Iron
Irons are the clubs for the middle distances between the drive and the short game.
The irons form the backbone of your set. They cover the distances from the long approach shot to the short approach. The numbering runs from 3 to 9, plus the pitching wedge as an addition. The higher the number, the more loft, the shorter and higher the ball flies. Long irons such as the 3 or 4 are hard to play and are often replaced by hybrids. Short irons such as the 8 and 9 are among the most reliable clubs in the bag.
On the course you play the irons from the fairway, from the tee on par 3s and sometimes out of the rough. An example: 150 meters to the flag, clean fairway, no wind. For many players that is the 7 or 6 iron. The ball is struck with a slightly descending motion, ball first, then turf. That creates the typical divot and the backspin needed to stop the ball on the green.
A typical mistake is "helping the ball up" with the arms. The loft gets the ball into the air, not your scooping. Once you understand that, you strike your irons more cleanly and farther. You should measure the distances of your irons once on the driving range. An honest distance chart per club saves more strokes than any new equipment.
FAQ
Which irons do I really need as a beginner?
To start, a half set is enough, for example 5, 7 and 9 irons plus a pitching wedge. The short irons are the most forgiving, and with them you learn clean contact before moving on to the long clubs. A full set only pays off once you actually use the distance differences between the clubs.
Why do many players replace their long irons with hybrids?
The long irons, the 3 and 4, have little loft and a small clubface; they demand high clubhead speed and precise contact. A hybrid gets the ball into the air more easily and forgives off-center strikes far better. That is why most bags today contain hybrids instead of long irons.
How do I find out my true distances with the irons?
Measure every club once on the driving range, ideally with several balls and an average instead of your best shot. Note the honest carry distances in a chart per iron. This distance chart saves you more strokes on the course than any new equipment.