Irons are golf clubs with metal heads. They are thin from the front to the back and has a grooved head, which will improve the way the ball spins. Whether you are teeing on shorter holes or extracting a ball from the bunker, you will need the right iron.
Not all irons will be compatible with all golfers. For instance, if you are new to the game, you need the best golf irons for beginners. It should be forgiving and consistent, designed to unleash the full potential of any novice in golf.
If you are looking for the best beginner irons, read on! We’ll talk about some of the best products in the market, making it easy for you to decide!
Table of Contents
Best Golf Irons for High Handicappers & Beginners Review
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s Launcher CBX Iron Set
From wedge spin to turf performance, you can be confident that the Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s Launcher CBX Iron set is an exceptional choice. It can provide the best bang for the buck since it is inclusive or irons that a beginner will need. Newbies and high handicappers will be equipped with the right club they need with this set.
Good irons are packed with the most innovative technologies, and that is exactly what you can expect when you purchase this set. It has Feel Balancing Technology, which has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer. It enhances the feel of the club, which will also positively impact the way you can control the iron.
The construction is also impressive, especially because of the Tour Zip Grooves and double-laser milling. The groove design will get rid of debris from the ball to maximize its flight. The laser milling, on the other hand, will make the face rougher to increase friction. This also improves control, similar to what you can expect when you are using a wedge.
The progressive shaping of the irons in the set is another good reason to choose this for the best irons for the money. The clubs in the set have varying shapes to optimize performance in every shot, making it easy to avoid mishits.
Pros:
- Easy to swing
- Excellent control
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Distance can be inconsistent
Mizuno 2018 MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron
Looking for the best iron set for beginner that can turn heads? It is hard to go wrong with Mizuno 2018 MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron, which has been praised by many because of its aesthetics. It has a classic and seamless look that can boost the confidence of every beginner.
Looking at the features, one of the most notable is the Multi-Material Construction or MMC. The manufacturer uses a combination of premium materials to offer hard-to-match quality and performance. The clubs are made of 1O25E mild carbon steel, titanium, and tungsten. With the combination of these materials, you can expect the irons to be more forgiving while optimizing the launch of the ball.
The satin nickel-chrome finish is also impressive. It makes the clubs look good while also minimizing glare, especially when you are playing on a sunny day.
Another exceptional technology that you will find in this iron set is the hollow body construction. This will optimize the weight of the iron, and the result is that there will be a lower center of gravity for a higher launch.
The club also has Harmonic Impact Technology. This innovation fine-tunes the geometry of the clubhead, which will improve impact and feedback. This also lessens the vibration that you can feel in every swing, resulting in better comfort.
Pros:
- Classy look
- Soft and crisp impact
- Consistent trajectory
Cons:
- Some might find it to be too stiff
2020 Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Iron
Many new golfers end up desperate when they frequently miss their hits. The 2020 Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo was born out of this desperation. Manufactured by one of the best golf iron brands, it is designed with the needs of novices in mind aiming to improve their game.
Despite being made for beginners, we laud how it comes with advanced features. This is anticipated since it is from one of the most notable brands in the world of golf.
It comes with full hollow construction, with internal ribs. It has a large head, which will make it more forgiving. Since there is a larger contact area, there is a lesser chance that you will not hit the ball.
The Hi-Bore Crown is another innovative feature you will find in these irons for beginners. It has a low and deep weighting, which will improve the flight and trajectory of the ball. This will make the ball go exactly in the direction where you want it to be.
The irons also have a progressive shaping, providing an option for almost any environment that will confront you on the golf course.
If there’s one thing that you might not like in this set of golf irons, it would be that they can be extremely noisy. Some of you might be annoyed by the noise that the head can make upon impact with the ball.
Pros:
- Elegant matte black finish
- Good ball flight
- Ideal for those who struggle with slices
Cons:
- Makes a loud swing noise
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
The TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons is packed with the most innovative features that can improve the performance of any newbie. One of the highlights is the Speed Bridge Technology. It provides the strategic support needed by the club’s topline to make the distance more explosive.
Your comfort is a sure thing with this pick for the best iron sets for beginners. This is possible because of the Echo Damping System. From the face to the heel to the toe, this feature has been incorporated in strategic areas of the club. It eliminates harsh vibrations upon impact. This will also minimize the strain that your wrist can experience. This will also make this club feel like it has a forged construction.
Speed Pocket, a patented technology, is another good reason to pick this in your search for the best iron sets. This will maximize the flexibility of the face. This will be beneficial in terms of increasing ball speed and distance.
Many of its users were also impressed with the 1.5mm ultra-thin face. This is 17% thinner compared to the previous iteration of the iron. Combined with the Progressive Inverted Cone Technology, it will minimize side spin and increase the sweet spot. You will have a larger surface area in the clubxhead, increasing the chances that you will be hitting the ball.
Pros:
- Effective shock absorption
- Large sweet spot
- Thin face
Cons:
- Loft can be better
Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal Golf Iron Set
With the Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal Set, you will have all the essential irons that you will need. Beginners will love how flexible it is, providing an option for every environment or situation that you can imagine when you are playing.
This option for the best golf iron set for beginners has Chromoly 4140M construction. This is a steel alloy, which also contains molybdenum and chromium. This material is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. You can expect the irons to withstand the test of time without compromising performance.
The stability frame is another highlight of this beginner iron set. It repositions the center of gravity at about 2mm from the center of the club. It is open in the heel part of the club, which also fine-tunes sound and vibration aside from improving stability.
The one-piece design of the cup is another notable feature in the club’s construction. This will improve feedback even at a high ball speed. In turn, this will also give a better feel without being uncomfortable. To minimize vibrations, the irons also boast of re-engineered sound ribs.
Many of its users have also praised the chrome plating. It has a pearl brush finish that looks good outdoors. This is also known for being durable, unlike other finishes that can easily chip.
Pros:
- Durable finish
- Stable frame
- Produces a good spin and distance
Cons:
- Not a lot of improvements from the previous version
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Iron Set
The Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Iron Set uses artificial intelligence. The manufacturer claims that they are the first to use the latter in golf irons. It results in a plethora of innovative features that will make this product a worthy candidate for the best golf iron sets for beginners.
This iron family has three different models. It includes the Mavrik Standard, which is suitable for most players, including novices. This is the longest iron in this set. It also includes Mavrik max, which is known for its maximum launch and forgiveness. Because it is forgiving, this is a great game improvement iron. The Mavrik Pro, on the other hand, is best for experienced players.
Looking at the features, one of the most notable is the Flash-Face Cup technology, which allows exceptional ball speed. The face architecture is unique in every loft to boost spin and speed after hitting the ball.
Another feature worth noting in its overall construction is the tungsten energy core. The custom weights with tungsten improve the position of the center of gravity for better precision. This will also have a positive effect on the trajectory of the ball.
The urethane micro-spheres are also impressive. This is a patented feature that the manufacturer incorporates in the strategic areas of the iron. It significantly minimizes vibration while increasing ball speed. This is one thing that can promote your highest level of comfort in every game.
Pros:
- Balls gains a significant distance
- Good spin
- Durable
Cons:
- Chrome head can easily chip
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Men’s Complete Golf Set
If value for money is what you are looking for, then the Wilson Golf Profile SGI Men’s Complete Golf Set is one product that should be on your radar. You will get more than just an iron. It includes other clubs beginners will need for their game improvement. You will also get an iron sand wedge, and putter.
The iron is one of the highlights of this set of golf clubs. It is made of stainless steel, which is known for its durability. It also has a perimeter weighting, which will improve the position of the center of gravity to optimize the performance of high handicappers.
If you are looking for a replacement to your longer iron, however, you will also love how this set is inclusive of a No. 5 Fairway Wood. It is more forgiving compared to your longer irons, making it easier to prevent mishits. It also has a weighted face, which will improve accuracy in your off-center shots.
As a bonus, we love the carrying bag included in this set. This will make it easy to keep the clubs organized and protected from the external elements that can speed up the damage. The bag is lightweight with plenty of storage spaces. It has well-padded straps for ease of carrying. There is also a self-supporting stand.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Perimeter-weighted design
- Comes with a carry bag
Cons:
- Some might find it short
Callaway Golf Men’s Strata Complete 12-Piece Package Set
Similar to the product mentioned above, the Callaway Golf Men’s Strata Complete 12 Piece Package Set comes with almost everything any beginner will need. This is unlike the other recommendations in this buying guide, which are only irons.
The set comes with four irons, all of which have amazing construction. All the irons have a cavity-backed construction. There is extra steel that you will find in the outer rim of the clubhead. This will improve balance and forgiveness, making this set an ideal option if you are looking for the easiest clubs to hit.
The clubs beyond the irons are also notable because of their innovative features. We love the 460cc titanium driver, which will be easy for any novice to swing because of its lightweight construction. The large clubhead is also a plus. Like the iron, this will be more forgiving, increasing the chances that you will hit the ball.
It is also inclusive of a low-profile 3-wood. With a loft of 15.5 degrees, it will be great out of the tee box even for high handicappers. Plus, it also has a low profile to strategically position the center of gravity. As a result, the ball will demonstrate optimal distance once it is hit.
To keep all of the clubs organized, it is also packaged with an easy-to-carry bag. You will not have a hard time moving the clubs around!
Pros:
- Durable
- Large sweet spot
- Comes with a bag
Cons:
- Flex can be better
TaylorMade M3 Iron Set
Looking forward to gaining distance and precision in golf? The TaylorMade M3 Iron Set can help you achieve such. A promising option for the best irons for distance, it is packed with exceptional features that will let the ball travel far without the need to exert too much effort.
The Ribcor Technology is one of the features that make it deserving to be included in the list of the best irons for beginner golfer. It localizes the flexibility of the face in the portion of the clubhead where you will be hitting the ball. It improves energy transfer to increase the distance while being forgiving. It also makes the head more rigid.
Another thing that makes the construction top-notch is the addition of 15 grams of high-density tungsten. This will optimize the placement of the center of gravity to improve the performance of the irons.
Face Slot Technology is another innovation that makes this a candidate for the best TaylorMade irons for beginners. It will enhance the flexibility of the face, especially in the heel and toe. In turn, this will improve the consistency of the irons included in this set.
Another innovative feature is the Speed Pocket Technology. This will deliver more ball speed to send the ball farther from where it is hit. This technology is located on the sole. It is also the reason why this set is among the most forgiving irons we can recommend.
If the features above are not yet compelling, another good reason to pick this set is the True Temper XP 100 Steel Shaft. It provides a faster swing and explosive power, which beginners are sure to appreciate.
Pros:
- Great stability
- Compact design
- Easy to hit
Cons:
- Can have a harsh sound and feel upon impact
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set
The price of Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set can discourage many buyers, but that should not be the case. It is inclusive of multiple beginner-friendly irons and it is also from one of the most reputable brands in the market. These things can justify the high cost, along with the innovative features.
Among other things, one of the well-loved features in this iron is the hollow construction. It has oversized heads, which will also make it more forgiving. This means that there will be a larger surface area to prevent mishits. This is a reason why this is amongst the best irons for beginners.
The high-strength steel face is also notable, assuring long-term functionality. It can take a beating, unlike others that will easily chip or break. Regardless of how hard you hit, you can be confident that the face will not easily break.
As for the shaft, you will have two choices – steel and graphite. Choose one depending on the flex most suitable for your swing speed or playing style. Regardless of what you pick, you can expect that the durability will be second to none.
Pros:
- Progressive shaping
- Great impact stability
- High-strength construction
Cons:
- Head weight can be better
Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Iron
If you are on a budget, the Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Iron is one of the products worth your attention. This is proof that the most forgiving irons for beginners do not need to cost a fortune. After all, as a newbie, you will most probably not be interested in spending a lot on irons.
Despite being affordable, this product is packed with exceptional features. For instance, it has 360 Face Cup Technology, a common innovation that you will find in Callaway golf clubs. Combined with the Variable Face Technology, you can expect the clubhead to have a larger sweet spot, and hence, it will be more forgiving. The face is designed to be thinner around the perimeter, which will also improve flex and distance.
The use of tungsten in the clubhead is another reason why we are recommending this for the best irons for high handicappers and beginners. The additional weight optimizes the position of the center of gravity. It is a material twice as heavy as steel and can improve ball spin and distance as it makes every swing more powerful.
Lastly, urethane micro-spheres are also utilized in this iron. This will help in minimizing the vibrations that you can feel upon impact. This also lessens the whack that you can hear after hitting the ball.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to hit
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can have a harsh click
TaylorMade 2017 M2 Men’s Golf Iron Set
The TaylorMade 2017 M2 Men’s Golf Iron Set is from one of the most trusted brands in the market, so you can be confident of the quality that it will deliver. The company has been considered an innovator since its humble beginnings, so it is no longer surprising that it is a popular brand for the best beginner golf irons.
One of the reasons why it is a great choice for beginners is the large and thin face. This will make the sweet spot larger. This means that there is a bigger surface area, which will prevent you from having mishits.
The Speed Pocket technology is another innovative feature that you will find in this product. It will improve ball speed and distance, two of the most challenging things for any newbie in golf.
It also features the Geocoustic Technology, which is one thing that separates it from many other options for the most forgiving golf clubs. It optimizes the sound and feel of the iron, which will also ensure your highest level of comfort. It can significantly minimize the vibration upon impact.
Lastly, it comes with a fluted hosel. It eliminates up to three grams of mass that you will traditionally find in the hosel. It spreads weight evenly, which will also improve balance. As a result, it will be easier to swing and control this golf iron.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to swing
- Comfortable grips
- Made using high-quality material
Cons:
- Some might find it quite long
Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Golf Iron Set
The Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Golf Iron Set is an expensive product. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you should forget about this option for the best clubs for high handicappers. It comes as a set and also boasts of premium construction, so you can be confident that it will provide the best bang for the buck.
According to Callaway, the Big Bertha is their easiest to launch distance iron, and that is pretty much a good reason to choose this when looking for the most forgiving iron. This is categorized as a super game-improvement, so it is hard to go wrong with this product if you are a beginner or a high handicapper.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is the Suspended Energy Core, which the manufacturer considers as the engine of this club. It uses urethane microspheres, which were exclusively developed by Callaway. It improves the sound and feel of the iron while also optimizing launch.
The 360 Face Cup Technology is another notable feature. The face comes with a flexible rim, which releases at impact and results in better ball speed.
Lastly, the premium design is also worth noting. At first look, you can easily be captivated by its beauty. This is an excellent choice for those who are looking for the perfect combination of form and function.
Pros:
- Improves speed and distance
- Premium construction
- Good loft trajectory
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Steelhead XR Individual Iron
The Callaway Steelhead XR Individual Iron is another great choice if you are looking for a game improvement club. Beginners and high handicappers will love how easy it is to use.
Like most of the golf clubs from Callaway, one thing that makes this an exceptional product is the 360 Face Cup Technology. Developed exclusively by the manufacturer, this is a revolutionary feature that increases ball speed. As a result, the ball will travel at a longer distance even if you are not as aggressive when swinging.
Another reason why we are recommending this for good irons for beginners is the Shock Eliminator Technology, which will ensure your highest level of comfort. This will absorb unwanted vibration so that your hands will not suffer from unnecessary strain. This also makes it easier to have the right follow-through to your shots.
Another notable feature you will find in this iron is the hollow-thru hosel. This design element adds significant weight in strategic positions. This balances the clubhead while also maximizing impact so that the ball can travel far after it is hit. This affects the center of gravity, which will also positively impact the launch of the ball.
Lastly, like most of the best forgiving golf clubs you will find in the market, the shaft is available in two types – steel and graphite. Both materials are durable, so you won’t have regrets regardless of what you will pick.
Pros:
- Delivers a combination of speed and forgiveness
- Effectively absorbs vibration
- Durable
Cons:
- Can make a hollow sound
TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set
If you do not mind going on a splurge, then the TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set is a good choice for you. This is one of the most expensive from our suggestions for the best beginner iron set. However, do not let its price discourage you from choosing this. Even if you read other online reviews, you will see that many people agree with us when we say that it is worth every dollar.
It is loaded with some of the most innovative features that you will find in the best irons for intermediate golfers. One that makes this stand out is the Speed Foam Technology. Exclusively developed by the manufacturer, it optimizes the sound and feel of the iron while also letting the club generate more speed. This can minimize vibration, which is crucial for your highest level of comfort.
There is also a Speed Pocket on the sole, which the company claims to be the most flexible in its product line. This is ideal for those who are used to hitting low, a common practice amongst beginners. Despite this, Speed Pocket will make sure that the ball will have a higher speed. This is also one of the many things that make this iron forgiving.
This golf iron set also features the Inverted Cone Technology. This refers to the shape of the clubface. It is ultra-thin, which will also make it easier to do longer shots. It improves the flexibility from the heel to the toe, which will also positively impact ball speed.
Pros:
- Good sound and feel
- Excellent playability
- Creates explosive shots
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Choose Good Golf Irons for Beginners
With too many choices for the easiest golf irons to hit, which one should you buy? If you are having a hard time deciding, this section will talk about some of the most important considerations.
Types of Golf Irons
One of the first things you need to know is that the golf irons are separated into three categories. This is crucial as this will dictate which one is most suitable for your needs as a beginner.
Super Game-Improvement Irons
If you are a beginner, then this is the best choice for you. It is designed to be more forgiving than others, resulting in a larger sweet spot to prevent mishits. It also improves distance and trajectory of the ball, adding more power to every swing. It has a wider sole and larger face compared to other clubs that you will have in your set. It also has perimeter weighting to improve balance and forgiveness.
Game Improvement Irons
For mid-level golfers, this is a good choice. Even beginners can benefit from this, although, it won’t be as forgiving as the one previously mentioned. The longer face length of the club will be beneficial in terms of accommodating off-center hits.
Player Irons
Also called blades, avoid these irons if you are a beginner. This is designed for skilled and experienced players. It has a narrow sole and shorter blade length, which will be challenging to use for newbie golfers.
Players Distance Irons
These irons will offer the best of both worlds of game improvement and players irons. For mid to high handicappers, this club will be great. Competitive golfers will also benefit from its performance. For beginners, however, this may not be the best choice.
Style
As you try to differentiate the options in the market, you will see that they are available in a variety of styles. This will dictate the overall performance of the club, as well as its appearance. For the uninitiated, it might seem like the difference in style is only for aesthetics. The truth is that it also affects how forgiving the iron will be, dictating if it is a good choice for beginners or not.
Cavity-back Irons
You will find a cavity on the backside of the clubhead. This will allow good weight distribution outside the club. One of the best things about this design is that it prevents energy from being lost even if you do not strike the ball from the center. This is a good choice for beginners because it is more forgiving.
Muscle Irons
Also known as blades, they are sleek and minimal, making these irons turn heads. It concentrates most of the weight behind the ball upon impact, which is the exact opposite of what you can expect in a cavity-back iron. This is beneficial for curving shots and suitable for the pros. If you are a beginner, this will be tricky to use.
Construction
When evaluating the options for the best irons for beginner golfers, the overall construction is also a crucial consideration. Steel is the most common material that you will find. In the case of high-end models, carbon fiber is a popular alternative. Titanium is not used in irons because it is too lightweight.
Cast
This iron is made from liquid and molten metal, which is then poured into a mold. When the process is done right, it can feel similar to its forged counterpart. This is affordable, making it a great option for beginners.
Forged
A solid piece of metal is used in producing this golf club, unlike cast irons that are from melted and molded metal. The club is shaped while it is extremely hot. The iron is smoother and softer. It is a more meticulous process and results in better clubs, which also explains while forged irons are more expensive compared to their cast counterparts.
Shaft
One of the most important parts of a golf iron is the shaft. This is what connects your hand to the club. It is the handle of the iron, and its design will have an impact on your comfort and performance. It is a good practice to try the club before buying. This way, you can see how the shaft feels.
Graphite
For beginners, the graphite shaft is the best option. Novices and high handicappers will appreciate how lightweight these shafts are, which would also mean that you do not have to exert a lot of effort when you are swinging the club. It flexes more and has an extra whip, which will also make it better in terms of responsiveness.
Steel
If you are just starting to learn golf, it is best to stay away from steel. This material is reserved for the pros. It will send more vibrations in your hand, which will make you more prone to having mishits. This can also be uncomfortable. If you swing too fast, steel is also a great choice. It is heavier than graphite.
Flex
Aside from the material of the club, another crucial consideration is the flex. This refers to how the handle will twist and turn when you swing. The choice of the shaft will depend on your swing type. Depending on the manufacturer, shaft flex exists in five types – ladies, senior, regular, stiff, and extra-stiff. Calculating your swing speed is one thing that can help you decide the most suitable flex for the shaft. It is best to try the club to find the flex that will work best for your needs and preferences.
Inclusions
As a beginner, you do not need a complete set of irons. However, if you want versatility, you will benefit from having different irons in your club set. This means that you can find an iron most suitable for a specific situation you are in.
In the case of most iron sets for beginners, you will find three categories – long, mid, and short. The longer the iron is, the further the ball will travel after it is hit. The shorter the iron is, the higher the loft will be, which also means that you can launch the ball at a steeper angle.
Conclusion
Picking golf irons can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are a novice. You will be confronted with tons of options, but this isn’t an excuse to pick any iron.
The best golf irons for beginners are designed to be easy to use. They have an ergonomic design, making the irons effortless and comfortable to hold. Approaching a shot and landing it near the green will be a lot easier when you are equipped with the right iron when you are in the golf course!
Stop looking for other irons! Consider our recommendations above and you can be a better golfer in no time!