Best Irons For Low Handicappers: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. How we test
4. How to choose
5. FAQs
Golfers of different ability levels have specific requirements. Low handicappers, essentially anyone with a single-figure index, tend to prioritise extra distance control and reducing dispersion in order to reduce the proximity to the hole and take the pressure off the putter.
VIDEO: Joel Tadman tests and compares the leading low handicap irons in 2023
For the golfing purist, there’s nothing like a shiny set of elegant new blades. Not only do they look fantastic, but the best golf blade irons deliver the ultimate in feel and workability, which can help you navigate a golf course much more efficiently. But most low-handicap golfers require something that's going to offer a little more forgiveness, which is where this guide comes in.
The irons we've chosen provide a blend control and consistency with a little added distance thrown in. So what are the best golf irons for low handicappers on the market right now? Scroll down to find your perfect match. If you're after a little more distance and forgiveness but in a relatively compact head, do check out our guide on the best compact mid-handicap irons too.
The Quick List
For the low handicapper, this is one of the best all-round packages we’ve tested this year. Some may hit the ball too far versus their traditionally lofted set.
The i230 is an iron that can hit all the shots with a high margin for error given its compact size. Produces a stable feel with good distance and stopping power for competent players.
Accomplished ball strikers will enjoy a penetrating flight and a soft yet solid feel from the latest T100 iron. Advancements over the prior model appear to be minor, but more consistent carries are sure to get your attention.
This players’ cavity back iron feels like a blade but has a little more margin for error. Distances from shots struck on or very close to the sweet spot were incredibly consistent
With their stunning aesthetic, impressive forgiveness, exceptional feel, and consistent distance, these clubs will suit mid-to low-handicap players who value accuracy and control.
A playable forged iron with a little more distance built in versus most of its competitive set. Not overly forgiving, but good strikes are rewarded with sensational feel.
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This provides a gentle refinement of the prior model through a touch more speed while maintaining a soft, stable feel at impact as well as stunning, more streamlined looks.
Ping has created a faster feeling and more playable better player iron that delivers improved consistency across the face that in testing produced more accurate approach shots.
For highly-competent ball strikers looking for a more user-friendly alternative to a blade, the P7MC is certainly an iron to consider. It has jaw-dropping looks and buttery soft feel.
Best Irons For Low Handicappers
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Top pick
Having put this iron to the test, I think the Cobra King Tour might be one of the best all-round packages for low handicap players this year. It's one of three new King models released by Cobra in 2023, along with the MB and CB, and this iron offers a little more playability compared to its sister clubs. Such is the performance on offer that even Rickie Fowler has chosen to stick a full set in his bag.
In terms of their design, the Cobra King Tour irons are visually superb, offering a sleek understated look, with a classic profile and clean lines on the rear of the club head. Compared to its predecessor, the King Tour MIM, this club comes with a shorter blade length, but is a little stronger in loft, with its 7-iron coming in a 32º angle compared to the MIM's 34º loft. That meant we were expecting these clubs to have a little more punch to them, and they carried the ball a few yards further than most other compact cavity backed irons we've tested. It offers a dense yet soft feel, while producing both consistent carries and great accuracy.
The club also came with a healthy amount of spin that we really enjoyed, allowing us to control the trajectory of the ball, but also delivered plenty of stopping power into firmer greens - something many low handicappers will enjoy. But what really struck us was how much forgiveness these irons offered for such a compact head as well as the soft feel. The reduced margin for error, combined with the club's consistency and shelf appeal, makes this elegant package a must-consider if you're an experienced player looking for a high-quality set of irons.
- Read our full Cobra King Tour Iron Review
Ping i230 Iron
The Ping i230 is arguably one of the most complete irons for low handicap golfers. My testing showed this club to be a reliable and versatile iron to the point where I've added a full set to my bag. It becomes one of the best Ping irons on the market because of the changes Ping has made to the impact experience and resulting ball flight.
The i230 has been slimmed down to appeal to the eye of better players, boasting a muscle cavity style look that is clean, but is a little simple compared to some of the best golf irons on the market. And while this club isn't a blade, it does look like one thanks to the cavity which has been blended in with the rest of the clubhead to give the i230 a more streamlined look. While it ticks a lot of boxes for its design, it also does the same for its feel, too, which was very lively but stable.
It was very easy to gently shape shots with the i230 and it offered excellent stopping power when we were looking to target the flag. Distance was solid too, delivering slightly more carry and consistency than the outgoing i210, and similar yardages to the impressive TaylorMade P770 irons. Overall, there wasn't an awful lot we didn't like here and we found the i230 irons to be a very user-friendly option for any player looking for more a more consistent and reliable club, that will deliver excellent distances.
- Read our full Ping i230 Review
Titleist 2023 T100 Iron
The T100 is one of the most recognized irons when it comes to the low handicap category, with their new version offering up some notable improvements over its predecessor. In testing, we noticed the improvements around the consistency and how the club entered and exited the turf, with the narrow sole shape helping create a satisfyingly crisp feel and well-formed divots that are easy to replace.
Where this model stands out, though, amongst the low handicap irons is the split tungsten weighting inside a dual cavity. This has has been refined for 2023 to be more precise and, consequently, the T100 provided a soft yet solid feel with an element of forgiveness. We felt that it’s arguably one of the more stable tour played irons out there and, while it’s not built to be especially user friendly, there is some help at hand.
At address, it was clear to see that this iron is built for the competent ball striker. The thin sole and top line is joined by a narrow blade length and barely a hint of offset. Along with the looks, the T100 is an iron built for golfers with power in the locker. The flight is more penetrating than the T150 iron - in our testing it flew around two yards lower and generated around 600 rpm more spin. Finally, the yardages of the T100 landed within a smaller range, which is crucial when trying to hit a very specific number with the best golf irons.
- Read our full Titleist 2023 T100 Iron Review
Mizuno JPX923 Tour Iron
The smallest iron in the JPX923 iron range adds a copper underlay beneath the white satin brushed finish versus its predecessor for a softer feel. At address it presents a thinner top line than its predecessor, certainly appealing to the low handicap golfer, while the irons from 6-iron to GW have a narrower blade length. Versus the best golf blades, the sizing is quite generous, but it remains compact to the point that you know you need to be a talented ball striker to get the most out of them.
This iron isn't long, but it is consistent on and around the sweet spot. Mizuno’s goal was to create an iron that looks and feels like a blade but plays more like a players’ cavity back and it certainly delivers on this brief. When swinging well and in a groove, this iron is among the best Mizuno irons at being able to repeat the same shot time after time, but it also affords creativity on the course if you’re looking to working the ball into pins that are tucked away.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Tour iron review
Callaway Apex CB Iron
Callaway claim that the new Apex CB irons are designed for the most discerning Tour pros and elite ball-strikers, with a new forged construction promising pure feel, precise shot-making, and workability. In testing, they certainly didn't disappoint, with an array of new technology providing elite performance.
Aesthetically, we thought these irons were fantastic, as the sleek and stylish design struck a great balance between a classic look while also leaving little clues and nods to modern innovation. They are slightly different to their predecessor, with the softer, more curved toe and smoother transition from hosel to topline really appealing to our eye.
Performance-wise, they were also hard to fault, with the Apex CB designed for players who desire a more forgiving iron than a pure blade, while still maintaining high levels of control and workability. In testing, the technology at work allowed for plenty of forgiveness, with distance and ball flight being the primary stand out.
- Read our full Callaway Apex CB Iron Review
Srixon ZX7 Mk II Iron
A replacement on the excellent ZX7 iron, the ZX7 Mk II builds a lot on what made this club set so great. Srixon has enhanced the impact experience on this new offering, with this club delivering a better feel on impact. Visually, the shape of the head stays pretty similar to its predecessor, boasting a sleek stainless steel finish on the classic Tour V.T. shaping. It also comes with a wider sole that improves the turf interaction of the club and that helps it to seem noticeably larger than a blade at address, making it an appealing iron to mid-range handicap players as well as those looking for one of the best golf irons on the market.
Link: The start of this link looks broken.carbon steel with Srixon's PureFrame technology, strategically forged in the sweetspot of the club that helps to give this club it's soft yet responsive feel on impact. While we found it did lack a bit of off-center forgiveness at times, it is built for better players who are more likely to find the center of the face. Yet, when you do catch it sweet, the club delivers impressive and consistent yardages.
- Read our full Srixon ZX7 Mk II Iron Review
Mizuno Pro 223 Iron
This iron could best be described as a more compact version of the JPX921 Forged, especially in the short irons, appealing slightly more towards the better player that favors feel and workability over out and out distance.
Not only does this iron look fantastic from every angle, but it satisfies the demand for a blade-like club that provides a little more distance, especially off centre. Some better players might hit this iron further than they want to, which is where a fitting is key to dial in the lofts and shaft model to produce the optimum carry distances for you that won’t effect gapping at either end of the bag.
Left-handers will be pleased too as the Mizuno Pro 223 is available in a full set rather than just a blended set comprising all three models, as was available on the MP20.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 223 iron review
Ping i59 Irons
The i59 replaces the iBlade and the design has evolved significantly - we’re now seeing a hollow head with an aluminum core that improves feel and moves more weight to the edges for added forgiveness.
With the i59, Ping has created a faster feeling and more playable better player iron over iBlade that delivers improved consistency across the face that in testing produced more accurate approach shots. Shot making is still encouraged with a greater margin for error that will be received by all.
- Read our full Ping i59 iron review
TaylorMade P7MC 2023 Irons
First things first, the P7MC is TaylorMade’s most played iron model on Tour which tells you the type of player this is aimed at… Ball strikers. Compared to the previous generation, the head size looks a fraction smaller, as is the muscle cavity section behind the hitting area, while the raised lines no longer extend all the way across the back. However, in short, this is a beautiful-looking iron that will suit those lower handicappers.
Because it is a blade, there is somewhat a lack of forgiveness but, when struck out the middle, the feeling is simply sensational. Also, because of the lack of forgiveness, it means you’re able to work the ball, both laterally and up and down. When you’re on your game, it affords a high level of creativity.
- Read our full TaylorMade P7MC 2023 Iron Review
How we test golf irons
Our testing for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. As far as the specific procedure goes, before testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.
When it comes to testing, we often head indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.
Our outside testing normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course with top-notch practice facilities. We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the irons so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions.
It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves.
How to choose irons
As you have seen, the market for golf irons is crowded and confusing and being sure you're getting the most suitable iron for your game can be a minefield. Hopefully, this piece has given you an idea of what the best options are out there right now, but here is some more advice to help you in your quest to find the best golf iron for your game in this crowded and dense marketplace.
Your Handicap And Ability
This is probably the most important first step: knowing which type of iron best suits your game. Obviously if you are reading this guide you are probably a low handicap player so that means you probably aren't looking for game improvement models, but instead irons built upon precision, workability, feel and control. But there is still a question to ask yourself - blades or cavity back irons? We have included several models that fit into both of those sections above and the best way of finding out which is best for you would be to get a custom fitting. Additionally you should think about what kind of iron configuration would be best for you, because it might be best to have a blended set of more forgiving irons at the top end of the bag, and transition into blades.
You'll know how good or perhaps not so good your ball striking tends to be, so make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is out now, not where you'd ideally want it to be.
Price
This will be a major factor in anyone's decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary dramatically between irons. This obviously can fluctuate between brands, and we've highlighted in this list the ones we think give the best value for money in this category. The price jumps quite significantly when looking at the forged and bladed options - up to and above $1000 - but this is par for the course and you'll be getting a high quality, premium product in return.
Custom Fit
This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct lie angle and correct iron head for your game, meaning you'll finish with the best golf clubs that are as suitable as possible for you out on course.
Custom fits can be a daunting process but they're a vital part of the club buying process. We recommend having a shortlist of three or four iron heads you like the look of before entering a custom fit and then whittling them down to the best for your game during the custom fit process. Custom fits are provided by a number of golf retailers or club professionals at your local golf club.
FAQs
What is considered a low handicap in golf?
Any handicap index in single figures in considered to be low given the new range for men goes up to an index of 54.
Can a low handicap play game improvement irons?
Absolutely, especially given the fact that we're seeing game improvement irons become smaller and more refined today. This is because through use of high density tungsten weighting and other means, manufacturers are able to cram in higher levels of forgiveness into a smaller chassis. As long as the lofts remain relatively traditional, using a game improvement iron is certainly doable for a low handicapper, although feel and workability may somewhat be sacrificed.
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