More Hot List

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTERS

The Golf Digest Hot List is the golf industry’s leading annual equipment review—and the people behind it some of the hardest-working, most passionate professionals in the game. Presented by Golf Galaxy.

Irons

Our review of the best irons breaks the universe into four sub-categories: Players, Players Distance, Game Improvement and Super Game Improvement. Although there are definite lines of demarcation, it is enlightening to realize that three of the irons Brian Harman used to win the 2023 Open Championship could be played by any 18-handicapper. As you look at our assembly of 55 irons across our four iron subdivisions, you will see several cases in which long irons have extra weight low to help launch and short irons are more compact. Our iron categories still hold, but the era of mixed sets is here. Knowing where you fit in across these varying types of iron designs requires some self-analysis. We suggest thinking about whether your goal is enhancing your skills or mitigating your weaknesses. If it’s the former, stick to the Players or Players Distance categories. If it’s the latter, consider the Game Improvement or Super Game Improvement irons. However you decide to make up your set, make sure your irons have the appropriate distance gaps.