Bestgolfiron is audience-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission that we use for site maintenance. Learn more

Golf Irons

5 Best Irons for Amatuer Golfers : Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Last Update: August 10, 2023

In any golf set, irons have the majority in number over the other kinds of clubs. They’re also the kind that all beginners find the hardest to maneuver. You might see hundreds of different varieties of irons on the market and still not find the ones that meet your requirements.

In golf, the right selection of equipment could make all the difference in your game. This is especially true for beginners and if you belong to this category of people, you do need to start with the iron that’s perfect for your level of expertise, physique, and style.

If you’re starting out as a golfer and having trouble choosing the perfect set of irons, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll not only review the best golf irons out there for beginners, but also give you insights on how you can choose one for yourself.

Top 5 Best Irons for Amatuer Golfers

01 Callaway Golf Men’s Strata Complete Set (Best Overall)

Callaway Golf Men's Strata Complete Set Hand Steel

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Callaway Strata is one of the best beginner-friendly golf sets. With a variety of clubs, this set can assist you in enhancing your golf ball maneuvering techniques. The lofts on these irons are higher than that of an average golf set that makes them more forgiving and much easier to hit consistently.

The pocket-friendly Strata also comes with a simplistic design that suits players of all ages. No wonder it clinched the top spot on this list.

Our Experience With the Callaway Strata

  • Great lightweight design for beginner to intermediate players and we didn’t have any denting, breaking, or other design flaws except for the driver. But some may find the set too light
  • Callaway uses both graphite and steel shafts for the different clubs of the set. Graphite has been used in only the fairway woods and the driver. This is understandable because the set is designed for beginner golfers who’d find steel shafts easier to swing.
  • With a generous 12° loft angle, the driver sends balls flying high and long. But it dented fast, which was very disappointing and we had to look for a new driver soon. Many other users also had the same complain and Callaway really needs to work on it
  • The hybrid is great with a 26° loft that makes it easy to hit balls off the tee. Our players misplaced their swings several times and hit the turf with it but it seemed sturdy enough to withstand miss-hits.
  • The well-designed 3 wood offers a 15.5° loft angle that makes it easy to hit more greens. It can be used to improve your off-tee shots and the overall technique.
  • The 6-9 irons are easy to use. With loft angles up to 42°, they are very forgiving. Also, the steel shaft makes them heavy enough for enhanced accuracy.
  • A pitching wedge is included in the set. This 35” long, 46° lofted club does its job well on the fairway.
  • The putter is also great in terms of quality with perfection written all over it
  • You get two headcovers and a bag in the package. With a sturdy strap, the bag’s easy to carry even with all the equipment inside. We were happy with the number of pockets and the space was also well-organized.

What We Didn’t Like

  • No other color options available
  • The grips on the shafts tend to slip sometimes
  • The driver dented within a few weeks of purchase

What Could Be Improved

  • Graphite shafts could be used in all of the clubs
  • Grips could be more comfortable
  • A sand wedge could be included in the set

Our Recommendations

Consider wearing gloves since the grips of some of the clubs may slip sometimes.

Specifications

  • Size: 12-piece set
  • Color: Blue
  • Available for: Men
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shaft Material: Steel, graphite
  • Weight: 12 pounds

Pros

  • Effective & efficient design
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Durable clubs
  • Affordable
  • Easy to carry
  • Great for beginner to intermediate players

Cons

  • No sand wedges
  • Driver might dent sooner than expectation

02 STRATA Women’s Golf Packaged Sets (Best for Female Golfers)

STRATA Women's Golf Packaged Sets

Why It Stands Out to Us

Callaway’s Strata for Women comes in four different variants with 11-16 pieces of equipment in each set. This elegant-looking set has some fascinating game-improvement features. With lightweight shafts and a variety of loft angles, all the clubs offer great forgiveness that you need as an ameteur player. This really is a nice choice for any lady golfer who is eager to improve her game.

Our Experience With the Strata Women’s Golf Set

  • Straight out of the box, we loved the aesthetics and the overall build quality of the set. We tested all four available variants of the set and they all performed well.
  • The lightweight graphite shafts provide a comfortable grip and are well designed for improved and faster swings.
  • The titanium driver impressed us with its sturdy feel. With a 10.5° loft, it has amazing forgiveness. Also, the big enough MOI sweet spot makes it a stunning game improvement driver that deserves your attention.
  • You will love the hybrid too. We hit about a hundred practice balls with it during our testing session and most of the time we were able to make perfect contact with the ball. It had a good amount of weight that felt good in the hand.
  • In fact, all the clubs of this set have a suitable amount of sweet spots. The variety of loft angles in the clubs make this a versatile set – perfect for beginner to intermediate female golfers.
  • The bag worked great in accommodating and transporting the whole set in an organized and convenient manner.

What We Didn’t Like

  • The set doesn’t have a lot of color options that can be an issue for women who prefer low profile golf equipment.
  • The bag didn’t have small pockets suitable for tees and other small items. We had to keep the tees with the balls that looked messy.
  • After a few weeks of use, we started noticing scuff marks on some of the clubheads.

What Could Be Improved

  • Callaway could add stealthier variants of the set
  • The bag could have different slots for each club. This would have made the transportation even more organized.
  • The build quality of the shafts could be improved because many users broke their shafts after a while of use.
  • We missed the 5 iron so much

Specifications

  • Size: 11-piece set
  • Color: Pink
  • Available for: Ladies
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Weight: 11 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sleek design
  • Forgiving
  • Amazing game improvement features
  • Easy to transport
  • Great for beginner to intermediate players

Cons

  • Lacks color options
  • 5 iron not included

03 Wilson Sporting Goods Golf Men’s Set (Best for Men)

Wilson Sporting Goods Golf Men's Set Complete Hand

Why It Stands Out to us

Many of the world’s top pro golfers prefer Wilson equipment for good reason. This set has a premium feel to it that’s usually expected from the most expensive golf sets. Except for the clean and classy looks, they also come with a wide range of clubs with a variety of loft angles for all kinds of shots.

With big sweet spots and well-balanced weight, these clubs make it extremely easy to maneuver the ball. Also, the bag that comes with the set is premium quality and assures an easy and organized transportation of the whole set. If you’re looking for a starter-level golf set for men, this is the one you should go for.

Our Experience With the Wilson Men’s and Teen Complete Golf Set

  • The overall design and build quality looked premium. We used every available variant of these golf sets and each of them offered the same quality in terms of design and material.
  • Wilson used both graphite and steel shafts in these sets. No matter which material was used, all the shafts looked great in quality. They attached to the clubhead perfectly and felt sturdy during our time with the set.
  • The driver coupled with a graphite shaft offered great strength and accuracy. The weight was nicely balanced and accurately put to the spots where it was needed. With a 10.5° loft, this club makes it easy for any level of golfers to maneuver the ball with perfection.
  • With a big sweet spot, the fairway wood seemed very forgiving. After hitting hundreds of balls with the iron, we can assure you that this club is very efficient in sending the balls a long distance.
  • Along with the driver and the wood, the hybrid also uses a graphite shaft. Because of the generous loft angle, this can be the perfect hybrid club for newbie golfers.
  • The 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons were cavity-backed and nicely balanced. These are the clubs that the beginners usually struggle with. Wilson engineered these irons to have a good amount of sweet spots, making them easy to connect to the balls. Also, the steel shafts enhance accuracy and control big time.
  • The wedges and the putter were also great in quality. We used all the clubs and took thousands of swings at practice balls. We hit the green on multiple occasions and noticed that the clubs were sturdy enough to withstand miss-hits.
  • We loved the material and design of the bag. It offered organized transportation of all of the equipment. We were surprised with how light the bag felt even with the full set inside it
  • The three head covers worked perfectly. The quality material of these covers assures the safety of the clubheads from unintended damages and scratches.

What We Didn’t Like

  • This set didn’t have a 5 iron. Though it’s not a big issue, it still might be a red flag for some golfers.
  • Grips on some of the clubs weren’t aligned. Also, the grips sometimes twist while using.

What Could Be Improved

  • Wilson could have added some more pockets on the exterior of the bag for storing smaller items like the tees.
  • A 5 iron could be added to the set.

Specifications

  • Size: Regular carry
  • Available for: Men
  • Material: Blend
  • Shaft Material: Steel, graphite

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Forgiving clubs
  • Suitable shafts for each club
  • Great for beginners
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • Not suitable for advanced golfers

04 Pinemeadow Golf Men’s Excel EGI Hybrid Club Graphite Hand

Pinemeadow Golf Men's Excel EGI Hybrid Club

Why It Stands Out to Us

Coming from a company that has been in the business for ages, the Pinemeadow Excel is an amazing hybrid club that’s available in 8 variants. It offers a wide range of loft angles and suits almost all levels of golfers in every way.

Also, this gem presents a huge sweet spot and great forgiveness that makes miss-hits less likely. Despite coming with great features, it doesn’t fall too heavy on the wallet. If you’re looking for a good hybrid to enhance your skills, you can definitely go for this one.

Our Experience With the Pinemeadow Excel Hybrids

  • We loved the overall design of these clubs. The manufacturers kept it simple and they seemed perfect for players of all levels.
  • The graphite shafts were extremely lightweight and offered a fast swing. Coupled with the stainless steel head, these shafts seemed to have enhanced the overall performance of the clubs. Despite being lightweight, they felt very sturdy.
  • We used all 8 available clubheads of this hybrid. All of them presented a big sweet spot and were equally forgiving.
  • We tested their performance with and without tees. We can assure you that these hybrids can be amazing in enhancing your technique and accuracy.
  • The weight distribution on these clubs was spot on. Especially, the clubhead seemed extremely well balanced and the manufacturers put extra weight exactly in the spots where it was needed.
  • All the variants had different loft angles ranging from 19-45 degrees. The manufacturers made it easy to find the perfect match for anyone and any kind of distance.
  • We were glad that the manufacturers added a head cover at this price range. The covers weren’t anything extraordinary but they seemed good for keeping the heads unharmed.

What We Didn’t Like

  • After a month of use, the paint started to come off.
  • The clubs with higher loft angles (7-9) seemed to take some time before getting used to them

What Could Be Improved

  • We felt like we weren’t achieving maximum distance with these hybrids. We’d say that distance is one of the few departments of these clubs that could be worked on.
  • The paint could have better quality.

Specifications

  • Size: 12-piece set
  • Available for: Unisex
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Weight: 1.01lbs

Pros

  • Large sweet spot
  • 8 different lofts available
  • Durable and lightweight graphite shaft
  • Highly forgiving
  • Perfect weight distribution

Cons

  • Paint tends to come off
  • Too heavy for some players

05 PreciseGolf Co. Precise X7 Junior Complete Golf Club Set for Children Kids

PreciseGolf Co. Precise X7 Junior Complete Golf Club Set for Children Kids

Why It Stands Out to Us

Finding the perfect sports equipment for kids can be a huge drag; especially if the sport is golf. This set will surely help you to get your young ones into the game. For starters, it looks amazing. Except for the good looks, it also comes with four extremely lightweight clubs suitable for young golfers. The graphite shafts and well-balanced clubheads make the swing effortless and enhance the flex and maneuver of children. Also, it comes with a bag that ensures organized transportation for each piece of equipment. Despite having such qualities, this set is also economical. Go for this set and you won’t regret it.

Our Experience With the Precise X7

  • The overall design of the set was on point. From the clubs to the bag- it seemed like the perfect set to get kids into the game.
  • The graphite construction of the shafts made them extremely lightweight. These shafts felt light enough even for kids under 5. We’d say that they’ll most assuredly help improve the swing and flex of young golfers.
  • We noticed that the driver was extremely forgiving. With a big enough sweet spot and a 15-degree loft, it appeared to be the perfect starter club.
  • The driver offered solid contact with the 22-degree loft. Young golfers shouldn’t face any problems swinging it because of the weight on the club as well as the shaft.
  • It also included a putter and a 6/7 iron, which seemed efficient as much as the other two clubs.
  • The material of the bag seemed premium to the touch and it carried all the equipment in their dedicated spots. The backpack-style straps also looked suitable for young ones. The bag stood nicely and the stand seemed sturdy enough to last for years to come.
  • For how affordable this set was, we were impressed with the fact that it came with a pair of club covers. They sat tightly over the heads and we’d say that they’ll enhance the durability of the clubs.

What We Didn’t Like

  • The bag seemed a bit heavy on the top end while it was loaded with all the equipment.
  • The club coverage felt limited.
  • The covers seemed too tight for young children.

What Could Be Improved

  • The weight distribution of the bag could be slightly better.

Our Recommendations

  • Put a few golf balls in the storage pocket of the bag. This will balance the weight of the bag.

Specifications

  • Size: 12-piece set
  • Available Colors: 6
  • Available for: Kids
  • Material: Wood
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Weight: 10 pounds

Pros

  • Perfect starter set
  • Great design and build quality
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Top-heavy bag
  • Fewer clubs than most sets

Best Irons for Amatuer Golfers – Buyer’s Guide

best golf irons for amatuer

1. Your Skill Level

The first step to getting the perfect golf iron for yourself- keep your feet on the ground. Chances are that you’re either a beginner or an intermediate player of the sport if you’re reading this. The point is; different levels of golfers need something different. That’s why you have to be realistic with your expertise in the game.

There are 3 kinds of irons for different levels of users;

  1. Players irons: These irons are made for advanced golfers who need distance from their club. Try these only if you’re a pro golfer.
  2. Game improvement irons: These are made for players who aren’t new to the game but still need a little help. If you’re an intermediate player, these are the ones to go for.
  3. Super game improvement irons: They are oversized irons that make it easier to maneuver the ball. These irons are the perfect pick if you’re starting as a golfer.

2. Cost

A set of irons can cost as much as $1500 if you’re willing to splash that kind of money. On the other hand, some sets will cost you less than $200 and still work perfectly. So, the smart choice will be to determine your budget before you start looking for irons.

3. Loft

“Loft angle” or “loft” resembles the degree of angle between the clubface and the shaft. The loft of a club directly influences how far the ball will travel. An increase in the loft angle will make the ball travel a greater distance. In a set of irons, each club will have a different loft.

4. Shafts

You’ll find three types of shafts on the market. They are:

  1. Steel Shafts: These are commonly chosen for irons. Being heavier than the other kinds, they offer a more accurate and consistent maneuver. They’re also cheaper than the other two, which makes them more popular among golfers.
  2. Graphite Shafts: These shafts are more expensive and less durable than steel shafts. However, graphite is lighter than iron; meaning it’ll increase your swing speed. Graphite shafts can also help you unlock a greater distance in the game.
  3. Multi-Material Shafts: Being the least common among the three, these shafts are made of both graphite and steel. Most multi-material shafts are steel shafts with graphite tips. The idea is to combine the weight of steel and the speed of graphite into one shaft, making it both accurate and fast.

Determine which shaft you need depending on their characteristics before you go for an iron.

5. Weight

The weight on the iron makes all the difference in maneuvering the ball. Generally, heavier heads will send the ball to a greater distance compared to lighter heads. Similarly, the weight of the shaft affects the swing.

These days, manufacturers tend to use lighter shafts or shafts with less weight near the head. This increases the swing and clubhead speed, allowing the golfers to enhance their shots. However, different players prefer different volumes of weight on their equipment. So, go for the ones that suit your style of play.

6. Material

Materials of the club head of an iron influences the game. Typically, most manufacturers use stainless steel or titanium in the heads. However, manufacturers nowadays are coming up with innovative ideas to improve the forgiveness of irons.

The use of multi-material irons is getting more popular by the day. In these heads, different metals are used in different areas to decrease the weight of ineffective areas and put weight to where it’s needed. The choice of material is totally up to the players. No matter what option you pick, make sure it’s comfortable for you.

7. Types of Irons

Before going for a particular set, have a look at the two types of irons you can find on the market.

a. Forged Irons

These irons are made in a process similar to how blacksmiths forge metal items. First, the metal is given a rough form. Then, it’s beaten with a hammer to give it the approximate structure of a club head. Afterward, it’s milled, ground, and polished to give it the preferred shape of the manufacturer. These one-piece clubs come with a smaller sweet spot than the others.

b. Cast Irons

These irons are made by pouring liquid metal (commonly steel or titanium) into customized frames. This technique lets the manufacturers use complex designs in their clubheads. It also makes it easy to make multi-material irons. Because of the simple process, these irons are more economical than the forged irons.

8. Designs of Golf Irons

a. Blade Irons

In these irons, the weight is equally distributed all over the clubhead. This makes the face, top line, and the sweet spot narrower than the other type of design. They are also known as ‘muscle back’ irons.

b. Cavity Back Irons

These clubs come with a cavity at the backside of the clubhead. This makes the edges of the iron heavier than the other areas of the head. This increases the forgiveness of the club, making the ball travel a longer distance than usual.

Iron Sole Width Does Matter!

Iron Soles can make all the difference in maneuvering a golf ball. Typically, wider souls don’t dig into the turf. This increases the forgiveness of the clubs big time, making them suitable for beginners and intermediate users.

On the other hand, irons with narrower soles are more preferred by skilled golfers who have more control over the swing and are less likely to miss the sweet spots.

What Makes the Best Beginner Set of Irons?

best golf irons for amatuer

Irons designed for beginners generally have some kind of game improvement attributes. Most iron sets come with at least 7-8 clubs. The number of irons included in the set can go up to 16.

However,  sets manufactured for beginners don’t necessarily need to have a high number of irons; rather they have to have the equipment suitable to help enhance their abilities.

Normally, a driver, a hybrid, a putter, and a few other irons between 4-9 should be enough for starters. A variety in the loft angles are also crucial for beginners. All in all, the aim should be to learn to make good contact with the ball with each of the clubs.

FAQs

Q. 1: When Should I buy new irons?

Ans: You might have to get a new set of irons for multiple reasons. If your swing movement and techniques go through a significant change, consider going for something different. Similarly, if the manufacturing technology of clubs gets a significant breakthrough or if your equipment gets a tear or wear that’s beyond repair, then it’s time to change your iron.

Q. 2: How Many Irons are In a Set of Golf Clubs?

Ans: Typically, iron sets contain 7-8 clubs. The number can go as high as 14, depending on the manufacturer or the types of club heads and wedges.

Q. 3: Do I Need Head Covers for my Irons?

Ans: Head covers protect your clubheads from unintentional damages. Many players don’t prefer to use them because they add an extra bit of chores every time you change your club. However, we think they’re useful and they increase the durability of the irons. They’re not an absolute necessity, but you can get them to be on the safer side.

Leave a Comment