5 Best Irons For High Handicap Golfers (…and 3 to avoid)

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Updated February 2024.

Golf should be fun, no matter what your skill level. Not every golfer wants to spend hours at the range perfecting their swing.

So I tried out a bunch of the current irons designed for high handicappers like you and here are the ones I think will give you the best chance to level the playing field.

My pick for the best irons for high handicappers is the Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite Iron/Hybrid Combo Set. They’re among the most forgiving and easy to hit irons out there and are designed to help increase your swing speed too.

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

Top Pick

1. Callaway Rogue ST MAX OS Lite Irons/Hybrids Set

The clubs for golfers searching for answers in every part of their game. Never before has it been easier to improve in multiple areas at once than with the Rogue ST Max OS Lite irons.

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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 hard and fast is not always best.

In most cases, it’ll be counterproductive to exert every little bit of energy you have. Instead, your focus should be on becoming more fluid, consistent, and smooth. Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite iron support all three of these factors.

First and foremost, these are the Lite model. The shafts are lighter. The heads are lighter. This combination makes it possible to add speed without becoming overaggressive and losing your fundamentals.

From top to bottom, the Rogue ST MAX OS Lites have more loft than clubs designed for low and mid-handicap players. This makes it easier to elevate the ball and increase carry distance.

Then, add in the updated internal weighting system (46 grams of tungsten) that shifts the center of gravity to aid launch angle. A second example of two parts of the same club working towards the same goal—improving shot shape.  

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.

Any one of these features would be enough to warrant consideration as the best golf irons for high handicappers. Put them all together and it was a no brainer.

Runner-Up

2. Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL Irons

A forgiving option for all players, but best for those inching closer to breaking 100. All golfers benefit from these clubs but are on the edge of being for mid-handicappers.

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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.

Budget Pick

3. Tommy Armour 2021 845-MAX

Whether you’re seeking a starter set as you test the waters that are golf or are looking for big improvements at the lowest cost possible, Tommy Armour 845-Max irons will get the job done.

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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.

And unlike other brands you might find online offering clubs are prices almost too good to be true, Dicks utilizes good materials and the high quality designs they came into when the Tommy Armour brand was acquired. If you’re unsure about the brand, ask someone at your local golf course. They’ll know Tommy Armour and may have even had a set at one point. Then ask them about the other brands offering iron sets at this price. There won’t be much to go on with them.

For 30+ Handicappers

4. Cobra T-Rail Combo Irons

When a club helps you as much as the Cobra T-Rail does, appearance doesn’t mean much. Designed for golfers who struggle the most with consistent contact, this unique design is sure to offer a major boost.

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You may have never seen a set of clubs that look like the Cobra T-Rail set. You might not see another one on the shelves of any golf store either. That does not mean you should not look into them.

For a high handicapper, you need practical clubs that make getting around the golf course easier. That’s exactly what the Cobra T-Rail combo set is.

With each club bordering on the look and feel of a hybrid, getting through the rough, elevating the ball, and good contact will all become easier.

Depending on your golf history knowledge, you may not know the hybrid is a more recent innovation. Hybrids are a substitute for long irons and are much easier to hit. This innovation made it so less skilled ball strikers could hit it farther with greater consistency. The same principle applies here. By using the same methods that make it easier for skilled golfers to hit clubs they struggle with, T-Rail clubs do the same with all clubs.

A hollow design and oversized head lets you get faster without fear of as extreme mishits. Whether you’re making contact off the toe, heel, or center, the ball will take similar flight. Additionally, the hollow head and hybrid-like face will offer distance benefits as having more room allows Cobra to optimize the surface in the areas high handicap golfers need the most help.

Traditional Look

5. Cobra AIR-X Irons

Looks aren’t everything, but they are something. And we’re not just talking about appearance. AIR-X irons are designed for you to hit it high with a nice draw shape…and those are the looks we’re really going for.

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Admittedly, we know the Cobra T-Rail’s won’t be for everyone. Looks and sound are some of the top considerations for people, even if their performance will suffer. Sometimes, in rare cases, there are clubs that embody the Deion Sanders “look good, feel good, play good” mantra people love.

In club form for high handicappers, that is the Cobra AIR-X iron set. With the appearance of a players performance iron and the technology of a super game improvement iron, everyone wins.

While we had many options for this category, the place where AIR-X irons separated themselves was their weight and encouragement of controlled speed.

Lightweight materials speak for themselves. It’s natural you can swing these clubs faster. But it’s the control piece that really works for high handicappers.

Through heel weighting and a noticeable offset, hitting it straight becomes a secondary concern and allows you to focus on improving in other areas. Added weight to the heel helps close the face as you strike the ball on its own.

Add in an offset face to make sure you begin with a square face and the two features easily work together for a noticeable difference.

Using AIR-X irons won’t make it obvious you’re using super game-improvement irons and neither will your play on the course.

Clubs to Avoid

While these aren’t necessarily bad clubs, I wanted to share some irons sets that I’ve seen recommended for high handicappers elsewhere that really don’t fit your needs.

Titleist T400

While the T400 might Titleist’s most forgiving iron, it fails high handicap players by not being
forgiving enough for those with low swing speeds.
 
Additionally, the boost provided for launch and control is average in both categories. For a high
handicapper, you should be looking for a club that provides a substantial boost in one of those
areas, depending on your own game.
 
The final thing that stands out about this club when compared to the other best irons for high
handicappers is price. For a players performance club, the T400 falls right in line. But there are
far more affordable options when compared to other clubs for golfers shooting 110+.
 
This club is best for a mid-handicap golfer whose issue is control, not speed. If you’re a golfer in
that position, the T400 should be at the top of your list.

TaylorMade Stealth

For a high handicapper, TaylorMade Stealth irons are bound to come up in your search for new
clubs. They would be an easy purchase to make because of the brand power and their
popularity too. But that doesn’t make them a top option.
 
The Stealth is regarded as a game improvement iron and even that is up for debate. For a high
handicap golfer who struggles with consistent contact, your problems will be amplified. The
sole of this club is built more like a players iron than anything else and will affect your distance
and direction.
 
Don’t be duped by the number your peers with these in their bags. Even within the brand there
are better options for those struggling with distance, swing speed, control, or launch.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke

Another great club, just not for high handicappers. With the Paradym Ai Smoke, Callaway
succeeding in creating an option below their players iron (Paradym) that can be used by a
bigger chunk of golfers. However, it is still geared towards mid-handicappers and high single
digit handicappers with control issues.
 
Adding the Ai Smoke HL and Ai Smoke Max Fast to the lineup was a step in the right direction.
But it failed to create a true option for beginners or people who struggle with getting the ball in
the air.
 
Across the Paradym Ai Smoke board, forgiveness is at the proper level for high handicap golfers.
However, it isn’t enough for us to include any of these clubs as one of our top picks. If you are really interested in Callaway or find yourself teetering on the edge of high and mid-handicap,
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast is where you should direct your energy.

What High Handicappers Need To Know When Choosing Irons

Here are a few things you should be aware of when choosing the right irons for your game, especially when you’re a high handicapper.

Iron Choice Can Affect Distance

The great part about this game is that golf club technology has improved to the point that the best irons for high handicap golfers can let you have fun and enjoy the game even if you’re just a weekend warrior that plays for enjoyment rather than competition (although they can give you an edge over your other high handicap friends too!).

Before you go chasing all those distance claims though, check the lofts of the clubs. Manufacturers have been jacking up the lofts on irons to make you think you’re hitting that “7 iron” farther when in fact you were really just hitting a 6 iron that says 7 iron on it.

This is counteracted by the lower center of gravity in these types of irons that launch the ball higher. So you end up with shots that fly higher with less spin which means they will go farther. The increased height helps you stop the ball on harder greens even with less spin.

Irons are for hitting targets, not winning long drive competitions. So forget about the distance when it comes to irons. If you’re a high handicap golfer, you need forgiveness and a clubface that will help you get the ball up in the air even when you mishit it.

What High Handicap Players Should Look For In An Iron Set

As a player that is starting to improve your swing and get some good results, this is a great time to think about upgrading your clubs, especially if you have been playing with clubs designed for players of a lesser skill level.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the number one necessity for high handicap players.

If you don’t hit the sweet spot consistently, then you need irons that are going to minimize the effect of those mis-hits.

Mis-hits result not only in results that are off-target but can also create a lack of consistency. That means that if your mis-hits are significantly shorter than the well-struck shots, you never know what club to use.

Do you play for the mis-hit or play for the perfect shot?

With very forgiving irons, there will be less of a difference between the two. That will help aspects of your scoring that depend on consistency, like learning and implementing good course strategy.

Hybrids In Place Of Long Irons

High handicappers should not be playing classic 3, 4, or 5 irons. Replace them with hybrid clubs.

The sets on this list are either combo sets that replace the long irons with hybrid clubs or simply use the hybrid style in all the clubs in the set.

Hybrids are specifically designed to be lighter, have a larger sweet spot, and have a lower center of gravity.

This design also helps to get the ball up in the air more quickly. This is especially important with your long irons. Traditional long irons require decent club speed and a solid strike to get the ball going on the right trajectory. Slower swing speeds will result in low shots that are hard to control.

So for high handicappers, having hybrids in place of the long irons is extremely helpful. Many of the sets on this list either include hybrids as part of a combo set or all the irons in the set are hybrid-style irons.

Combo sets like these are a great way to ensure your irons and hybrids are designed to work together and feel more consistent from club to club. It is also less expensive than buying the hybrids separately.

Resale Value

This may seem like an odd thing to look for when you are buying a new set of irons, but it can be important, especially for high handicap players.

Irons more than any other club should match your skill level. As you improve, you may want to sell or trade-in your high handicap irons for a set designed for better players. That means that picking a brand that holds its value can be an important consideration.

The big ones on this list to look for are Callaway and Taylor Made. Both of those brands will retain their value pretty well as they continue to be popular year over year.

Common Questions

Should I Buy Irons Online?

Buying online is a great way to get the best prices on a set of irons. I recommend buying from a store that has a favorable return policy in the event that the clubs turn out not to be right for you. Check out our guide to buying golf clubs online.

There are two things you want to be aware of though. First, forged irons are able to have their lie angle adjusted so you can take care of that after you get them and decide you want to keep them. Second, be sure the place you buy them has a decent return policy in case you hate them.

What is considered a high handicapper?

There is no set rule about how high your handicap has to be in order to be considered a “high handicap” player. For the purposes of this buying guide, we focused on players with a handicap 18 and above.

The focus is on golfers that need a little technology to help get the ball up in the air and on a consistent trajectory in the right direction.

When Should I Consider Buying An Iron Set For High Handicappers?

Irons designed for high handicap players are great for those of you that struggle with scoring, keeping the ball in play, and mis-hits. The wider sole and hybrid style of such irons are going to help make the game more enjoyable. Not everyone needs to or wants to spend time practicing and working on their swing. So if you just want to go out there and have some fun on the course, then high handicap irons are perfect for you.

Should I Choose Steel or Graphite Shafts For My Irons?

Most players would be better off using steel shafts in their irons. Steel shafts are a little heavier and sturdier and will allow you to have more control over the club. Because clubhead speed is less important in iron shots than drives, you’ll be better off with the steel shafts. However, if you struggle to create enough swing speed to get the ball on a good trajectory, then graphite shafts may help.

What Is The Easiest Iron To Hit?

The easiest irons to hit are generally those with more loft such as an 8/9 iron or pitching wedge because they are shorter, easier to control, and the added backspin will reduce sidespin and help you hit the ball straighter.

However, when you get to the extremes of loft with a club like a lob wedge (58° to 60°) the added loft can make it more difficult to make solid contact.

What Are The Most Forgiving Irons?

The most forgiving irons are any set that is designed similar to hybrids or those that include hybrid-style irons commonly referred to as game-improvement or super game-improvement irons.

The lower center of gravity and additional mass behind the face of the club makes them much easier to hit well and minimize distance loss on miss-hits.

Fitting Irons To Your Swing

Even when your swing is inconsistent, there are still some factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing the right specs for your iron set. In general, most amateurs will be ok buying clubs online or off the rack, but you may need to get some things adjusted, like the lie angle once you have them.

Here are a couple of things to be aware of when buying them.

Shaft Flex

Choosing the right shaft flex can be based on a combination of your swing speed and a more subjective “feel” factor.

Your swing speed with irons will vary based on what club you’re swinging, so it can be helpful to make the choice based on your driver swing speed. More players know that number than their swing speed with their irons.

Here’s a chart that will give you a general guideline for choosing a shaft flex.

These are general guidelines though. Some fast swing speed players like the feel of softer shafts and vice versa.

Also, as a high handicap player, it is generally a good idea to stay away from X-still shafts. They can cause more harm than good.

Club Weight

Choosing a club/shaft weight that fits your swing can have a positive effect on your game.

A lighter club will help increase swing speed. This is a good idea for slower swing speed players to help them add a little distance.

A heavier club can help give you more control of the clubhead. This can have a positive effect on your consistency. It may cost you a little swing speed, but the added consistency can improve your game.