Older adults deserve to have some fun during retirement, and golf is one of the best activities they can do regularly. This sport is relaxing, healthy, fun, and safe. However, to make the most out of golfing, elders should use the right golf iron for their skill level and physical capabilities.
Irons are golf clubs designed to hit the ball in a powerful way to make it land closer to the hole. Their clubheads are generally smaller while their shafts are shorter. This design aims to give the golfer an easier time teeing, moving toward the green, and removing the ball from water hazards or bunkers.
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Best Golf Irons for Seniors Review
These are the best golf irons we recommend for older players:
Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Men’s Speedback Iron Set
Moment of Inertia (MOI) is a crucial factor when buying a golf iron because it represents the amount of resistance from the clubhead when it comes to twisting. It needs to be higher to ensure more resistance. Higher resistance means easier handling of the club, hence fewer bad swings.
Fortunately, the Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Speedback Iron Set promotes a higher MOI. That’s because it contains 33 grams of tungsten in its toe and heel. This design leads to stability so the ball lands further away from your spot and nearer to the hole.
Aside from MOI, center of gravity (CG) is also an important factor when you’re looking for a new golf iron. This particular product has low CG to increase the speed and distance of the ball.
Pros:
- High MOI for stability
- Low CG for speed and distance
- Bigger coverage of the “sweet spot” for better response
- Composed of different materials for durability and strength
- Higher precision
Cons:
- Comes in different lengths, which isn’t ideal for some buyers
TaylorMade M4 Combo (Hybrid/Iron) Set
The highlight among the features of the TaylorMade M4 Combo Set is its RIBCOR design. It concentrates the flexibility of the face in the sweet spot to increase the transfer of energy into the ball, resulting in a more accurate and powerful swing. That’s possible by making the head’s perimeter stiffer to guarantee a sturdier structure.
When it comes to MOI, this product is very forgiving since the weight of its toe and heel is heavy enough for stability. In addition, the leading edge is much thinner for a faster ball whenever you hit it through the lower part of the face.
Meanwhile, the shafts are very reliable. They will make sure that your launches will be higher and the ball will move faster.
Pros:
- Strategic placement of the most flexible area in the face
- Better energy transfer from the face to the ball
- High level of stability
- Speedier ball
- Higher launching
Cons:
- Lacks head covers
- Not adjustable in terms of the head’s angle
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB
With its hollow structure, the weight of the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB is redistributed deeper and lower in its head and perimeter to increase forgiveness. Its HiBore crown also maintains a low CG to keep the launches high.
To increase flex when you hit the ball, the face insert is made of high-grade Ht1770 steel. Expect the ball to move really fast.
Meanwhile, the shape of this iron is progressive. It allows better control of short irons so you can increase the odds of each shot. Longer irons are also essential for launching the ball and ensuring distance.
As for the stock shafts, they’re made of either steel or graphite. Their flex can also be stiff, lite, or regular.
Pros:
- Hollow structure
- Low CG
- More flex for ball speed
- Progressive design
- Versatile set
Cons:
- Needs improvement on the grips
- Too light for some golfers
- Bulkier than other iron sets
- Not stylish or attractive enough for some people
- Steep learning curve for some users because of the graphite shaft’s lightness
Senior Men’s Majek Golf All Hybrid Complete Full Set
The shafts of the Senior Majek All Hybrid Complete Set are composed of graphite for a lighter, more flexible feel. Because of that, less force is needed for swinging, which may result in an effortless performance.
Every little detail around each iron is guaranteed to be meticulously designed. The team behind the design include engineers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). They have successfully added more weight in the back of the sweet spot through a deeper cavity, enhancing precision.
The UCLA engineers have also managed to reduce drag, increasing speed. In addition, the low CG through the wide-to-thin crown helps you maintain your shots in a higher angle to increase distance. Both the crown and the arrow markers have black color for a more convenient alignment and less glare.
Pros:
- Lighter and more flexible for hassle-free swings
- Impressive engineering behind the design
- Increased weight in the sweet spot for more precise hits
- Less drag
- Can minimize glare
Cons:
- Has offset heads, which isn’t ideal for some users
- Not resistant to corrosion
- Steep learning curve
- Too stiff for some players
- Paintwork easily wearing out
Senior Ladies Golf Clubs All Hybrid Set
For most female golfers, it’s tricky to find the right length when they’re looking for new golf irons. That’s why we’re recommending the Senior Ladies Golf Clubs All Hybrid Set. Each club follows the standard length for women.
To ensure flex, the shafts are made of graphite. They’re perfect for ladies who are at least 55 years old. When it comes to the golfer’s height, this set is ideal for people who are standing five feet and eight inches tall at most.
Since the grip’s quality is essential for ease of use, this product uses extra-wide velvet grips. It will feel very comfortable when you hold it.
Pros:
- Standard length for female golfers
- Great flex
- Specifically designed for senior ladies
- Soft and smooth enough to prevent blisters on your palms
- Allows a more secure hold
Cons:
- Chipped surfaces after heavy use
- Can be difficult to use
- Not enough flex and too heavy for some women
Aspire XD1 Men’s Senior All Graphite Complete Golf Clubs Package Set
For seniors and beginners alike, the Aspire XD1 All Graphite Complete Golf Package is a great set of clubs. It uses 100% graphite on its shafts for irons and woods, and the A flex is lighter than steel by 40%. It’s great for older players who may have a difficult time swinging other types of flex.
This set includes a large 460cc titanium driver, stainless steel fairway, hybrid and 6-PW irons, a mallet-type putter, and 3 woods. The sole of the clubs is 3D-patterned, which helps attain a smoother interaction on the turf as well as lowering the drag.
Pros:
- More lightweight than steel irons
- Made for seniors who aren’t comfortable using more popular types of shafts
- Includes items you’ll need while golfing
- Easier performance on various surfaces
- Low drag
Cons:
- Comes with a variety of golf clubs, which isn’t ideal for buyers who prefer a whole set of irons
Extreme X5 Wide Sole iBRID Iron Set Senior Men’s Complete 8-Piece Iron Set
Expect all-hybrid-style irons from the Extreme X5 iBRID Iron Set. It features an A-flex graphite shaft, which is suitable for senior players so they can experience easier swinging. It also has premium arthritic golf grips, which helps reduce stress on the person’s hands.
In addition, this product features a large open cavity on each of its clubs. That increases forgiveness and transfers the center of gravity to the clubface.
These clubs are also larger than normal. However, larger size doesn’t necessarily mean better. It may lose versatility, and certain shots will probably become harder in deep bunkers. So, research more or ask experts whether or not you should pick bigger clubs.
This set has a total of eight irons. It doesn’t include a putter, driver, and bag.
Pros:
- Easier swing for seniors
- More forgiveness
- Good placement of the CG on the face
- Ideal size for some golfers
- Packed with several irons
Cons:
- May look and feel different than your expectations based on the product’s specs and pictures
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Women’s Complete Golf Set
If you’re looking for a complete set that’s value for money, the Wilson Golf Profile SGI Complete Set is the one for you. It has great features like the graphite shafts which are lightweight. All are actually graphite shafts except for the putter. The grips are also designed for women because of their soft handles and all-weather resistance.
This set includes a driver, hybrid, fairway wood, irons 6/7/8/9, PW, Easy Launch sand wedge, putter, and a lightweight stand bag. Each clubhead comes with either a stainless steel or titanium construction. The sole also has an aerodynamic design, which aids in increasing the swing speed and improving interaction on the turf.
Lastly, this set is available for left- or right-handed golfers, and you can choose from different club lengths to match your height’s requirement.
Pros:
- Complete yet affordable
- Soft and light to touch
- Resistant to any weather condition
- Durable metal construction
- Aerodynamic features
Cons:
- Fraying bag
- Thin material used for the bag
Senior Ladies iDrive Pink Golf Clubs All Hybrid Set
This hybrid set is the answer for senior lady golfers who don’t prefer traditional blade-style iron sets. The Senior Ladies iDrive All Hybrid Set includes irons 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge.
Most items in the set have a fun pink color from their grips to their shafts. The clubheads look different, though, but they still have pink accents. The contrast is interesting and fashionable.
Speaking of the clubheads, they’re oversized. However, they’re still low-profile, which helps in easier forgiveness and shot alignment. These hybrids can provide more distance compared to traditional wedges.
Other essential clubs like the driver and putter as well as the bag must be purchased separately. This set is available for right-handed lady golfers.
Pros:
- Modern design
- Exciting color combination
- Low-profile and forgiving
- Better handling of your shot’s direction
- Can maintain more distance
Cons:
- Too much distance from the pitching wedge
Callaway Men’s XR OS Individual Iron
One of the best irons in the market, the Callaway XR OS Individual Iron is perfect for golfers who really need excellent potential on ball speed, more forgiveness, and more height on their shots.
This golf iron for seniors features the 360 cup technology which is designed for faster ball speeds. That technology also ensures easier-to-hit irons with a lower center of gravity to contribute to better forgiveness and higher launches. Wider soles are even added for a more forgiving design.
Other essential features are the progressive lengths and lofts with the former decreasing and the latter increasing in order to keep the ball far away from where you’re standing.
Just a heads-up: the length may turn out to be too short for you, so check the product’s specs carefully.
Pros:
- Faster ball speed
- More forgiving
- Higher angle
- Progressive design
- Effective for long-distance shots
Cons:
- Wrong placement of the grip
- Too short for some users
MAZEL Single Length Golf Club Irons Set
This single-length iron set is a great entry-level product that won’t break the bank. Since one of the challenges an average beginner faces is the varying stance and setup for each club, working with the same length will make it easier for them.
One of the key features of the MAZEL Single Length Golf Club Irons Set is the Easy Launch. It has a lower CG in the clubheads for better forgiveness and launch height.
The irons’ shafts are all made of graphite, which contributes to less weight and stress. High-performance rubber grips are also found on these irons, resulting in better shock absorption and anti-slip properties.
Pros:
- Allows you to work with only one length, which can be easier
- Made for beginners
- Comfortable for your hands
- Can absorb shock
- Better grip
Cons:
- Leaking adhesive from the clubheads
- Insufficient distance
- Not resistant to abrasion
- Confusing options when it comes to stiffness or flex (e.g., regular shafts are too stiff)
Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Driver
The Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Driver is the successor of the massively successful Callaway Epic Driver. It still features the Jailbreak with X-Face technology for better ball speed and moment of inertia (MOI).
However, the Jailbreak tech is lighter in this model due to its hourglass-shaped titanium bars. It’s also constructed with titanium at 460cc, but its build is larger compared to Epic. Meanwhile, the design of its clubhead gives emphasis to forgiveness.
As a plus, the Traxial carbon crown with an aerodynamic design increases MOI and forgiveness further. The shaft’s weight can also adapt to the needs of the golfer.
Pros:
- Better than the Epic model in many ways
- Still includes the best features of the Epic Driver
- Sturdy construction
- High MOI
- Versatile shaft
Cons:
- Not comfortable enough
- May give you underwhelming shots
- Zero head covers
- Strange noise from the breakable clubhead
- No adjustment tool
Wilson Golf Profile SGI Men’s Complete Golf Set
The Wilson Golf Profile SGI Complete Golf Set is a great entry-level product that includes a 460cc driver with Super Game Improvement (SGI) technology, designed for better forgiveness and playability for new golfers.
Other features include the irons 6 to 9 designed for better accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. The sand PW also highlights the Easy Launch through its wider soles and lower CG. For those who have a hard time using irons, a 5 hybrid is included.
Additionally, this set has a putter and a lightweight, durable stand bag.
Pros:
- Designed for beginners
- Uses modern engineering technology
- Smooth performance even if you’re still a novice golfer
- Can guarantee higher accuracy and more forgiving shots
- Includes several useful items in just one purchase
Cons:
- Faulty zipper on the stand bag because of poor stitching
- May not give you enough distance
- May be too short for you
- Misaligned grips
- Can be easily dented
TaylorMade Men’s M2 Golf Iron Set
Designed for better performance and efficiency, the TaylorMade M2 Golf Iron Set emphasizes higher launches and more forgiveness.
The key features of this iron set include the higher lofts. They provide a higher launch for maximum distance. They also have a 360 undercut, which distributes the weight to the bottom to lower the center of gravity. We should also mention the speed pocket which helps maintain ball speed and high angles.
This set comes with irons 5 to 9, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and an approach wedge.
Pros:
- More forgiving and higher launches
- Can help you achieve a good distance
- Low CG because of the strategic placement of the added weight
- Higher speed from the ball
- Has different kinds of wedges
Cons:
- Only has one iron
- Worn-out faces because of the plastic material used
- Detached clubhead from the sand wedge
- More chances of excessively high launching
- Steep learning curve
Wilson Men’s Ultra Complete Golf Set
Another great entry-level golf set from Wilson, the Men’s Ultra Complete Set can offer a great experience for beginners and handicapped golfers. It features a 460cc titanium matrix driver with a big sweet spot for maximum distance. It also has a low center of gravity, which adds to its advantages.
Furthermore, this set is composed of irons with steel shafts and large clubheads featuring perimeter weighting for better performance on or off the center hits. It also includes a fairway wood, hybrid, pitching wedge, heel/toe putter, and a durable, lightweight stand bag.
Pros:
- Can be used by handicapped and novice players
- Generous sweet spot
- Perimeter weighting to increase accuracy
- High-quality material in most components
- Low CG
Cons:
- Clubhead can be easily damaged and the shaft is breakable
- Low-quality adhesive and paintwork
- Flimsy zippers and pockets on the bag
- Unlikely to last for years
- Can produce unnecessary noise because of internal damages
How to Choose Good Golf Irons for Seniors
The iron’s shaft, launch angle, forgiveness, grip, and weight are the most important factors senior golfers should consider. Learn more about them below:
Shaft
The shaft is either stiff or flexible. Each type has its own pros and cons. But, before anything else, you should know that there are standard symbols representing different types of shafts.
A, A/M, or M stands for Senior while S represents Stiff. Other shafts are either L, R, or X. L means Ladies, R is regular, and X represents Extra Stiff. Read the product description carefully for some brands label their iron shafts differently.
Stiff
Stronger iron shafts keep golf balls from going higher than necessary. If the ball goes too high, it may not reach the distance you’re aiming for.
However, make sure the shaft isn’t too stiff. Too much stiffness will only make it difficult for you to ensure direction.
Flexible
A more flexible golf iron means a higher launch. With the right height, the distance is going to be very impressive.
Just remember to avoid too much flex. Again, as we’ve said before, too high and the distance may not meet your expectations.
Senior
Considering stiffness or flex is more likely to help you buy the perfect golf iron for yourself, but it’s risky if you don’t have enough knowledge about shafts. To be safe, you can directly purchase an iron specifically created for seniors. Again, it’s usually labeled A, A/M, or M.
Senior iron shafts are ideal for swing speeds within the range of 60 to 80 miles per hour.
Launch Angle
An overly spinning ball has higher chances to go in the wrong direction. That’s why you need to keep the launch angle higher without going overboard. This is also helpful in increasing distance without the need for you to increase your swing speed.
Another advantage of a higher launch angle is better control, especially when the green is surrounded by hazards like bodies of water or sand traps.
Forgiveness
For people who aren’t very familiar with golf terms, “forgiveness” sounds strange. In the world of golfing, it simply means the iron’s ability to ensure good contact with the ball. A more forgiving iron means better results even if you can’t hit the sweet spot.
How can you tell if an iron is forgiving or not? The common one is that it has a bigger face area to increase accuracy.
Grip
While the shaft and the clubhead are both priorities to make sure that the iron’s flex, launch angle, and forgiveness will help you in your future golfing sessions, the grip is also very important. What’s the point of playing with the right flex, angle, and level of forgiveness if you can’t even hold the iron right?
The grip should have a cross-section with a circular form and tapered correctly. It should help you secure your hold effortlessly. A forced, tighter hold can be dangerous for it may lead to injuries as your body unconsciously tightens its muscles in an excessive way.
Weight
It’s unbelievably easy to find out whether the golf iron is heavy or not. You just need to check the number. A higher number means a heavier iron. Seniors should avoid that for they need more lightweight irons to ensure comfort.
Still, the clubhead must be heavier than the traditional design for a lower CG and a higher launch angle. The added weight is commonly found in the clubhead’s sole.
Other Factors
Here are more helpful considerations when buying a golf iron:
Material
In general, iron shafts are either graphite or steel. Most shafts are composed of steel to guarantee less torque. That also means less twisting for more accurate hits.
However, the popularity of steel shafts doesn’t mean they’re necessary for seniors. Graphite is better for older golfers because they’re more lightweight.
Lighter material is effective for distance without requiring strength. That’s why carbon fiber is also an excellent material.
Length
Adjustability is necessary to ensure that the iron shaft’s length is comfortable for your height. Back pain is a common consequence of using the wrong length, so don’t hesitate to spend some extra time looking for the right dimensions for your physique.
If you’re a female golfer, it would be easier for you since irons for ladies are built for the average height of women.
Hybrid
A lot of golf irons for seniors nowadays have a hybrid design. They usually come in sets. Hybrids are basically designed by combining elements from different types of irons, clubs, or shafts.
Loft
This is another term used when you’re considering both the speed swing and the angle of your shots. Keeping the loft higher results in a lower speed swing.
A loft of 10 degrees is a good starter. You can add one more degree for every 10 miles per hour. For example, at 50 miles per hour, a loft of 13 degrees is fine. That’s ideal because irons usually promote a 13- or 15-degree angle.
Once you find the right golf iron, pay attention to the following tips if you’re still beginner:
- Train with a coach who has experience in teaching seniors. Many techniques are targeted to younger golfers, so don’t just pick any trainer for your own safety.
- Begin your training on tee boxes closer to the holes. This will allow you to start slowly but surely. Forcing yourself in more challenging situations right away can stress you out.
- Play with other golfers, especially those who are in the same age group as you. This can make you enjoy the learning process more.
- Always bring water and snacks to improve your endurance. Golfing may look simple, but you’ll spend a lot of time under the sun and take a lot of walks around the course.
- Try meditating if you can’t focus right. This can improve your performance.
Conclusion
Among the awesome products we’ve introduced, the Aspire XD1 All Graphite Complete Golf Package is our favorite. Graphite is highly recommended for seniors since it’s lighter than steel. This set is also versatile terrain-wise because it contains various items.
Meanwhile, in choosing the right golf iron for seniors, the shaft, launch angle, forgiveness, grip, and weight are the basic factors that should be considered. Thinking about the iron’s material and length is also helpful. You may even want to try hybrids, just in case you’ll be looking for something else.
Lastly, remember the tips we’ve shared on how to start golfing if you’re still a novice player. Make sure to work with the right coach, have fun, and prioritize your health.