Short Irons
The short irons are the 7 to 9 irons, often including the pitching wedge — the clubs for short distances and precise approach to the green.
The classification of the irons follows the shaft length and the loft: short shafts, plenty of loft, high ball flight. In English they are called short irons. With the short irons you cover, depending on your swing, distances of about 90 to 150 metres. The ball climbs steeply, lands softly and, thanks to backspin, tends to stay on the green rather than a flat shot with a long iron. Because the short shafts make it easier to feel the clubhead, short irons are considered the most forgiving full-swing clubs in the bag. Many beginners therefore learn the golf swing first with the 7 iron.
On the course the short irons are your precision tools. An example: after a solid tee shot you are 130 metres in front of the flag, the green is clear. You take the 8 iron, aim for the middle of the green and swing calmly through instead of pressing for distance. The short irons are also excellent for half or three-quarter swings, for example when 100 metres remaining lie exactly between two clubs. Whoever knows their distances with every iron plays these approaches with a plan instead of with hope.
The typical mistake is the desire for too much distance. Whoever wants to stretch the 8 iron to 150 metres forces the swing, pulls the ball or hits it fat. The consequence: short irons finish in the bunker or short of it, although they are actually the safest route. Better take one club more and swing in your normal rhythm. Precision comes from repeatability, not from power — that is exactly what makes the short irons the most reliable group in the bag.
FAQ
With which club should I learn the golf swing as a beginner?
The 7 iron is the classic starting club, and for good reason: the short shaft gives you feel for the clubhead, and the club forgives mistakes better than long irons or woods. Many course certificate courses build the complete swing first with the short irons before longer clubs are added.
Why do my short irons still come up short?
The most common reason is forced distance: you want to stretch the 8 iron to a distance it is not built for, tense up the swing and strike the ball impurely. Better take one club more and swing in your normal rhythm — a calmly struck 7 iron flies further than a strained 8 iron.
How do I play distances that lie between two irons?
With a shortened swing: instead of hammering the shorter iron with full power, you take the longer one and swing through at only three quarters. The short irons are excellent for this because they respond well to half swings. Whoever knows their distances per iron plays such approaches with a plan instead of with hope.