Tips for Buying Golf Irons

Golf Irons

The purchase of a set of new golf irons is the biggest single investment you are likely to make in your golf equipment. Irons are used for shorter golf shots, ranging from 200 yards to less than 100 yards. They are used to hit off the tees of par 3s, and for shots that are lying in grass or sand where the face of the club must get down and hit the ball up quickly. The golf iron that is used is determined by the loft of the clubhead as well as the golfer's ability to hit the ball a certain distance. Irons usually come in a set consisting of 8 clubs: 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, and Pitching Wedge.

Clubhead: Cavity back vs. Forged

Today, cavity-back or perimeter-weighted golf irons can be found in the hands of players of all skill levels. The idea was to spread out the clubhead's weight towards the edges of the clubface, thus producing a larger sweet spot. Less than perfect contact would still generate acceptable shots. High handicap players who have trouble finding the sweet spot should use cavity-back golf irons.

Traditional forged or blade irons are still the choice of clubs for skilled players. Forged golf irons tend to transmit more feel to the golfer because they are made from softer steel. Since they have a smaller sweet spot, they produce unforgiving off-center hits. Low handicap players should choose forged irons, because it allows them control over ball trajectory.

Clubhead size

Traditional forged golf irons are only available in standard size. They produce unforgiving off-center shots but allows a skilled golfer to shape the flight of the ball to create a certain shot.

Cavity-back golf irons are available in midsize and oversized. They are more forgiving for off-center shots because they off a larger sweet spot. Beginners and seniors would benefit most from these bigger clubhead sizes.

Shaft: Steel vs. Graphite

Steel shafts are heavier, cheaper, and more durable than graphite shafts. If you have a fast swing speed, then you need to choose steel shafts, because they will give you more control.

Graphite shafts are lighter and more expensive than steel shafts. If you have a slow swing speed, then you need to select graphite shafts, because they will give you more distance.

Note - Most manufacturers will usually offer a set of golf irons in both steel and graphite shafts.

Shaft Flex

Flex refers to the amount of "bend" in a shaft. Your shaft flex needs to match the speed of your golf swing. Beginners and players with less powerful swings will benefit from a more flexible shaft. An average player has a swing speed of 65 to 95 mph, and should look for a regular shaft. Players with powerful swings in the 96 to 110 mph range should purchase a stiff or firm shaft. This will provide a stiffer club for more control. Many shafts are now available in a uniflex that will fit most any golfer's swing.

Browse Golf Equipment

Back to Articles index

Any comments or feedback? We appreciate your input! Contact us here to leave your suggestions or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

NEW - Latest Player Stats

More Player Stats

2005 PGA Tour Schedule

Date Tournament 2004 Winner
Oct 27-30Chrysler ChampionshipVijay Singh
Nov 3-6The Tour Championship presented by Coca-ColaRetief Goosen
Nov 10-13Franklin Templeton ShootoutHank Kuehne/Jeff Sluman
Nov 17-20WGC World CupEngland
Nov 26-27Merrill Lynch Skins GameFred Couples

Full Schedule 2005

Full Schedule 2006

Complete Betting Odds

Improve Your Play

Player Rankings

Rank Player Country
1Tiger WoodsUSA
2Vijay SinghFIJ
3Phil MickelsonUSA
4Retief GoosenSAf
5Ernie ElsSAF
6Sergio GarciaESP
7Jim FurykUSA
8Adam ScottAUS
9Chris DiMarcoUSA
10David TomsUSA

Full Player Rankings

Featured Player

Adam Scott

Adam Scott

Adam Scott is regarded as the most exciting young Australian golfer since Greg Norman. At the age of 23 years, eight months and 12 days, he became the youngest winner of The Players Championship on the US PGA Tour, an event considered by many to be the game's fifth Major.

Scott is a four-time winner on the US PGA Tour. His initial breakthrough came at the 2003 Deutsche Bank Championship after a second round 62 set up a four stroke win and saw Adam break into the top 20 in the World Rankings for the first time.