The Genesis Invitational

Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)



    Golf Digest Logo Hot List

    Best Players Irons: Innovation

    January 21, 2025

    The best clubs in each category of the Hot List reflect excellence across an array of criteria. In Players irons, the most innovative clubs feature softer steels, sound-dampening and even 3-D printing. Here is how our editors and academic panel evaluated clubs in this category based on the criterion of Innovation, with each achieving a minimum of 4.5 stars.

    Cobra 3DP Tour
    $357 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $357 per iron
    The irons are completely 3-D printed, allowing for a level of precision and intricacy not available in clubs that are forged or cast. The 3-D printing allows for a soft, forged-like feel in an iron with game-improvement traits. An interior lattice provides support for durability and produces a pleasing sound. The weight savings the lattice provides allows the use of tungsten weighting to achieve stability in a blade-like iron. Tungsten also helps lower the center of gravity, making this an iron even 15-handicappers can play. The company has produced more than 50 3-D print projects for tour players with nearly 20 put in play, proving the viability of 3-D printed clubs. Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps. SPECS: 7-iron: 31 degrees; PW: 45 degrees
    Callaway Apex Pro
    $215 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $215 per iron
    The hollow-body construction and a thinner, more flexible cupface (in which the face wraps around part of the sole and topline) on the 3- through 5-iron provide more ball speed and a higher launch to enhance distance. The remaining irons have a 1025 forged-carbon-steel face insert designed for precision, accuracy and repeatability in the clubs where distance isn’t as crucial. The company’s urethane microspheres within the body of the long irons control vibration, enhance feel and allow the face to flex for maximum distance. The sole features a variable bounce from heel to toe, especially helpful to players who enter the turf with the toe down on impact. The backweight gives fitters more options to dial in the proper swingweight. A good choice for highly skilled golfers that need a hint of forgiveness. Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps. SPECS: 7-iron: 33 degrees; PW: 45 degrees
    Mizuno Mizuno Pro 243
    $200 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $200 per iron
    The face is as thin as a dime with plenty of spring. “Micro-slots” on the long and middle irons enhance distance. Grain-flow forged from chromoly steel, the combination delivers the kind of sweet feeling better players prefer. The wrap-around sole grind promotes a silky turf interaction. The lofts on the wedges have been strengthened to provide better distance gapping. The compact clubhead appeals to better players. Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps. SPECS: 7-iron: 32 degrees; PW: 44 degrees
    TaylorMade P·770
    $200 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $200 per iron
    A hollow-body construction with a forged, high-strength steel face insert produces plenty of distance sizzle. The face insert wraps around the leading edge into the sole for more potential ball speed from impacts lower on the face. Tungsten within the head (as much as 41 grams) lowers the center of gravity for more effective launch. The tungsten also is used to produce a consistent center of gravity (vertically) through the set for added consistency. TaylorMade’s “SpeedFoam Air” material is inserted within the head, reducing those pesky unwanted vibrations on mis-hits. Structural ribs in the walls of the body deliver noticeable sound and feel dividends. Top 5 in Forgiveness, low-handicaps. SPECS: 7-iron: 33 degrees; PW: 45 degrees
    Titleist T100
    $200 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $200 per iron
    A forged, dual-cavity design supplies a tour-like look in an iron everyday single-digit handicappers can play. Super-dense D18 tungsten (1.5 times heavier than lead) in the heel and toe foster super-charged stability and improved feel. Coordinating with the company’s wedge designers brought a softened chamfer in the trailing edge of the sole for better turf interaction. Using a CNC face-milling process helps create more control and consistent ball flight, especially from the rough. The stock shafts are slightly lighter in the long irons to help make them easier to swing. Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps SPECS: 7-iron: 34 degrees; PW: 46 degrees
    Titleist T150
    $200 per iron | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $200 per iron
    The T150 is hotter than the T100 thanks to its stronger lofts (2 degrees) and a channel behind the face that adds spring at impact. The muscle channel is close to the face to provide a solid feel. Dense D18 tungsten uses an aerospace brazing process that eliminates weld joints. This allows a more precise center of gravity and extra stability on off-center strikes. A softened chamfer in the trailing edge of the sole delivers plow-like turf interaction. The CNC face-milling process eliminates imperfections in the surface for better contact and control. The lower portion of the face is a shade thicker than the T100 to enhance feel. Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps. SPECS: 7-iron: 32 degrees; PW: 44 degrees