Taylormade P790 Irons Review: Tales from a San Diego Diva
Quick Takeaways (For Those Who Can’t Wait)
Listen, I know you’re probably reading this Taylormade p790 irons review while pretending to work, so here’s the TL;DR version of my year with the p790 irons:
- Worth the Money? Yes, if you can handle your spouse finding the receipt
- Skill Level Needed? They make bad golfers decent and decent golfers good
- Feel Factor: Like spreading room-temperature butter – smooth and satisfying
- Distance: These new irons, especially the 2023 P790 model, are basically legal performance enhancers
- Forgiveness: More forgiving than my husband after a $2,000 golf purchase
- Best For: Everyone from “I just started” to “I should’ve gone pro”
Overview and First Impressions
The TaylorMade P790 irons are like the latest iPhone – sleek, modern, and guaranteed to make you the envy of the golf course. From the moment you unbox them, you know these irons are something special. The copper finish is like a cherry on top, adding a touch of class to your golf bag. And the thin top line? Well, that’s just pure sex appeal. It’s like the golf equivalent of a sports car – sleek, powerful, and sure to turn heads.
Confessions of a Reformed Club Hoarder

Listen up, golf goddesses and weekend warriors! It’s your girl Linda again, coming to you from the sunny shores of San Diego where my garage looks like a TaylorMade outlet exploded. These p790 irons have been in my bag for exactly one year now, and honey, we need to talk about what happens when premium golf gear meets a woman with an unlimited credit card and limited impulse control.
You know how some people have a shoe addiction? Well, I have a golf club problem. My husband thinks I’m at yoga when I’m actually at the TaylorMade fitting center, and my “meditation app” charges are actually golf lessons. But after a year with these irons, I can honestly say this particular splurge was worth every penny of my shoe budget.
When Matt first showed me these p790 beauties last May, I knew they were different. Connor Lindeman’s review had me intrigued, but seeing them in person? That’s a whole different ballgame. These irons aren’t just clubs; they’re more like golf’s answer to a Swiss army knife – versatile, reliable, and somehow always exactly what you need.
The “Just Looking” Lie That Started It All

Let me take you back to that fateful day at the TaylorMade fitting center in Carlsbad. Matt, my now-favorite enabler, watched my typical swing (imagine a drunk octopus trying to open a jar) and suggested I try the p790 irons. “These are both predictable and consistent,” he said, clearly underestimating my ability to make any club look unpredictable.
The moment I hit my first shot with these p790 clubs, something clicked. You know that scene in romantic comedies where everything goes slow-motion and there’s soft music playing? It was exactly like that, except instead of Ryan Gosling, I was falling in love with a set of irons. The tactile feedback was incredible, making each strike feel solid and boosting my confidence immediately.
Related: Taylormade P770 vs P790 Irons
My Golf Game: A Brief History of Chaos
Before we dive deeper into this romance with my new p790 irons, let me paint you a picture of my golfing journey. While I’m not exactly a low handicap player (unless you count my ability to find the best 19th holes in Southern California), I’ve graduated from complete disaster to what club pros politely call “showing potential.”
My previous irons had more dings than my college car, and my handicap was higher than my wine bill at Torrey Pines clubhouse. The club pros at my local course used to wince when they saw me approach the first tee. Now? They only slightly grimace. The performance of the P790 irons, a specific iron model, has made a significant difference in my game, offering better distance, feel, and forgiveness compared to my old clubs.
Techy Stuff (But in a Good Way)
Okay, let’s get geeky for a minute. TaylorMade has packed these P790 irons with more technology than a spaceship. The forged hollow body construction makes them super strong and lightweight, so you can swing faster and hit the ball farther. And the SpeedFoam Air? That’s like adding a turbo boost to your irons, making them even faster and more powerful. Then there’s the precision tungsten weighting, which helps you launch the ball higher with more control. And the new internal shaping? That’s like giving the irons a makeover, making them sleeker and more aerodynamic.
Looking Good on the Course
Okay, let’s be honest, we all want to look good on the golf course. And these P790 irons? Well, they’re sleek, sophisticated, and guaranteed to turn heads. The design is clean and minimalist, with a matte finish on the back of the club. And the futuristic font for the “P790” branding? Well, that’s just cool. And let’s not forget the progressive offset, which is like giving the irons a custom fitting. It means the short irons have minimal offset for more control, while the long irons have average offset for more forgiveness.
The Technical Stuff (I Promise I Was Sober When I Wrote This Part)

Okay, let’s talk about what makes these beauties special. First off, they feel like butter – we’re talking “can’t believe it’s not illegal” smooth. As reviews consistently mention, they’re one of the fastest, longest iron sets in golf. When Taylormade continues to claim these are game-changers, they’re not just blowing smoke.
The P790 design is a masterpiece of engineering (yes, I actually learned about club technology – who am I?). As a players distance iron, it features optimized center of gravity for better launch conditions and performance consistency. From the long irons that actually get airborne (miracle!) to the short irons that make me look like I know what I’m doing, every club in this set has its own personality.
Ball Flight and Trajectory (Or, How to Make the Ball Dance)
Okay, let’s talk ball flight. The TaylorMade P790 irons launch it high and straight, with a descent angle that’s steeper than a downhill ski slope. This means the ball will land softly on the green and stop quickly, even if your swing is a little wonky. And the spin rate? Consistent, like the ball has a built-in GPS, guiding it straight towards the target.
Sound and Feel (Or, Music to a Golfer’s Ears)
Now, for the sound and feel of the TaylorMade P790 irons. When you hit the sweet spot, it’s like hitting a perfectly tuned drum. The sound is solid and powerful, with a “thud” that resonates through your hands. But the feel isn’t just powerful; it’s also surprisingly soft, especially in the short irons. This soft feel helps you control the ball and hit those delicate shots with precision. And the feedback? It’s like having a golf coach whispering in your ear. You can feel the difference between a pure strike and a mishit.
A Month-by-Month Romance
Month 1: The Honeymoon Phase
Fresh out of the box, these p790 irons made me feel like I could conquer any course. Reality check: I couldn’t, but at least I looked good trying.
Month 2: The Learning Curve
Started to understand why high handicappers love these clubs. The forgiveness factor is off the charts. My reply to bad shots? Just keep swinging – these irons have my back.
Month 3: The Breakthrough
Three months ago, something magical happened. My game started showing actual signs of improvement. The recommended handicap range for these clubs suddenly made sense.
Month 4: The Confidence Builder
Remember when I said these p790 irons were game-changers? By month four, my usual playing partners started noticing. Even Sarah, who usually only compliments my golf outfits, had to admit these irons were making a difference. The distance gains were undeniable – suddenly I was reaching greens in regulation (occasionally on purpose!).
Month 5: Getting Technical
Five months ago, I started really understanding what Matt meant about these clubs. The p790 technology isn’t just marketing speak – these irons actually deliver on their promises. My improvement was so noticeable that my husband stopped asking about the credit card bill.
Month 6: The New Normal
Half a year in, and these p790 irons felt like they’d always been part of my game. The consistency was remarkable – even my bad shots weren’t as catastrophic as before.
Course-By-Course Battle Reports

Torrey Pines South: The Ultimate Test
Taking these p790 clubs to Torrey was like bringing a Ferrari to a racetrack. Did I suddenly become ? No. But did I have my first par on the infamous 12th hole? You bet your overpriced golf shoes I did!
Aviara: The Precision Challenge
The tight fairways at Aviara used to terrify me. Now, with these irons, I actually aim at things instead of just praying. The short irons particularly shine here – those approach shots finally started making sense.
Coronado: The Wind Warrior
Playing seaside at Coronado, these p790 irons proved their worth in the wind. The long irons cut through the breeze like they were designed for it (plot twist: they were).
The Numbers Don’t Lie (But Sometimes They Fib a Little)
Let’s talk stats, because apparently, that’s what serious golf reviews do:
- Carry Distance: Up 15 yards (when I make good contact)
- Dispersion: From “which hole?” to “which side of this hole?”
- Confidence: Through the roof (results still pending)
The Investment Conversation (Or, How I Justified the Price Tag)
Look, let’s address the elephant in the pro shop: these p790 irons aren’t cheap. But neither is therapy, and these clubs have done more for my mental health than any amount of “let’s talk about your childhood” sessions.
Here’s how I broke it down for my husband:
- Cost per shot: Less than my daily latte habit
- Entertainment value: Better than most streaming services
- Health benefits: Walking the course counts as exercise
- Social advantages: I’m finally getting invited to client golf outings
- Marriage benefits: I’m much pleaser to live with when I’m not cursing my old clubs
FAQ (Because You’re Probably Still Skeptical)
“Are these really worth the money?”
If you have to ask, you haven’t tried them. But yes, these p790 irons are worth every penny of that shoe budget you’ve been saving.
“Will they fix my slice?”
No golf club can perform miracles, but these irons are more forgiving than a golden retriever. Your slice might become a playable fade (emphasis on “might”).
“What’s the real difference from older models?”
Besides making me actually want to play golf? The technology in these p790 clubs is like comparing my old flip phone to an iPhone.
“Are they good for high handicappers?”
As someone who spent years perfecting the art of the triple bogey, trust me – these clubs are perfect for high handicappers.
The Final Verdict
Here’s the thing about the p790 irons: they won’t turn you into a tour pro overnight. But they will make golf more enjoyable, more consistent, and definitely more stylish. They’re like that perfect little black dress – expensive, but versatile enough to justify the investment.
As for me? I’m still not breaking 80 regularly, but I’m breaking fewer clubs, and that’s progress. My game has improved enough that I’m actually looking forward to my next round instead of dreading it. And really, isn’t that worth all the money in the world? (Don’t answer that, honey, if you’re reading this.)
For the analytical types, here’s my final breakdown:
Pros:
- Distance gains that’ll make your playing partners jealous
- Forgiveness that feels like cheating (but isn’t)
- Look better in your bag than your old clubs ever did
- Actually make golf fun (most of the time)
Cons:
- Expensive (but worth it)
- Might make your other clubs jealous
- Will ruin other irons for you forever
- Your spouse might question your financial decisions
Remember ladies (and gents), golf is like a good wine – it gets better with age, costs more than you want to admit, and is best enjoyed with friends who don’t keep score too carefully. Now excuse me while I head back to the range. These p790 irons aren’t going to swing themselves, though honestly, some days I wish they would.
P.S. – If my husband is reading this, I promise these clubs are the last golf purchase of the year. (Note: Year not specified, terms and conditions may apply, past performance does not guarantee future restraint.)
OH, if you want to grab a pair yourself or just read more, Amazon has them for a pretty good deal right now, but it’s probably better to test some out at your local store! More info on how that works: What Is a Golf Fitting
The P770 is not the predecessor to the P790. They have existed in parallel for years. The 2021 version of the P790 is the 3rd iteration. A new P770 is due out early in 2023.
This is the first review I've read that recommended these irons for beginners. Others I've read recommend for mid to low handicappers. Now I'm really confused.
Hey Dan,
Thanks for pointing out the difference between the P770 and P790 iron sets. I’m sorry for the confusion in my review. You were right that these two sets run parallel to each other and aren’t predecessors.
About my recommendation for beginners, I realize it may have caused some confusion. After taking a closer look, I’ve updated my review to clarify that the Taylormade P790 Irons are better suited for intermediate golfers and those upgrading from an older model. These clubs give you a nice balance of performance and forgiveness, so they’re perfect for mid to low handicappers.
I hope this clears things up, and I appreciate your feedback. If you have any questions or concerns, just give me a holler.
Cheers,
Linda