There are many golf club iron types available on the market today. Choosing the right one for your game can be difficult. In this blog post, the Indian River Golf Foundation will discuss the different types of golf club irons and when to use them. We will also provide tips on how to select the suitable golf club iron for your needs.

Forged Irons

We make forged golf club irons from a single piece of steel. They are designed for golfers who consistently swing the ball in the center of the clubface more often than not. Forged irons offer more control and accuracy than other types of golf club irons.

Cast Irons

We make cast golf club irons from molten steel poured into a mold. We design them for golfers with a higher handicap and needing more forgiveness on their shots. Cast iron clubs are more suitable for multi-material, perimeter weighted, and intricate irons. At the same time, they are also cheaper than forged irons.

Designs of Irons

Irons come in all different shapes and sizes. Some golfers prefer a particular type of golf club iron based on their golfing style.

Blade Irons

Blade irons are the smallest and thinnest golf club irons. They offer more control and accuracy than other types of golf club irons. Blade irons have a thin face and top line with a tight impact area. The weight in a blade is evenly distributed to make a small “sweet spot” with the ability to better feel the shots you make with the iron.

Cavity Back Irons

Cavity back irons have a large cavity in the back of the clubface. The added weight makes it easier for less experienced golfers to make their shots due to increased Moment of Inertia (MOI). We design them for golfers who need more forgiveness for their shots. This design effectively means that off-center shots will go farther and fly straighter than with a blade iron.

Sets of Irons

Retailers usually sell irons in sets of up to nine clubs. Each set contains golf clubs with different loft angles. According to the club’s loft, the manufacturer numbers all irons in the set. Long irons are 2, 3, and 4, mid-irons are 5, 6, and 7, and short irons are 8, 9, and wedges like the Pitching Wedge, Gap or Attack Wedge, and the Sand Wedge.

Hybrid Sets of Irons

Hybrid sets of irons contain golf clubs with different loft angles and clubhead designs. We design them for golfers who need more forgiveness for their shots.

Shafts

The shaft is the long metal rod connecting the golf club’s head to the golf club grip. Shafts are made of steel or graphite.

Flex

The flex of a golf club shaft is the amount of bend in the shaft. Shafts are available in different flexes to fit different golfers.

Loft

The loft is the angle between the golf club head and the shaft. Loft angles range from nine to twelve degrees.

Lie

The lie is the angle between the golf club shaft and the ground. Lie angles range from forty-five to sixty degrees.

Steel Shafts

Steel shafts are made of steel. Because steel is heavier and stronger than graphite, steel clubs are more accurate and less flexible than graphite shafts. They are less expensive than graphite shafts and highly durable, which makes them popular. Steel shafts are available in different flexes to fit different golfers.

Graphite Shafts

Graphite shafts are made of graphite. They are more expensive than steel shafts, but they are lighter and offer more flexibility. This means that you can increase the speed of your swing and possibly hit the ball further than before. However, the stiffness of the graphite shaft means that it produces a much less consistent feeling than a steel shaft. Graphite shafts are also more expensive than steel shafts, but the tradeoff is worth it for children and senior golfers who may prefer a lighter club.

Multi-Material Shafts

Multi-material shafts are made of steel and graphite. Though primarily made of steel, they offer the benefits of both steel and graphite shafts and include a graphite tip. The steel shaft offers superior control, while the graphite tip produces extra acceleration that helps the user hit the ball further.

How many clubs should I buy?

The standard golf set includes 14 clubs: three woods, nine irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter. However, most golfers only use between eight and ten of these clubs regularly. These are typically from the 4-iron to the pitching wedge. The other four or five clubs are backups if one gets lost or damaged. Ultimately, it is up to the individual golfer to decide how many clubs they need.

Custom Fitting

When it comes to golf clubs, one size does not fit all. In order to find the right clubs for your individual swing, you will need to get fitted by a professional. They will consider factors such as height, weight, and club-head speed to find the perfect clubs for you.

Get your hands on these different club types at the Indian River Golf Foundation

At the Indian River Golf Foundation, we believe golf is for everyone. Even if you have never played golf before, if you come to our foundation, we will teach you everything you need to know about golf irons, how to swing, the rules of the game, and more! Contact us today!