Most golfers have a favorite iron in their set of clubs. It might be the 7-iron, or perhaps the 5. It is rarely the 2- or 3-iron. For most golfers, these clubs are simply too difficult to hit well, consistently. 

Somewhere along the way, that favorite iron became a confidence club. The golfer hit it solidly time after time, or made a memorable shot with it once, and that club became the chosen one. 

Can you get to where you have confidence in ALL of your irons? Maybe even your 2 or 3? Yes, you can. It’s just a matter of picking the right set for your game. Here’s a helpful primer: 

Start by choosing between investment-cast (perimeter-weighted) or forged irons (blades).

What’s the difference? 

For mid- to high-handicappers – in other words, about 90 percent of all golfers – perimeter-weighted clubs are usually the best option. With their cavity-back construction, these irons are more forgiving for off-center shots. You don’t need to hit the ball exactly in the center of the clubface to get good results. 

For the single-digit handicap golfer, the blade or forged iron is often preferred. While these clubs are less forgiving, they allow the highly skilled golfer to better control shots. Such golfers will tell you the blade provides more feel as well. 

Once this choice is made, the golfer who truly desires a set of irons that work best for him/her will want custom-fitted clubs. This process creates clubs that complement both your swing style and physique. Only custom fitting can produce a set of irons that make golf most comfortable and enjoyable to you. 

Custom fitting primarily involves a few key measurements, such as your height, the distance from your wrist to the ground, the length of your longest finger on each hand, your swing speed, average driver distance and desired trajectory. 

Once these measurements are recorded, you’re on your way to getting a set of irons with many favorites.

For more information on Irons: