If you’re a mid-handicap golfer looking for a new set of irons, you might be wondering which type of iron is best for you. We’ve decided to compare both game improvement and players distance irons to help you make the correct choice.
To compare the two irons categories properly we selected the new Callaway Elyte (game improvement) against the Mizuno JPX 925 (players distance).
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Game Improvement Irons
Game improvement irons are designed to help golfers with slower swing speeds or those who need more forgiveness. These types of irons have larger, chunkier heads to allow manufacturers to put more weight behind the ball.
This low centre of gravity really helps golfers get the ball up in the air easier, especially on off centre strikes. Manufacturers tend to combine this feature with stronger lofts to help you get more distance.
A key component you’ll tend to find with game improvement irons is a supportive frame around the back. Manufacturers all have their own way of doing this to help stabilise the club head at impact, keeping the golf ball on target longer.
Players Distance Irons
Players distance irons are designed for golfers who want a thinner looking iron but don’t want to lose much distance. By going for a slightly more sleeker design, golfers are able to shape their ball flight both ways.
What you’ll find is the club head doesn’t have the same supportive frame as the game improvement options. Players distance irons have more feel and ‘freedom’ at impact, allowing golfers to shape their shots how they desire.
Which One is Right for You?
It’s fair to say both game improvement and players distance irons are very forgiving and boost overall carry distance. So lets dive into it further to help you select the correct one for you!
Game Improvement Irons
Shape – these irons are much larger in shape, so you’ll tend to notice a thicker top line with the sole of the club sticking out of the back. A lot of golfers may find this off putting, but some love this design and is all down to your own personal preference on looks.
Offset design – This style of iron tends to sit slightly offset on the ground, meaning the club face sits slightly behind the hosel. Offset is really useful for golfers who tend to slice the ball or struggle to make contact.
Strike – due to its much wider sole and offset design, golfers who struggle with fatting shots can benefit as the leading edge can’t dig into the ground as much.
Feel – due to its larger profile, golfers may find it difficult to notice the difference between a good and bad strike apart from looking at the end result. Its stable frame can really numb a lot of the feeling at impact. This is really good for boosting confidence, but long term it may hinder a golfer’s development.
Sound – this numb feel does tend to translate in the sound at impact too, as you will really struggle to notice a difference between a heel or toe strike as it all sounds the same. Although the sound is quite pleasant with more of a ‘ping’ off the face. It could be described as clipping sound off the top of the turf.
Players Distance irons
Shape – a much more compact design offering a sleeker top line and less offset. This kind of design gives off the look of a blade but don’t judge it by its looks, these type of irons still pack a punch when it comes to distance. Most players distance irons still have a speed pocket in the sole to help elevate that trampoline effect off the face. Manufacturers are very smart with being able to hide this pocket underneath the top line at address, so that you cant see the width of the sole.
Strike – the shallower sole allows the leading edge to cut more into the turf at impact. For golfers who struggle with strike, they could prefer this ball-turf interaction.
Sound – with the extra turf interaction from its thinner sole and less offset, the strike will sound much more impactful and pleasing.
Feel – players distance irons tend to be less stable at impact making it much easier for golfers to notice the difference between toe and heel strikes. Even though this may sound negative, for golfers to have more awareness of their strike pattern allows them to make positive adjustments and be more accurate.
In Summary:
Both types of irons are great options for mid-high handicappers, but it all comes down to your personal needs and skill level.
Game improvement: If you’re a golfer who needs that extra forgiveness and not bothered about the shape or sound then go for the game improvement option. Callaway Elyte irons are a gorgeous looking club still but if you’re looking for something similar then check out the Ping G440 irons review here:
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Players Distance: I’d recommend going for the players distance irons if you would like to start transitioning into more of a players looking iron but still want some forgiveness and distance.
The Mizuno JPX 925s are a great players distance option but if you would prefer a different brand then look no further than TaylorMade’s P790 range:
Remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in golf, so choose the iron that best suits your game.
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