what do the different irons in golf do

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.

Full Answer

What are the different types of irons in golf?

What Are The 3 Different Types Of Golf Irons

• The Importance Of Choosing The Right Golf Irons. Now that we solved the mystery of what are the different types of golf irons, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
• Super Game Improvement Irons. ...
• Game Improvement Irons. ...
• Players Irons. ...
• Summing It All Up. ...
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions. ...

What are golf irons used for?

“We used to play at River Chase all the time. So I just rented clubs and rented clubs and rented clubs, and then that offseason I bought my first set of golf clubs. Bought me a set of Hogan Edges all because they were pretty and they looked good in the bag and I said I’m going to get ’em.

Which iron to use golf?

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. ...

How to choose golf irons?

How to Choose the Perfect Irons

• Knowing the Differences in Golf Iron Sets. There are multiple styles of irons that can be used. ...
• Steps to Buying a New Set of Golf Irons. There are a few steps you must consider before you buy your new pair of irons. ...
• Final Words on Choosing the Right Irons. ...
• Golf Practice Plans (Follow these Programs)
• Golf Video Courses. ...

What are the 7 irons for golf?

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.

Do different irons make a difference golf?

New golf clubs can make a difference in your game. But golf clubs are not necessarily the most important factor in improving your game. The biggest factors are going to be how well you swing the club and how well you execute your shot. That being said, if you are looking for an edge, new clubs can certainly help.

What are 7 irons used for?

The irons from 5 to 7 are typically called the "mid irons", and are generally used from the fairway and rough for longer approach shots, between 130-210 yards depending on the club, player and course. They are also used on hillier fairways to avoid hitting a low rise, which is a risk with long irons.

How do I know what golf iron to use?

IRONS2-iron = 105 to 210 yards.3-iron = 100 to 205 yards.4-iron = 90 to 190 yards.5-iron = 80 to 175 yards.6-iron = 70 to 165 yards.7-iron = 65 to 155 yards.8-iron = 60 to 145 yards.9-iron = 55 to 135 yards.

Will better irons improve my game?

If you are someone that started out recently and has seen good improvement in your game with an old set of clubs, you can definitely make a big improvement by getting clubs that are created for your swing speed and fitted perfectly for you.

Will new irons give me more distance?

Your playing partners are passing you by Year-over-year, distance increases in new equipment are generally minimal. If you bought a driver in 2019, the 2020 model may only be 1-2 yards longer. But, if you have a driver from 2004, then the 2020 model could be 20+ yards longer.

Do any pros use a 1 iron?

One of the most famous shots in golf is Ben Hogan's 1-iron approach to the final green during the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion. Hogan made par and later clinched the championship in a Monday playoff. Costantino Rocca used a 1-iron to defeat Tiger Woods in a singles match during the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama.

Do you swing a wedge like an iron?

3:268:28Iron Swing vs Wedge Swing and the Huge Difference You Must KnowYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo now the ball is slightly back and my hands are going to be center slightly hands forward justMoreSo now the ball is slightly back and my hands are going to be center slightly hands forward just slightly because it opens up the face. Better have a little bit open face than a little bit closed.

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 should you hit a 7 iron?

Average 7 Iron Distances are following: Beginning golfers- 100 yards (men) or 60 yards (women) Intermediate golfers- 135 yards (men) and 75 yards (women) Advanced golfers- 165 yards (men) or 140 yards (women) PGA Tour Players- 185 yards (men) or 160 yards (women)

Do you need a 3 wood and 3 hybrid?

The less grass between your ball and club, the better. 3 wood vs. 3 hybrid doesn't always matter. Hitting the ball off the toe or heel will create a ton of spin, but you'll still get more distance than you would with a long iron.

How far should I hit my 9 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

Does it matter what golf clubs you use?

It's important to play with appropriate golf clubs when learning the game. Beginner golf clubs tend to have larger club faces, have a shorter shaft (the long bit between grip and club head) and are designed to make it easier to get the ball in the air.

Do fitted golf clubs really make a difference?

Is it worth getting my golf clubs fitted? Yes, it is absolutely worth getting your golf clubs fitted. A professional fitter will assess your swing speed, launch angle and lie angle at impact and then give you clubs that will produce the optimal flight numbers for your customised swing characteristics.

Do I need a 3 and 4 iron?

Should You Carry A 3 Iron? For mid to high handicap golfers, having a 3 iron in the bag is not recommended. The low amount of loft and thin face makes a 3 iron hard to hit and is why you'd be better off playing a 4 hybrid. Just like with a 2 iron, most of the golfers you'll see on your local course won't have a 3 iron.

How far should you hit a 5 iron?

The average distance a male golfer can hit a 5 Iron golf club is 160 yards. A female can hit a 5 Iron 140 yards. Professional golfers are known to hit 195 to 205 yards with a 5 iron.

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 ...

Why are short irons easier to hit than long irons?

Without getting too technical, the reason is that as loft increases and shaft length decreases, a club becomes easier to master. 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 clubs are in a golf club?

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 ...

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”.

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 different types of golf irons?

Irons account for nearly half of the clubs that a golfer is allowed to carry in their bag. Standard golf sets feature 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons. Irons are available in different shapes and sizes and they are made out of different materials.

Why use muscle back irons?

Muscle back irons also offer exceptional workability and this is one of the main reasons why professional players opt for blade irons. Muscle back irons have very small clubheads, if you miss the sweet spot it will be evident in the results. Blades with their sleek designs do look good but these irons are only suitable for a very small portion of the golfing population.

What is cavity back iron?

Cavity back irons offer the best of both worlds in terms of forgiveness and performance. Cavity back shaped clubheads are becoming popular features in the bags of professional golfers. The world’s best ball strikers seem to prefer the forgiveness of cavity-back clubheads over the workability of muscle back irons.

What is a game improvement iron?

Game improvement irons feature a larger profile which might not appeal to all golfers but one can’t argue with results that these oversize irons deliver. Game improvement irons offer more than just big clubheads, the design of these irons are packed with other game improvement technological advances.

Why are muscle back irons called blades?

Muscle back irons are commonly known as blades because they resemble the look of a butter knife. These irons with their small clubheads are commonly found in the bags of professional and low handicap amateur players that are exceptional ball strikers.

What are the benefits of using Super Game Improvement Irons?

Super game improvement irons promote added distance, a high ball flight and exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits.

How much difference between lofts on irons?

It could be that there is a 2-3 degree difference which could result in nearly a 10-yard difference . Standard lofts also differ amongst iron types regardless of manufacturer.

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 is the loft of an iron?

Irons have angled faces (called "loft") etched with grooves that help grip the golf ball and impart spin. They are generally used on shots from the fairway, or for tee shots on short holes. As the number of an iron goes up (5-iron, 6-iron, etc.), the loft increases while the length of the shaft decreases. Meet the Hybrids.

How many different types of golf clubs are there?

There are several different types of golf clubs in a typical golfer's bag. In fact, today, there are five categories of clubs: woods (including the driver), irons, hybrids, wedges and putters.

What is wedge golf?

The wedges are the highest-lofted golf clubs. They are used for shorter approach shots into greens, for chips and pitches around greens, and for playing out of sand bunkers.

What is a clubhead in golf?

Clubheads: Clubheads can be a traditional blade; a heel-toe clubhead; or a mallet clubhead. A traditional blade is narrow and shallow, typically with the shaft entering at the heel (although sometimes center-shafted). Heel-toe putters have the same general shape as blades, but with extra weight at the heel and toe to add perimeter weighting, and with other design tricks to help make the clubs more "forgiving" on mishits. Mallet putters have large clubheads that maximize that forgiveness of poor contact. Mallets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some very large and quite unusual.

What is putter used for?

Putters are used for, well, putting . They are the clubs golfers use on the putting greens, for the last strokes played on a golf hole - for knocking the ball into the hole. There are more varieties of putters on the market than any other club. That may be because choosing a putter is a very personal process.

What is a wood golf club?

The category of golf clubs called "woods" includes the driver and the fairway woods. (They are called woods even though their clubheads are no longer made of wood.) The woods are the clubs with the largest heads (typically hollow, extending a few inches from side-to-side and a few inches from front to back, with rounded lines) ...

What is the difference between a heel toe and a mallet putter?

Heel-toe putters have the same general shape as blades , but with extra weight at the heel and toe to add perimeter weighting, and with other design tricks to help make the clubs more "forgiving" on mishits. Mallet putters have large clubheads that maximize that forgiveness of poor contact.

Why do iron clubs spin?

In irons, there are deeper grooves in its club heads which runs from toe to the heel. You may have heard or seen that iron clubs generate extra spin on the ball, this is mainly because of these grooves. So, when you can make a spin on the ball, controlling the shot becomes easy.

Why are hybrid golf clubs used?

Hybrid golf clubs are most commonly known as the club for recreational golfers. It’s because of the ease at which you can make strokes. But, professionals have slowly started to use them due to their added advantages. With a hybrid club, you get a clubhead of a larger surface area.

Why do you need fairway wood?

Technically, you need the fairway wood for two reasons: When you have to make a shot with your iron club and speculate that it requires bit more distance, here the fairway wood comes into play . So, for ranges beyond the iron club, fairway wood is mostly used. Most players use the driver to make a shot from the tee box.

What is a fairway wood club?

These are familiar names in golf. Fairway wood club essentially means 3, 5 and 7 wood club and also has other loft ranges in its category.

How to choose a golf club?

But as a general rule, the best way to choose a club is to know your hitting range first. So, if you know your shortest and longest range, from there, you can build up your golf club collection. A number factor comes into play choosing a golf club like distance, placement, and conditions of play.

How many golf clubs can you carry in your bag?

According to the rules of golf, you are allowed to carry at most 14 golf clubs in your bag. The restrictions are only on the number of clubs you can carry. But there is no restriction on the type of clubs. From driver to putter, you can have whatever you like.

What is the lowest loft golf club?

To say very precisely, the “1 wood” is the driver. It has the lowest loft among all other golf clubs, and because of this, it has a specific characteristic and use. The loft angle can range from as low as 7 degrees to 11 degrees. This depends on the amount of height you want your ball to reach.

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

Distances

Hitting