How to Choose the Best Golf Irons for Your Game

If you've graduated from the novice stage of golfing and you find yourself in need of having your own set of golf clubs, the most important decision you would probably make is choosing which clubs to include in your set. There are three types of golfing clubs: woods, irons, and putters. Woods are used for very distant shots while putters are used mainly for your last few shots. Irons are used for medium to long-range shots, and the variety of their uses is why they compromise more than half the clubs in a usual set.

What are Golf Irons for?

Golf irons should be best thought of as the compromise between putters and woods as they're often used after woods and prior to putters. If woods are what gets you off your starting point and putters what enable you to make it to the hole, irons are what help you get to the greens.

Different Types of Irons

There are several ways to categorize golf irons, and it's best that you understand the pros and cons of each category as your choice of club can make…or break your game.

Golf Irons According to Distance or Loft

Loft is what makes golf irons have a horizontal to downward direction rather than a singularly upward path. Golf irons labeled one to four have lower lofts or the ability to hit greater distances. 1 to 2 irons, however, are not often used nowadays thanks to the introduction of hybrid clubs in the market, which allow players to have the best of both worlds: a club that's a combination of woods and irons. Those labeled five to seven are considered mid-range while those labeled 8 and 9 are considered short irons.

Golf Irons According to Make

There are two ways for irons to be produced: forging or casting. Forging is an ancient method of shaping iron which neglects the use of molds to attain the desired shape. Forged irons are preferred by veterans and are more expensive than the next type to be discussed.

Clubs made of cast iron on the other hand use molds, and this allows them to have more detailed designs than forged irons. They are considered easier to use than forged irons.

Golf Irons According to Shaft Type

Shaft is the slender tube that you use a handle for your golf club. There are different types of shafts used for irons, and the right choice allows you to make easier and better shots.

Steel shafts are affordable and durable, making it the preferred choice of many. They allow you a constantly easy grip, regardless of the type of iron you're using and the type of shot you're making.

Graphite shafts are for people who wish to add speed or distance to their shots by making their clubs lighter without sacrificing its strength. These however are more expensive and its feel takes a little getting used to.

And lastly, there are shafts that are made from a combination of graphite and steel to give you the best of both worlds. Of course, don't expect maximum benefit and use from both!

Golf Irons According to Design

Just from the name itself, blade irons make you think of sharp and thin shots, and you're right to think that. Blade irons require precision from players, and it's probably why they're more frequently used by professionals than novices. Cavity back irons, on the other hand, have a relatively larger design or space to allow players to make better and stronger shots but not as accurate as those made by blade irons.

If you compare both, you'll realize that blade irons use more brain power while cavity back irons use more brute power. But again, you can choose to buy the combination of both, called hybrid irons, to have an easier time playing.

Other Shopping Tips for Golf Irons

Know your game. If you're only randomly hitting balls then even the best irons won't be able to improve your game. But if you already know which shots you do best and which ones you need more help then the right choice of irons can make your good shots great and your worse shots fair.

Also, consider the prices. Don't invest too much in your first set because you're liable to make changes as you get to know your game better. And lastly, always take the chance to try golf irons out before buying!