Over the past few years, we’ve seen iron design continue to split into more clearly defined categories, with brands refining models to suit very specific types of golfers. From compact, players-style distance irons through to ultra-forgiving game-improvement options, the focus remains on helping golfers improve both performance and consistency. When it comes to irons for amateur golfers, one of the first names that springs to mind is Ping.
For 2026, they have introduced two new iron models at opposite ends of that spectrum, with the i540 targeting the growing players distance category, while the G740 is designed to deliver maximum forgiveness and ease of use. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new…
PING i540 Irons
The new i540 irons are aimed at golfers who want more ball speed and distance from a more traditional, players-style profile. Sitting in the increasingly popular players distance category, they combine a compact look with technologies more commonly found in distance-focused designs.
A key feature in the i540 is the use of tungsten sole weighting in the longer irons, which helps lower the centre of gravity to promote faster ball speeds and higher launch. This is paired with a forged maraging steel face that is designed to flex more at impact, delivering increased speed while also helping produce a higher peak height for improved stopping power into greens.
Despite the distance focus, the i540 has been engineered to retain a level of control and precision typically associated with more compact irons. The clean shaping, including a thinner topline and narrower sole, will appeal to golfers who prefer a more traditional look at address.
Ping have also introduced their inR-Air technology into a full iron set for the first time. This design places a small air pocket behind the face, helping to improve sound and feel by reducing unwanted vibrations at impact.
An internal i-Beam structure further supports the clubhead and contributes to a more solid impact experience.
Three loft configurations – standard, power and retro – are available to help golfers optimise launch conditions during a custom fitting.
The i540 irons are available from 4-iron through to utility wedge and are offered with a wide range of shaft options. Pricing is set at £200 per club with steel shafts and £210 with graphite.
PING G740 Irons
At the other end of the spectrum, the G740 irons are designed for golfers who prioritise forgiveness, consistency and ease of launch. Positioned within the super game-improvement category, they feature a larger clubhead profile and a wider sole to inspire confidence and deliver more stable performance.
The G740 is engineered to maximise ball speed and launch, particularly for golfers who struggle with consistent strike. A wider, dual-camber sole helps position the centre of gravity low and back in the head, promoting higher launch and increased carry distance.
The larger face design also plays a key role, helping preserve ball speed across a wider hitting area for more consistent results on off-centre strikes. This is supported by a heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel construction, which allows the face to be thinner and more flexible.
A new PurFlex cavity badge with multiple flex zones helps manage face bending while also improving sound and feel, while the Hydropearl Chrome 2.0 finish is designed to maintain consistent performance in varying conditions.
Forgiveness is further enhanced through perimeter weighting and increased offset, both of which assist in launching the ball more easily and keeping shots on line. The overall design is aimed at helping golfers hit more greens by producing higher, longer shots with greater consistency.
The G740 irons are available from 5-iron through to multiple wedge options, with the same three loft configurations – standard, power and retro – to help fine-tune performance.
They are priced at £185 per club with steel shafts and £195 with graphite, and are available for custom fitting and pre-order now.
