5 Best Game Improvement Irons (…and 3 To Avoid)

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Not hitting the center of the club face shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the game. But if you want some help getting the ball headed in the right direction, then you’ll need to pick the right irons.

My pick for the best game improvement irons are the Callaway Rogue ST MAX Irons because they have the perfect combination of game helping technology and control to help you get better.

But if you want my full breakdown and see my other picks that might fit your specific needs even better, then keep reading…

Whether you’ve been a high handicapper for some time or are just picking up the game, one of the most important things to understand is that the clubs the pros use are not for you.

So don’t worry of you don’t see PGA Tour pros using these irons, because they’re designed to get the ball to it’s target even when you don’t hit it all that well.

Then, add in the updated internal weighting system (46 grams of tungsten) that shifts the center of gravity to aid launch angle.

This moves the center of gravity lower in the club making it easier to get the ball up in the air and increase carry distance. This also means that you’ll see a higher flight which helps stop the ball on the greens even if you aren’t spinning it like a pro.  

And let’s talk about contact and how these clubs make life easier. For ground-turf interaction, a wide sole deters most chunks as the club does not dig into the ground as easily.

As you make your contact, a fair amount of offset (the OS in the club name) helps to correct the spin on the ball and promotes straight flight.

These are the clubs I would recommend to anyone that needs a little help with their game.

On top of that, they can often be found a few hundred dollars cheaper than most of the latest iron sets (check the links above).

If forgiveness is your biggest concern, Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL irons should be near the top of your list. This line of clubs is not new, but with each yearly update, Mizuno makes them more appealing to the mid and high handicap population.

One of the most innovative ways our runner-up pick offers forgiveness is a uniquely designed sole. Most options for high handicappers will just beef the sole up. This method is effective but has some drawbacks.

Mizuno takes a different approach and instead widened the thinner parts of the sole. By focusing only on the areas most in need, the Hot Metal HL irons are effective in reducing the ill effects of shots off the toe and heel. The changes to the sole also create a wider sweet spot.

Essentially, your bad shots aren’t as bad. And your good shots are even better.

A very underappreciated part of these clubs is the color. Featuring a non-reflective outer coating, playing in the early morning or at twilight when the sun is low will not leave you blinded from the light reflecting off your club.

For many high handicappers who prefer to play when the course is less crowded, this is worth a few bonus points.

Once a top name in golf, Tommy Armour is experiencing a resurgence under the Dick’s Sporting Goods umbrella. Fittingly enough, their top model shares the same name as their once incredibly popular model, the 845.

The best budget option for high handicap players is the Tommy Armour 845-Max iron set. At a fraction the cost of other name brands, the 845-Max’s are quality clubs designed for players looking to improve carry distance.

By designing the hosel and back of the club to lower the center of gravity and improve MOI, the thing you will notice first is how high you hit the ball. And this includes when you do not hit the ball on the center of the face. These same design features also help you square the clubface at impact and straighten your shots out.