Hey there, golf nuts! It’s Linda, your favorite San Diego slice machine, back with another deep dive into the world of golf. Today, we’re talking about the best golf irons for 2024. Because let’s face it, if you’re going to chunk it into the water, you might as well do it with style, right?
Did you know there are approximately 24,300,000 golfers worldwide? That’s a lot of people desperately trying to avoid the sand traps! If you’re one of these brave souls looking to improve your mid-game (or at least have a shinier excuse for your high scores), you’ve come to the right place.
Why Listen to Me About the Best Golf Irons?
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Linda Parker, and my mom was an LPGA pro before my parents met. I’ve been around golf since before I could walk, which explains my excellent putting stance and terrible dance moves.
I’ve spent 2 or more weeks with EACH of these sets here in beautiful Southern California. That’s right, I’ve been swinging these clubs longer than most of my relationships have lasted. So buckle up, buttercup – we’re about to get iron-ically serious.
In this post, we’ll cover both forged and cast irons, so whether you’re a traditionalist or a tech-head, there’s something here for you. And as always, don’t be shy – if you have questions, ask away! I’m here to help and read/respond to every question or comment. Even the ones asking if golf clubs can double as back scratchers (spoiler: they can, but I don’t recommend it).
#1 Choice: Callaway Apex Pro Irons
Best Suited for Beginning to Intermediate Golfers
First up, we’ve got the Callaway Apex Pro Irons. These bad boys are the 2021 model, but like a fine wine or my golf jokes, they’ve only gotten better with age.
What We Love About Them:
- Great Design: We’re not just talking looks here (although they are pretty sexy). These irons offer consistently decent distance and impact with every use. It’s like they’re trying to make up for all my bad decisions on the course.
- True Temper Elevate 95 Shaft: These shafts are more versatile than my excuses for missing putts. They provide optimal swings no matter the scenario, leading to a great flight.
- Lightweight Hollow Body: Nice for those of us who consider lifting a beer can a workout.
Pros:
- Easy to use (even for those of us who struggle with TV remotes)
- Forgiving swing (unlike my golf buddies when I forget to bring snacks)
- Suited for Beginning to Intermediate Golfers (hey, we all start somewhere)
Cons:
- Higher price (but can you really put a price on looking cool while you slice into the woods?)
- Possibly too stiff for some golfers (like my jokes, not everyone can handle them)
#2 Choice: Titleist T100 Irons
Trusted & Used By Professional Golfers
Coming in at #2, we’ve got the Titleist T100 Irons. These are the clubs you buy when you want to feel like a pro, even if your scorecard suggests otherwise.
What We Love About Them:
- Premium Design: With D18 density tungsten, a new Tour-contoured sole, and a brushed chrome finish, these irons are prettier than my swing is ugly. And that’s saying something.
- Favored By Pro Golfers: Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris, and other pros whose names I can barely pronounce use these. If you’re looking to go pro (or at least pretend to at your local muni), these are a good place to start.
Pros:
- Strong distance (for when you really need to impress that one guy watching from the clubhouse)
- Powerful, accurate stroke (results may vary after the 19th hole)
- Great for golfers with high handicap range (I feel seen)
Cons:
- Might not be too forgiving (like my spouse when I come home with another new set of clubs)
- Not ideal for beginners (unless you enjoy a challenge and have a high tolerance for frustration)
#3 Choice: Callaway Big Bertha Iron Set
Best Suited for Beginner Golfers
Ah, the Big Bertha. The name that strikes fear into the hearts of golf balls everywhere. Despite the name, there isn’t a massive difference in size between these irons and competing brands. It’s not about the size of the club, it’s how you use it, right?
What We Love About Them:
- Alloy steel construction: Heavier than my guilt after a triple bogey, but in a good way.
- Low center of gravity: For those of us whose center of gravity gets lower every year.
Pros:
- Dual distance chambers for greater distance (in case you need help reaching the green… or the next tee box)
- Superior ball control (now if only they could control my tendency to buy more golf gear)
Cons:
- Heavier than average (like my golf bag after I “accidentally” grab a few extra range balls)
#4 Choice: TaylorMade Sim Max Irons
Another Great Option for Beginners
The TaylorMade Sim Max Irons come in at a more wallet-friendly price point. Because let’s face it, some of us need to save money for important things. Like golf balls. And more golf balls.
What We Love About This Set:
- Speed Bridge technology: Not to be confused with the card game. Although both can lead to frustration and emptied wallets.
- Ultra-Thin 1.5mm face design: Thinner than my patience on the 18th hole.
Pros:
- Comfortable to use (unlike those dress shoes you wear to the clubhouse)
- Great speed and forgiving swing (for when you need all the forgiveness you can get)
- Lower cost than many competitors (leaving more money for the 19th hole)
Cons:
- Not as refined as some higher-end clubs (but then again, neither am I)
- Better for beginners than professionals (pros, you’ve been warned)
#5 Choice: TaylorMade P770 Irons
Great for Intermediate to Professional Players
The TaylorMade P770 Irons are for those of you who have graduated from duffer to… slightly less duffer. These clubs don’t come with as many customization options, so you’ll need to adjust to the club rather than the other way around. Kind of like my golf buddies have had to adjust to my unique scoring system.
What We Love About This Set:
- Wrap grip: For when you need to hold on tight (to your clubs and your sanity)
- Stiff flex: Like my back after 18 holes
Pros:
- Strong construction (unlike my resolve to stick to just one round)
- Pure alloy steel (purer than my intentions when I say “just one more hole”)
Cons:
- Few customization features (you’ll have to save the customization for your excuses)
- Relatively heavy (like the weight of disappointment after a missed 2-foot putt)
#6 Choice: Callaway Apex 21 Irons
Definitely a ‘players iron’ for experienced golfers, but has great forgiveness too
Alright, folks, we’re moving on to our third Callaway entry. The Callaway Apex 21 Irons are like that friend who’s good at everything but doesn’t brag about it. Show-offs.
What We Love About This Set:
- Tungsten Energy Core: Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, doesn’t it? But it’s what helps you launch the ball into orbit.
- Customizable construction: Because one size definitely does not fit all in golf. Or pants. Trust me on both.
- A.I. architecture design: Yes, even our golf clubs are smarter than us now.
Pros:
- Forgiving for off-center shots (for when you’re distracted by the beer cart)
- Firm control and precision accuracy (results may vary after the 19th hole)
- Comfortable feel (unlike the feeling in your wallet after buying them)
Cons:
- “Off-center” sweet spot small, according to some customers (but hey, who among us isn’t a little off-center?)
#7 Choice: Srixon ZX5 Irons
Great Set of Irons for Beginners
Next up, we’ve got the Srixon ZX5 irons. Don’t let the “ZX5” fool you – these aren’t racing cars, but they might make your ball feel like one.
What We Love About This Set:
- Multi-piece construction: Like a good pizza, it’s all about the layers.
- Progressive grooves: Not to be confused with progressive rock. These won’t make your ears bleed.
- Tour V.T. Sole: Helps your club glide through turf smoother than your excuses for that quadruple bogey.
- Customizable flex: Because sometimes you need to bend it like Beckham. Or at least pretend you can.
Pros:
- Highly forgiving (like your spouse when you come home with another new set of clubs)
- Excels in the rough (where most of us spend our time anyway)
- Comfortable use (your hands will thank you, even if your scorecard doesn’t)
- Explosive distance (just don’t yell “Fire in the hole!” on the tee box)
Cons:
- Better for beginners than professionals (pros, you’ve been warned… again)
#8 Choice: TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Irons
Great Set of Irons for Beginners
If the TaylorMade Sim Max irons were the opening act, the Sim 2 Max Irons are the headliner. They’re what you upgrade to when you’re ready to admit that maybe, just maybe, it’s not the clubs’ fault after all.
What We Love About This Set:
- Titanium construction: Like the Terminator, but for golf balls.
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket technology: Sounds fast, doesn’t it? Unlike my pace of play.
- Forgiveness-focused face design: For those of us who need all the forgiveness we can get.
- ECHO Damping System: Reduces vibrations. If only it could reduce my score too.
Pros:
- Extremely forgiving (more forgiving than the course marshal when you’re playing slow)
- Comfortable to use (like your favorite recliner, but it gets you out of the house)
- Relatively lightweight (so you can swing faster and miss the ball with greater speed)
Cons:
- Better for beginners than professionals (sensing a theme here?)
#9 Choice: Callaway Mavrik Irons
Higher Ball Speed, Great Set of Irons for Beginners
The Callaway Mavrik Irons might be from 2020, but like a fine wine or my golf jokes, they’ve only gotten better with age.
What We Love About This Set:
- Alloy steel and tungsten construction: Sounds like a superhero duo, doesn’t it?
- 360 Face Cup: Not to be confused with the 19th hole’s 360 beer mug.
- Artificial intelligence design: Because sometimes we need a computer to tell us how to hit a little white ball with a stick.
Pros:
- Strong launching power, fast ball speed (your ball will leave the club faster than you leave the office on golf days)
- Great for beginners, and very forgiving (like my family when I spend all weekend “practicing”)
- Accurate stroke (more accurate than my weather app, at least)
Cons:
- Poor sweet-spot (hey, we all have our flaws)
- Easy to miss Face Cup sweet spot (challenge accepted!)
#10 Choice: TaylorMade P790 Irons
Last but not least, we’ve got the TaylorMade P790 irons. We’ve saved one of the best for last, like that last bite of dessert you’ve been eyeing all meal.
What We Love About This Set:
- SpeedFoam Air: 70% lighter than its predecessors. If only my golf bag was 70% lighter.
- Thinner wall construction: Because sometimes, less is more. Except when it comes to birdies.
- Tungsten mass: Adds stability. Unlike that third beer at the turn.
- Low center of gravity: Helps keep the ball flight high and your expectations realistic.
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: Again with the speed! TaylorMade really wants us to play faster, huh?
Pros:
- Highly forgiving (more forgiving than the group behind you when you’re looking for your ball in the woods… again)
- Large sweet spot (almost as large as the divots I take)
- Focus on low-facing strikes (for when you’re too tired to make a full swing by the 18th hole)
Cons:
- Generally stiff (like my back after 18 holes)
The 19th Hole Wisdom: Best Golf Irons Wrap Up & Conclusion
There you have it, folks! The top 10 best golf irons for 2024. Whether you want to improve your short game or better your performance on the fairways, all ten of these sets of irons are fantastic choices. They’re certain to vastly improve your game, or at least give you something new to blame your score on.
Remember:
- The best iron for you is the one that feels right in your hands (and your budget)
- No club can replace practice, but they can make practice more fun
- When in doubt, blame the clubs. It’s a time-honored tradition.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best clubs to improve your swing, feel free to contact us or leave a comment. We’re always happy to enable… I mean, assist… fellow golf addicts.
You can also browse our extensive site to find the best gear for your golfing arsenal, or just check out our latest Golf Iron Reviews. Just don’t tell your spouse how much time you spend shopping for golf gear online.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with the driving range and a new set of irons to test. Pray for the range balls!
May your drives be long, your putts be true, and your playing partners always mark your ball generously!
P.S. If you see me out on the course testing these irons, feel free to say hi! Just, you know, from a safe distance. My swing has been known to clear small forests and frighten local wildlife.