The Best Irons for Beginners in 2021

We reviewed common irons on the market to uncover the best irons for beginners and high handicappers starting out in 2021.

Let’s face it:

Whether you only plan on golfing once a month or are going to be an every weekend golfer, beginning the game of golf can be a bit confusing.

One of the biggest dilemmas is choosing your irons.

There are many brands, materials, lofts and so much more to take into account when deciding on the best fit for you.

Bottom line?

Finding the right irons can be tough.

However, it doesn’t have to be that difficult, as others have mastered the choice before you.

Therefore, this article highlights the best iron choices for beginning golfers and what to look for if you decide to go with them.

The Best Irons for Beginners are:

At a glance: Out top picks of best irons for beginners

Starter Irons Buying Guide

Although having a good set of irons isn’t going to make you the perfect golfer right from the get-go, it will allow you to learn to play the game correctly and help you to form good habits.

The following are some important explanations, tips and features to look for when shopping for beginner irons:

What Irons are Included in a Set and How Are They Used?

Most standard iron sets include the three through nine irons and a pitching wedge for a total of eight clubs. Some iron sets might also include a sand wedge.

Various irons are used during a round of golf based on how far you want your ball to travel or high you want the ball to go.

A general rule of thumb is, the higher the iron number, the shorter the distance. Understanding the purpose of each iron can significantly help your golf game.

One thing to remember is that while an iron that might be good for one golfer in getting the distance or loft they are looking for, might not be the same as what you are looking for.

Golf is really customized to your style and swing. Getting good distance or ball height are the key factors a beginning golfer should watch for when determining what iron is going to get them the shot they are after.

How to Choose the Right Fit

Getting the right fit in your new set of irons is very important so you are getting the most out of your game and learning the right way. Some of the tips for getting properly fitted clubs are:

  • Seek a professional golf shop or pro which can assist in evaluating the elements of your game.
  • The grips of the irons should be thinner for smaller hands and thicker for bigger hands.
  • The length of the clubs should be specific to your reach and height.
  • The speed of your swing is taken into consideration when being fit for clubs.
  • The angle of the club heads and where you are making impact with the ball will determine the right set of irons for you.
  • The weight and flex of the shaft should match your swing style.

The Benefits of Beginning Golfers Getting Properly Fitted

Many beginners think they are not worthy of a custom fitting; however, it can be one of the most important decisions you make when beginning to golf.

It is the right way to learn. If you are swinging clubs that don’t suit your style or are too long or too short, it is not going to allow you to improve your game or form the proper habits.

As your golf game improves and your swing changes, it could be beneficial to go through another fitting or evaluation after a year goes by. You wouldn’t necessarily have to get a new set of irons, but it could assist you in making adjustments to your game.

You might come to an understanding that maybe the same iron you were using for distance isn’t the right one for you anymore and you could get more out of using a lower numbered iron.

Getting the Best Use of Your New Irons

It is suggested for most beginners to start out getting used to the the higher numbered irons.

The lower numbered irons tend to be a little difficult to hit with in the beginning, in particularly the three and four irons.

These low numbered irons also have a low loft and a slimmer sole.

Looking for a set with a wider sole on the higher irons is a great feature in a set for beginner golfers.

For very short distances, just off the green, a beginner can get used to the feeling of lofting the ball with a nine iron or pitching wedge.

The sand wedge is generally used for getting some loft to hit the ball out of the sand trap, or also known as the bunker.

Patience and practice are key, as all of the different irons will take time to get used to.

In time, you will learn what iron feels right for each shot you have to take on the course.

What are Forgiving Irons?

A forgiving iron is one in which the design of the club allows for correction in a poor swing. This comes from the certain elements that the club is made of or how it is designed, in particularly the shaft.

The shaft design of an iron accounts for many factors in a golfer’s swing. The material and flex of the club shaft are some of the elements that go into the forgiving factor.

Our Top Picks for Best Irons for Beginners in 2021

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PRODUCT

DETAILS

Callaway Golf STEELHEAD XR 4 Iron, Graphite Shaft, Regular Flex, Right
  • Comes with a large clubhead and sweet spot, which makes them extremely forgiving
  • Features Bore-Thru hosel technology to improve your swing
  • Available in either steel or graphite shafts
  • Boosts ball speed and distance
  • Provides decent amounts of accuracy
TaylorMade Men's Steel AW 4 PW M2 Iron(Right, Stiff)
  • Offers exceptional levels of accuracy
  • Features a speed pocket and thinner sole for increased ball speed
  • Fluted-hosel technology distributes weight evenly throughout the clubhead for forgiveness and shot control
  • Includes 360 Degree Undercut technology for an ultra-low center of gravity
  • Features a 3-D Badge System that gives you perfect feel and a sweet sound upon impact
Callaway Men's Big Bertha Iron Set, Right Hand, Graphite, Senior Flex, 6-PW
  • Features a 360 face up technology that increases distance
  • Large clubhead gives you decent amounts of forgiveness and accuracy
  • Available in steel and graphite shaft options
  • Hollow body construction makes them light and easy to swing
NEW Left Handed Mizuno 2016 JPX-EZ Forged 4-PW+GW Irons TT XP-95 Steel Stiff
  • Club design and construction produces soft feel on shots
  • Increased ball speed and distance
  • Club control and flex improves trajectory and ball flight
  • Good-looking design and finish
Adams Golf Men's New Idea Iron Set, Right Hand, Steel, Regular Flex, 3-PW
  • Available in iron, graphite and steel shaft options for increased usability
  • Comes with either regular or stiff shaft flex options for better club swings
  • Large clubhead provides decent amounts of forgiveness

5 Best Irons for High Handicappers in 2021

1. Callaway Steelhead XR

Callaway Golf STEELHEAD XR 4 Iron, Graphite Shaft, Regular Flex, RightCheck latest price

Pros

  • Very forgiving irons in both shape and speed
  • Center of gravity variation in low and high clubs
  • Boosts distance and height

Cons

  • Very little feedback
  • Limited control of the clubs

Description

If you are having trouble with accuracy and would like to get a bit more distance, the Callaway XR Steelhead irons might be for you.

The irons have the majority of the mass at the toe of the club, using a Bore-Thru hosel technology, which helps to improve the swing. The shaft of the irons come in either steel or graphite.

Overall, these clubs are designed to increase the distance with the long irons and more height and spin in the lower numbered irons.

In comparing these irons to older models of Callaway iron sets, the XRs may look similar, but the technology used in the design will get beginners swinging their clubs more accurately and with more launch.

Verdict

The Callaway Steelhead XR Golf Irons are some of the best golf irons for beginners available on the market.

You get a set of irons with features that benefit beginners like a large clubhead for forgiveness and accuracy, different shaft options for comfortable swings and an attractive design that makes them good-looking irons.

If you are a beginner looking for an iron set that combines all features of the ideal golf irons for beginners, this is a set you might want to consider.

2. TaylorMade M2

TaylorMade Men's Steel AW 4 PW M2 Iron(Right, Stiff)Check latest price

Pros

  • Big sweet spot making them great for beginners
  • Music to your ears on impact
  • Lightweight and easy to swing

Cons

  • Clubs are longer than other irons
  • Less attractive looking irons

Description

This set of irons comes from a long standing trusted name in the golf world. The TaylorMade M2 irons are best known for providing noticeable development in game accuracy.

The club heads are designed with a Speed Pocket feature and thinner sole, which allows for better ball speeds.

Along with the Speed Pocket feature, TaylorMade also combines its other great technologies in these irons, including Fluted Hosel which distributes the weight more evenly throughout the club head. It also includes 360 Degree Undercut technology which creates an ultra-low center of gravity, delivering ball speeds that will leave you in awe and the 3-D Badge System which provides a much-wanted feel and a sweet sound upon impact.

Verdict

The TaylorMade M2 Golf Irons come with some of the best features meant to benefit golf beginners. You get irons with an enlarged clubhead that offers optimal forgiveness and accuracy, a speed pocket for increased ball speed, and undercut technology for low COG.

Although pricey, the M2 irons’ features make them worth the investment value. If you are looking for a set of golf irons with innovative features and excellent value for money, this is it.

3. Callaway Big Bertha

Callaway Men's Big Bertha Iron Set, Right Hand, Graphite, Senior Flex, 6-PWCheck latest price

Pros

  • Forgiving for maximum improvement
  • Allows for more distance control
  • Great for high shots

Cons

  • Difficult with tough lies
  • Difficulty choosing proper weight setting

Description

Many beginners rave about the accuracy and the flexibility of the Callaway Big Bertha irons. The design of the shafts, depending on your swing, can be made of steel or graphite and are made for both right and left handed golfers.

Callaway uses its 360 face up technology which aides in the distance you can get with the irons, as well as a great feel. The Big Bertha irons tend to be lighter clubs than others as they are made with a hollow body.

This allows for more forgiveness, especially generous for the beginning golfer.

When getting properly fitted for a set of these irons, you also have the option of selecting hybrids over some of the longer irons.

Verdict

The Callaway Big Bertha Golf Irons are some of the best irons for beginners looking for club that provide great distances. The irons come with a large head that gives you high levels of forgiveness, 360 face up technology for increased distance and steel & graphite shaft options for comfortable swings and control.

If you are looking for irons that give you great amounts of distance, this is a product worth considering.

4. Mizuno JPX-EZ

NEW Left Handed Mizuno 2016 JPX-EZ Forged 4-PW+GW Irons TT XP-95 Steel StiffCheck latest price

Pros

  • Great feel with solid impact
  • Classy look and feel
  • Provides distance Control

Cons

  • Not as forgiving as some irons
  • Not enough length

Description

The Mizuno JPX-EZ iron set’s claim to fame is providing a golfer the maximum speed and trajectory with their swing.

The shafts are made of steel and have a stiff flex, which makes it a nice set of irons for those that have a harder swing.

The good trajectory is due to the deep center of gravity in the club head.

Beginners can take comfort in the ease of these light irons which helps with getting a good feel for club selection during their golf game.

The JPX-EZ irons are a good fit for those that tend to hit off the toe or heel of the club as the technology of the irons provides for maximum accuracy with little distance lost.

Verdict

The Mizuno JPX-EZ Golf Irons Golf Irons come with impressive features that benefit high and mid-handicap players.

You get a set with a large face for adequate forgiveness and accuracy, good quality construction improves stability, and design that offers good ball trajectory and flight. If you are looking for a club that will help you improve trajectory and overall performance, this is a product worth considering.

5. Adams New Idea

Adams Golf Men's New Idea Iron Set, Right Hand, Steel, Regular Flex, 3-PWCheck latest price

Pros

  • Improved ball striking
  • Provide high launch in tough lies
  • Good self-correcting technology

Cons

  • Look isn’t appealing
  • Trouble with alignment
  • There is a lack of precision with the short irons

Description

Adams brought wraparound slot technology to the New Idea set of irons. This set of hybrid irons allows customers to choose from a stiff or regular flex in the shaft.

The irons are made of iron, graphite and steel and designed for both right or left handed golfers. For those that have used these clubs, they are most impressed with the improvement in their game, as well as an increased sweet spot due to the new slot design.

For those that have a mean slice, the New Idea irons could be the answer, as they are forgiving irons that provide self-correction.

Verdict

The Adams New Idea Golf Irons is the ideal set for beginners looking for clubs with a simple design and minimal features for easier usability.

You get irons that are easy to swing, forgiving and with a simple, good-looking design & finish. This is the product for you if you are a golfer looking for a set of golf irons with high levels of practicability and usability.

Conclusion and Editors Choice

With these helpful tips and equipment reviews, finding the best irons for beginners should come a little easier.

The iron reviews are unanimous, with the Callaway Big Bertha, being the leading choice for a beginning golfer. The versatility of the clubs and 360 degree face cup technology allow a beginner to conquer greater distances, while also allowing forgiveness.

Both the technology and the design of the Callaway Big Bertha irons give a beginner the opportunity to start golfing the right way and allow for adjustments as their golf game continues to improve.