Golfers of different ability levels have specific requirements. Low handicappers, essentially anyone with a single-figure index, tend to prioritise extra distance control and tighten dispersion in order to reduce the proximity to the hole and take the pressure off the putter.
VIDEO: Joe Ferguson tests and compares the leading low handicap irons in 2024
For the golfing purist, there’s nothing like a shiny set of elegant new blades. Not only do they look fantastic, but the best golf blade irons deliver the ultimate in feel and workability, which can help you navigate a golf course much more efficiently. However, most low-handicap golfers require something that's going to offer a little more forgiveness, which is where this guide comes in.
The irons we've chosen provide a blend of control and consistency with a little added distance thrown in. So, what are the best golf irons for low handicappers on the market right now? Scroll down to find your perfect match and, if you're after a little more distance and forgiveness but in a relatively compact head, do check out our guide on the best compact mid-handicap irons too.
The Quick List
For highly-competent ball strikers looking for a more user-friendly alternative to a blade, the P7CB is certainly an iron to consider. It has jaw-dropping looks and a buttery soft feel.
A popular model out on Tour, the T100's produce a penetrating ball flight, along with a solid feel. Advancements over the previous model may be small, but the performance is excellent.
Maybe the most improved iron in the new Pro range from Mizuno. With a cavity back aesthetic, the 243 combines some new technology with classic Mizuno looks and feel.
With their stunning aesthetic, impressive forgiveness, exceptional feel and consistent distance, these clubs will suit mid-to low-handicap players who value accuracy and control.
The Ping i230 is an iron that can hit all the shots with a high margin for error given its compact size. Competent players will enjoy the stable feel, distance and stopping power.
For the low handicapper, this is one of the best all-round packages we’ve tested, with the forgiveness and consistency on offer in such a compact, elegant package, simply superb.
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The Takomo 301 CB is an exceptional pure forged iron offering. The incredibly clean, minimalist looks coupled with the buttery soft feel make them some of the best irons of their type that we have tested.
The ZX7 Mk II is a playable, forged iron with a little more distance built in. Good strikes are rewarded with lovely feel, but as expected there isn't much forgiveness here.
The Staff Model CB irons from Wilson off no bold claims but are simply a well put together, great feeling set of forged irons that combine solid distance with a hint of forgiveness.
An excellent offering in the low handicap, players' cavity space from Ping. The purist will like the compact head and minimal offset, whilst the strike feel will suit competent players too.
Best Irons For Low Handicappers
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TaylorMade P7CB 2024 Iron
Looking to sit among the best golf irons, TaylorMade brings the new player cavity irons, the P7CB, to a market already filled with great irons for low handicappers. We've seen the P7CBs in the bags of tour pros for a number of weeks now, and we learned why after we tested them.
There isn't anything ground breaking with the technology in these irons, but there is one notable feature added to help with both forgiveness and feel. Most of the head has been forged with an intense pressure that is more than the 'industry standard' to improve the feel and consistency of the forging - it is then then milled out through the sole to create two pockets.
In those pockets, tungsten and a new metal matrix composite material have been added, allowing for weight to be freed up and distributed around the clubhead where the manufacturer sees fit.
There is plenty of scope to combine these with new P770 irons for those looking for even more help in the longer irons of the set - but we recommend get a custom fitting if you are to splash the cash on irons like this to put yourself in the best position for success.
- Read our full TaylorMade P7CB Iron Review
Titleist 2023 T100 Iron
The T100 is one of the most recognized irons when it comes to the low handicap category, with their new version offering up some notable improvements over its predecessor. In testing, we noticed the improvements around the consistency and how the club entered and exited the turf, with the narrow sole shape helping create a satisfyingly crisp feel and well-formed divots that are easy to replace.
Where this model stands out, though, amongst the low handicap irons is the split tungsten weighting inside a dual cavity. This has has been refined in the new model to be more precise and, consequently, the T100 provided a soft yet solid feel with an element of forgiveness. We felt that it’s arguably one of the more stable tour played irons out there and, while it’s not built to be especially user friendly, there is some help at hand.
At address, it was clear to see that this iron is built for the competent ball striker. The thin sole and top line is joined by a narrow blade length and barely a hint of offset. Along with the looks, the T100 is an iron built for golfers with power in the locker. The flight is more penetrating than the T150 iron - in our testing it flew around two yards lower and generated around 600 rpm more spin. Finally, the yardages of the T100 landed within a smaller range, which is crucial when trying to hit a very specific number.
- Read our full Titleist 2023 T100 Iron Review
Mizuno Pro 243 Iron
When you think of the best golf irons, Mizuno is a name that features predominantly and, with the new Pro 243, which sits alongside the Pro 241 and 245, that is definitely the case, with the company producing a forged cavity-backed design which they are calling its ‘Tour Speed’ model.
Technology-wise, Mizuno have introduced an array of different aspects to the 243, such as a ‘Microslot’ on the longer irons. This helps create more launch and faster ball speeds, with the company also adding a wrap-around sole design and an increased level of bounce to improve turf interaction.
Aesthetically, it has a hand-finished forging and minimal use of color, with the clean looks expanding its shelf appeal further. Performance-wise, it was extremely consistent and had a good level of forgiveness. What really stood out was the feel and acoustics; we thought Mizuno nailed it in terms of audio and the subtle improvements over its predecessor are excellent.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 243 Iron Review
Callaway Apex CB Iron
Callaway's Apex CB iron has a forged construction designed to give elite ball-strikers pure feel, precise shot-making and workability. In testing, they certainly didn't disappoint, with an array of new technology providing elite performance.
Overall, they were hard to fault, with a blend of forgiveness and feel combining to create high levels of control and workability. The main standout, though, was the distance and ball flight. In testing, we thought that the performance on offer would even help players that have moderate swing speeds, especially as the forged 1025 mild carbon steel construction delivers an incredibly soft and responsive feel at impact.
One last shoutout goes to the aesthetics of the Apex CB. We felt these irons looked fantastic, as the sleek and stylish design struck a great balance between a classic look while also leaving little clues and nods to modern innovation. They are slightly different to their predecessor, with the softer, more curved toe and smoother transition from hosel to topline really appealing to our eye.
- Read our full Callaway Apex CB Iron Review
Ping i230 Iron
We begin with the looks of the i230, which have been slimmed down to appeal to the eye of those who are confident ball strikers. It has a muscle cavity style and, whilst it isn't a blade style like others on the list, the cavity has been blended in nicely to the clubhead to provide a more streamlined look.
Performance-wise, it has a lively but stable feel, with one of the main standouts being the stopping power when hitting into greens. Because the shot-shaping aspect was easy to do, it meant we had full confidence to attack pins, knowing that the stopping power was there to aid and help. Distance was solid and, with consistent numbers, we thought it was a very user-friendly option.
- Read our full Ping i230 Iron Review
Cobra King Tour Iron
To begin with, we believe that the Cobra King Tour irons may just be one of the best all-round packages for low handicap players on the market. Cobra claim that the club is aimed at seven-handicappers right down to tour players and, from our testing, that is certainly the case.
Aesthetically, Cobra have provided an extremely clean look that we thought was very understated. Like other models on this list, it has a classic profile and clean lines, with the Tour iron providing a shorter blade length than its predecessor, as well as a dense yet soft feel at impact.
In testing, we found there to be a healthy amount of spin which meant we could control the trajectory and stopping power when hitting into greens. What we loved most was the forgiveness on offer, especially from such a compact head. The reduced margin for error, combined with the club's consistency and shelf appeal, makes this elegant package a must-consider if you're an experienced player looking for a high-quality set of irons.
- Read our full Cobra King Tour Iron Review
Takomo 301 CB Iron
To give some backstory, Takomo are a direct-to-consumer equipment manufacturer based in Finland. Their equipment is extremely well-priced and, as you will agree, the looks are exquisite. It is very minimalist and, although you are unlikely to ever see these on the shelf of your local pro shop, the sophisticated looks really pinpoint the quality craftsmanship on offer.
They look stunning but it's worth noting that, behind the ball, they aren't the most confidence-inspiring irons, with quite a short blade length providing a compact shape. What's more, the top line is far from thick and the sole far from wide but, if you like that look then these will certainly appeal.
So, how did they perform? Well, the feel was excellent and exceptionally soft. We think that it will even rival some of the best blade irons on the market when struck out of the sweetspot. Obviously, mis-hits were apparent when we didn't connect with it but, when we did, it easily rivalled the other more well-known manufacturers in this department.
- Read our full Takomo 301 CB Iron Review
Srixon ZX7 Mk II Iron
To begin with, the ZX7 Mk II has a 7-iron loft of 32° which puts it as one of the stronger low handicap irons on the market. Because of the stronger loft, we found the distance to be on the longer side, as expected, but it still produced a buttery feel with a hint of spring to it. It feels more lively than a blade but the sound is very similar.
Aesthetically, not much has changed over its predecessor, aside from a wide sole, but Srixon have introduced an 80% thicker portion of 1020 carbon steel. At address, the ZX Mk II is both compact and inviting and we think it'll appeal to the eye of low and maybe some mid-handicap golfers.
Like some other irons in this list, the forgiveness could be improved and it didn't feel as stable as we’d have liked when we made a poor swing. However, if you are looking to upgrade your irons then the Srixon ZX Mk II is a potential option for those seeking more distance.
- Read our full Srixon ZX7 Mk II Iron Review
Wilson 2024 Staff Model CB Iron
To begin with, we were big fans of the looks of the Wilson Staff Model CB, with the company producing a set of beautifully crafted, simple, forged cavity back irons. Down at address, there is a chrome finish, which may divide opinion, but the generous cavity and well-shaped head will inspire confidence to various levels of golfers.
Importantly, during testing, the numbers we produced were consistent and, although Wilson is perhaps less known in the iron department than others, the performance rivalled the other clubs in this list. It's worth noting that the extra perimeter weighting does offer some forgiveness, with the toe weighting impressing us as it helped eliminate a left miss.
Overall, there aren't many frills in this model, but what you do get is a really nicely put together set of unassuming cavity back irons that are slightly cheaper than others on the market.
- Read our full Wilson 2024 Staff Model CB Iron Review
Ping Blueprint S Iron
The Blueprint S is one of the best Ping irons on the market, with this particular model a compact profile, minimal offset and player's cavity iron that will appeal to the lower handicapper. It's no wonder that many of Ping's staffers have put the Blueprint S into their bags...
We begin with the performance and, through subtle changes like Precision Pocket Forging, which saves 10 grams of weight and relocates it to increase the MOI and alter the center of gravity position, we found we could not fault these irons in the slightest. The trajectory was consistent and comfortable, whilst mis-hits were noticeable, something which we liked as it gave us instant feedback.
Looks-wise, Ping have done a great job when the Blueprint S is behind the ball, with the iron framing it perfectly as the top line is nice and thin and the blade length is compact without being intimidating. The stripe of chrome is the only downside but, when struck, the irons produce a solid, but perhaps, firmer feel.
- Read our full Ping Blueprint S Iron Review
How we test golf irons
Our testing for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. As far as the specific procedure goes, before testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.
When starting our testing, we usually go indoors first using a simulator, launch monitor and premium golf balls so we can gauge performance in controlled conditions. Then outdoor testing takes place on practice facilities and then out on the golf course. Doing all of this is incredibly important to see how the irons perform in different conditions and how they are to actually use.
Finally we should acknowledge that no manufacturer can pay for a good review because our testing team makes conclusions on the testing they conduct.
How to choose irons
As you have seen, the market for golf irons is crowded and confusing and being sure you're getting the most suitable iron for your game can be a minefield. Hopefully, this piece has given you an idea of what the best options are out there right now, but here is some more advice to help you in your quest to find the best golf iron for your game in this crowded and dense marketplace.
Your Handicap And Ability
This is arguably the most important first step: understanding and then knowing which type of iron best suits your game. Obviously if you are reading this guide you are probably a low handicap player so that means you probably aren't looking for game improvement models, but instead irons built upon precision, workability, feel and control. But there is still a question to ask yourself - blades or cavity back irons? We have included several models that fit into both of those sections above and the best way of finding out which is best for you would be to get a custom fitting. Additionally you should think about what kind of iron configuration would be best for you, because it might be best to have a blended set of more forgiving irons at the top end of the bag, and transition into blades.
You'll know how good or perhaps not so good your ball striking tends to be, so make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is out now, not where you'd ideally want it to be.
Price
This will be a major factor in anyone's decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary dramatically between irons. This obviously can fluctuate between brands, and we've highlighted in this list the ones we think give the best value for money in this category. The price jumps quite significantly when looking at the forged and bladed options - up to and above $1000 - but this is par for the course and you'll be getting a high quality, premium product in return.
Custom Fit
This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct lie angle and correct iron head for your game, meaning you'll finish with the best golf clubs that are as suitable as possible for you out on course.
Custom fits can be a daunting process but they're a vital part of the club buying process, and they are provided by a number of golf retailers or club professionals at your local golf club.
FAQs
What is considered a low handicap in golf?
Any handicap index in single figures in considered to be low given the new range for men goes up to an index of 54.
Can a low handicap play game improvement irons?
Absolutely, especially given the fact that we're seeing game improvement irons become smaller and more refined today. This is because through use of high density tungsten weighting and other means, manufacturers are able to cram in higher levels of forgiveness into a smaller chassis. As long as the lofts remain relatively traditional, using a game improvement iron is certainly doable for a low handicapper, although feel and workability may somewhat be sacrificed.
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