Iron (golf)

An iron is a type of golf club with a relatively thin, flat clubface, typically made of metal (historically iron, now often steel or titanium). Irons are primarily used for approaching the green from the fairway, as well as for tee shots on shorter holes where distance is not the main objective. They are also useful for playing out of the rough and other difficult lies.

Irons are numbered from 1 to 9, with lower numbers generally indicating longer shafts, lower lofts (more angled clubfaces), and greater potential distance. The number corresponds roughly to the approximate distance the ball will travel for a skilled golfer. For example, a 3-iron is designed to hit the ball farther than a 7-iron.

Beyond the numbered irons are wedges, which are specialized irons with even higher lofts designed for shorter, higher shots around the green. Common wedges include pitching wedges (PW), sand wedges (SW), gap wedges (GW), and lob wedges (LW). These are used for specific situations based on the required trajectory and distance.

Irons are generally considered more versatile than woods, offering better control and accuracy at the expense of distance. Their design allows for a greater variety of shots, including fades, draws, and punches. The choice of iron depends on the distance to the green, the lie of the ball, and the desired trajectory of the shot. The set of irons a golfer carries is a personal choice and can vary depending on the player's skill level and preferences.