golf game, use our golf irons buying guide to help you find the right clubs. Here are five key aspects to consider about your next set of clubs:
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 ...
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 sets of irons are there?
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 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 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 is an iron in golf?
Iron. Irons are golf clubs that are designed to send the ball on distances between that of fairway woods and hybrids and that of wedges. This category of clubs is usually the most represented in a golfer’s bag – oftentimes at 7 clubs and classically numbering from 3-iron all the way to 9-iron.
Which clubhead is the iron?
Irons either belong to one of two clubhead categories: the cavity back or the muscle back.
What does loft mean on an iron?
The loft (or angle of the clubface in relation to a vertical line) of irons climbs higher as does the number on the sole of the club. Or in other words, the loft will be lower on lower-numbered iron than on high-numbered irons.
What are golf clubs made of?
In the very beginning of the game, golf club shafts were made from hardwood. In modern club design however, the shafts of irons are predominantly made from steel, although a sizable segment now feature shafts made from graphite and both are readily offered by club manufacturers.
What is a cavitation back iron?
Cavity back irons usually feature larger heads that are made possible by the hollowing out of the back of the clubface.
What is the purpose of a golf ball on the green?
Their intended use is to hit the ball onto the green, from where it can be putted. As such, they are often used for the first stroke on par-3s, and on approach shots to the green from par-4s and par-5s.
Which shaft is better, graphite or steel?
It should be stated that graphite shafts are lighter than their steel counterparts but are also more flexible, generally speaking. Better golfers with faster swing speeds will tend to prefer steel shafts as they are thought to provide more feedback to the hands.
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.
What are the different types of golf irons?
The different golf irons can be divided into three categories: Long irons: 2, 3 and 4-irons. Used for long par threes or drives when your clubs are misbehaving. Can also be used for approach shots on long holes, but are harder to land where you want. Mid irons: 5, 6 and 7-irons.
What is the best iron for golf?
Players irons are the absolute best when it comes to golf gear, and it’s basically the stuff PGA pros are using on a daily basis. So, if you’re a skilled golfer, there’s nothing better than players irons , provided you can drive them correctly.
What are the two types of irons?
We must also mention the manufacturing process, which gives us two types of irons: forged irons and cast irons . Forged irons is built in a similar fashion to what an old-school village blacksmith used to do back in the day, i.e. you start from a rough shape, a chunk of metal if you like, which is hammered into the shape (more or less) of a golf iron. The raw forged iron, which is basically a carbon-steel alloy clubhead is then milled, ground, and polished to perfection until it looks like a modern-era golf iron.
What irons are good for high handicap golfers?
As we already told you, super game improvement i rons are the best choice for high handicap golfers and the way to go to lower your handicap.
What irons are good for par 3s?
Mid irons: 5, 6 and 7-irons. These irons have higher trajectory and more spin can be added to the shots with these. They hit shorter than the long irons and therefore they are suitable for normal par threes and approach shots on par 4 and 5’s.
What is the difference between a cavity back iron and a blade iron?
The former, cavity back irons respectively, are very popular nowadays among average-to-beginner golfers, and there’s a good reason for that: a cavity back iron has a larger sweet spot compared to a blade, and that makes it easier to hit, especially for beginners. On the other hand, muscle-back irons, also known as blade irons, ...
What is a game improvement iron?
Game improvement irons are basically a blend of nice design, larger head, great forgiveness on off-center hits, and impressive carry distance. Forgiveness and power, that’s the definition of a GII.
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.
How many irons are in a set?
Normally a set of irons will consist of 4-9 along with a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. Sometimes golfers will add in a 3-iron if they are skilled in hitting the longer irons. And sometimes a gap or lob wedge is added for the utility.
What wedges are used in golf?
Traditionally the only wedges you would find in a golf set was the pitching wedge and the sand wedge.
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.
Why is the Sand Wedge my friend?
Personally, the sand wedge (SW) has always been my friend. Maybe because I like those short, high trajectory shots around the green.
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 are the different types of golf irons?
There are two different types of golf irons, forged and cast irons . Forged Irons: Forged irons are created from a single piece of metal that is smashed into a rough shape and then hammered into the finished design. The club head is then sent through the process of grinding, milling and polishing until the final product is produced.
Why are short irons easier to hit?
Short irons are typically easier to hit because the shaft of the club is shorter compared to the rest of the set. Learning how to hit your short irons is vital to shooting low rounds. Mid irons: Mid irons are your 6 iron and your 7 iron. These two irons should be your “mid distance” irons. Mid irons are a drop harder to hit than short irons ...
What is the difference between a cavity back iron and a blade iron?
Cavity back irons have a larger sweet spot than blades and make it easier to elevate the ball and achieve a straighter shot. Muscle back irons (also called blade irons or blades) are not the most forgiving iron style. However, they do allow you to shape your ball much easier when compared to cavity back irons.
What is the majority of a golf bag made of?
A majority of your golf bag is made up of irons. It is important that a golfer knows how each iron feels. However, finding the right set of golf irons can take a considerable amount of time and money. The main two styles of golf irons are a cavity back and a muscle back blade. Each of these irons have different subsets within them.
What is a muscle back iron?
A muscle back iron (or blade) features a full back rear of the club, while a cavity back features a hollowed-out rear end of the club. Cavity backs are used by all types of players, from beginner golfers to PGA Tour pros. Muscle back irons typically are only used by advanced players and some professional golfers.
How is cast iron made?
This type of iron is created by pouring molten metal into a mold, which then hardens as the finished process. Cast irons are created with multiple materials and feature more parameter weights. The casting process is cheaper and faster than the forged process.
What is a short iron called?
Short irons: Short irons are your 8 iron, 9 iron, and pitching wedge. These irons are also called the “scoring irons”.
How old are golf irons?
Designers and manufacturers have vastly improved the technology and appearance of golf irons. If you carry irons that are more than 8 years old, you are almost certainly leaving your best game out on the course or is it inside your bag.
What are the different types of irons?
Most sets of irons consist of long irons, mid irons, short irons, and wedges.
What is a player's iron?
Players’ irons are ideal for the top one percent of golfers. That is golfers with a single-digit handicap and mostly available as blades or minimal cavity back. Although they are some of the best looking clubs available, it is only recommended for quality ball-strikers since the clubheads are generally small and unforgiving.
What is cavity back golf?
Cavity backed clubs have a lower center of gravity that sits further back for forgiveness and to increase the launch angle. These clubs have become extremely popular and some professional golfers use clubs with some level of a cavity.
What is the purpose of the 8 iron and 9 iron?
The 8-iron and 9-iron are categorized as short irons to enhance accuracy on short approach shots with a high ball flight for stopping the ball on the green.
How long do golf clubs last?
Many golfers keep their clubs for an extended period, between 6 and 8 years, while assessing new releases every year to determine whether there is any innovative technology that will make golf easier and more fun. Apart from Tour irons, clubs are generally split into four categories that will be discussed in this article: ...
How many categories of clubs are there?
Apart from Tour irons, clubs are generally split into four categories that will be discussed in this article:
What is a player's iron?
Player's irons are targeted to players with the highest ability level and produce the best response when struck correctly. Game-improvement irons are for mid-level golfers. These irons are designed to produce better results -- straighter and longer shots -- when you miss contacting the ball in center of the clubface.
What are the key elements to consider when buying a golf club?
The size, shape, flex, material and feel of the clubs are key elements to consider. Price also is a serious consideration.
What are the biggest mistakes you can make when buying irons?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to buy expensive irons that are wrong for your game and swing. The right set will fit your game and swing as snugly as a bespoke suit. Choosing the best irons depends on a number of factors other than just your playing ability. The size, shape, flex, material and feel of the clubs are key elements ...
How to choose a golf club shaft?
Choose the right shaft flex. Shaft flexes -- the amount of bend in the club -- range from "Ladies" and "Senior" (typically, the most flexible) to "Regular," "Stiff" and "Extra Stiff." Some club manufacturers offer several different flexes for women. In general, the faster your swing speed, the stiffer the shaft should be. If you swing slowly and try to hit a stiff shaft, it will feel like you're swinging a telephone pole, and you'll likely leave the shot right (for a right-handed golfer). If you swing fast and use a flexible shaft, you'll have trouble controlling the direction of your shots -- they could go left or right.
What does it feel like to hit a stiff shaft?
If you swing slowly and try to hit a stiff shaft, it will feel like you're swinging a telephone pole, and you'll likely leave the shot right (for a right-handed golfer).
Can a club fitter match you?
An experienced club fitters can match you and your clubs to a tee. As "Wall Street Journal" writer John Paul Newport put it, clubs that fit properly "will make your subsequent golf less frustrating because well-fit clubs promote a more efficient swing.". Golfweeks' Adam Woodard breaks down the results from the match.
Callaway Rogue ST
We tested: Rogue ST Max: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Max OS: 4-9, PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Pro: 3-PW, AW; Rogue ST Max OS Lite: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW
Callaway Apex 21
Our take: There’s a reason that Callaway’s Apex irons are among the industry’s top selling and performing irons, year-after-year. Our testers found the Apex irons to offer a strong combination of distance, forgiveness, sound, feel and workability. If you’re unsure where to start your iron search, these are a good place to start.
Callaway Apex Pro 21
Our take: Don’t let the “Pro” name fool you. Yes, these irons are suited for low handicappers and even pros, but their forgiveness properties make them a contender for mid-handicappers, too.
Callaway Apex DCB 21
Our take: If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper who wants the look, feel and performance of an Apex iron, but don’t quite have the skill to use the smaller Apex or Apex Pro versions, the Apex DCB may be your ticket into the Apex family. They’re ultra-forgiving and have a slightly larger package to help with mishits.
Callaway Apex TCB
Our take: The Apex TCB (Tour Cavity Blade) irons offer everything that a better player wants from a blade iron in terms of looks, feel and performance, with just a touch of added forgiveness. They’re also world No. 1-approved, being that Jon Rahm used these irons to win the 2021 U.S. Open Championship.
Callaway Apex MB
Our take: Blade irons are for the golfer who wants the ultimate in precision performance, and the Apex MBs deliver both in shaping and in technology. If you hit the ball long and don’t miss the center of the face often, these could be the answer for your blade buying needs.
Callaway X Forged CB
Our take: The X Forged CB irons have a combination of control and forgiveness that suit both tour players and low-handicap amateurs alike. They’re not the smallest irons in Callaway’s stable, but they have compact shapes that produce precise workability with just enough forgiveness to help with misfires.
