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Looking for the best irons for seniors in 2023? Our golf expert breaks down the must-have senior golf irons to improve your golf game today!
Golf irons make up the majority of your golf club set, and many senior golfers have started to dislike their irons. If you have had your clubs in your bag for 5 or more years, there is new technology out there that can help.
I recently upgraded my golf irons after testing out all of the equipment, and I noticed distance gains. In addition, I gained more accuracy and, most importantly, more confidence standing over the ball.
If those are things that could help your golf game in 2023, here are the best golf irons for seniors on the market.
⛳️ Read Next: 13 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors in 2023 [Expert Buyers Guide]
Check out our time saving summary table on the best golf irons for seniors:
Overall Best Irons for Seniors
Overall Best
The Callaway Paradym Irons are the best irons for senior men. Callaway has been making incredible solutions for seniors for many years, but the Paradym is the most powerful and best feeling they have put out.
A new forged 455 Face Cup Technology combines with a hollow body clubhead to produce very high levels of speed. In addition, the urethane microspheres from previous models have stuck around to improve feel.
One of the biggest changes in the Paradym is the extra Tungsten used in the construction of the club head. This additional Tungsten (67 grams of it) increases launch for golfers that struggle to keep the ball flight where it needs to be.
Callaway Irons Specs
Golf Club | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 20° | 38.875″ |
5 Iron | 23° | 38.25″ |
6 Iron | 26° | 37.6255″ |
7 Iron | 29° | 37″ |
8 Iron | 33° | 36.5″ |
9 Iron | 37° | 36″ |
Pitching Wedge | 42° | 35.75″ |
Approach Wedge | 47° | 35.5″ |
Gap Wedge | 52° | 35.25″ |
The Callaway irons come in steel shafts or graphite shafts with the option of regular, stiff, or senior flex shafts.
PROS
- Thin face for an incredible total distance
- Generate high launch
- AI designed clubface with power and consistency
- Overall top choice for best irons for seniors
CONS
- As always, Callaway club heads are a little on the bulky side
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Overall Best Irons for Senior Ladies
Cobra Air X Combo Iron Set
Updated on 2023-09-28
Overall Best Ladies
When I was testing for the best irons for seniors, I have to admit that the Paradym could be a great choice for both men and women golfers.
However, the Cobra Air X Combo for ladies was so easy to launch and so lightweight I had to put it as the overall best choice.
The Cobra Air X Combo Iron Set is a low profile design with plenty of launch and higher ball flight. With the Cobra Air X, you also get an offset club head that helps remove any slice you may have on your irons.
I noticed the Air X had great results from the rough and soft feel in the wedges.
Ladies Cobra Irons Set Specs
Golf Club | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
7 Iron | 36.5″ | 31.5° |
8 Iron | 36″ | 35.5° |
9 Iron | 35.5″ | 40° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.25″ | 45° |
Sand Wedge | 34.75″ | 55° |
The Cobra Iron Set comes with Cobra Ultralight graphite shafts.
PROS
- Variable face thickness for extra forgiveness
- 20% more offset to reduce the slice
- Lightweight golf clubs that feel great
- One of the lightest golf iron sets for ladies
CONS
- For women with a faster swing speed, this may be a little lightweight.
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Best Distance Irons for Seniors
Best for Distance
Distance is key when you hit “senior” status on the golf course. Sure, you can move up a set of tees if you would like, but you will still want to be in the same position as you were a few years ago. The TaylorMade Stealth Irons can get you there. Although the face on the Stealth is forgiving, it’s mostly fast.
TaylorMade created a Cap Back design with a low center of gravity and the Thru Slot Speed Pocket. All of these technologies combined for increased ball speed and more face flexibility.
Echo Damping Technology is used to improve overall feel, and it does a really great job of it.
This feels a lot like a forged golf iron.
TaylorMade Stealth Irons Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 39.125″ | 61.5° |
5 Iron | 38.5″ | 62° |
6 Iron | 37.88″ | 62.5° |
7 Iron | 37.25″ | 63° |
8 Iron | 36.75″ | 63.5° |
9 Iron | 36.25″ | 64° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64.5° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64.5° |
Sand Wedge | 35.25″ | 64.5° |
Lob Wedge | 35″ | 64.5° |
These golf irons for seniors have the option of steel shafts or graphite shafts and come in three flexes: senior, regular, or stiff.
PROS
- Very fast face, one of the fastest in golf for higher ball speed
- Echo Damping helps improve the overall feel
- Cap Back design has speed benefits and a sleek look
CONS
- The top down line is a little thick
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Best Lightweight Senior Golf Irons
Best Lightweight
I told you the Cobra Air X Combo Iron Set was my favorite overall for senior women, but it had to earn a spot on this list for the men too. The Cobra Air X Combo set is lightweight, producing great speed.
Lightweight clubs can sometimes be an issue when trying to increase ball speed; sometimes, they are simply too light to be effective. You won’t find that with the Cobra Air X Combo Set.
In addition, remember that this set has quite a bit of offset, so your slice will likely be a thing of the past.
Lastly, the large sweet spot and great feel make this one of the best golf iron sets for seniors.
Cobra Air X Combo Set Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 39.125″ | 61.5° |
5 Iron | 38.5″ | 62° |
6 Iron | 37.88″ | 62.5° |
7 Iron | 37.25″ | 63° |
8 Iron | 36.75″ | 63.5° |
9 Iron | 36.25″ | 64° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64.5° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64.5° |
Sand Wedge | 35.25″ | 64.5° |
Lob Wedge | 35″ | 64.5° |
The Cobra Air X irons complete set comes with graphite shafts with regular or senior flex shafts to choose from.
PROS
- High speed off the face
- Variable thickness for more help on off-center shots
- Offset design to correct a slice
CONS
- Not great for golfers who hit the ball left
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Best Game Improvement Irons For Seniors
Ping G430 Irons
est $1,359.99
Game Improvement
The majority of the best golf irons on the market for seniors are game improvement golf clubs, but the Ping G430 seems to be the best choice if you are looking to shave a few strokes off your handicap.
When I tested the Ping irons, they were among my favorites of the group. The low center of gravity and a thin face allows golfers at least 2 more mph of ball speed from the previous Ping models. This can generate several yards more in the distance.
However, the thing that always helps Ping stand out is the pure feel at impact. Combine that feel with the Hyrdopearl 2.0 chrome finish, and the Ping G430 is complete.
Ping G430 Irons Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 38 7/8″ | 60.5° |
5 Iron | 38.25″ | 61° |
6 Iron | 37 5/8″ | 61.5° |
7 Iron | 37″ | 62° |
8 Iron | 36.5″ | 62.8° |
9 Iron | 36″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.5″ | 64.1° |
45.5° Wedge | 35.5″ | 64.1° |
50° Wedge | 35.5″ | 64.1° |
54° Wedge | 35.25″ | 64.4° |
58° Wedge | 35″ | 64.6° |
The golf club shafts come in regular, stiff, or x-stiff with the option of two flexes for a mid to high launch angle.
Read the Rave Reviews
“I bought these irons a few weeks ago and I am amazed at the distance and consistency. I have picked back up 10 yards I lost over the last 5 years.”
– Ping G430 Review, Super Game Improvement Irons
PROS
- Very thin face for increased ball speed
- Easier for golfers to control distance
- Tungsten incorporated into clubhead for more forgiveness
- Clean look and great sound
- Top choice for best game improvement golf irons for seniors
CONS
- Ping irons take a long time to decrease in price
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Most Forgiving Irons for Seniors
Cobra T-Rail 2 Combo Iron Set
Updated on 2023-09-28
Most Forgiving
If forgiveness is an issue for you, the Cobra T-Rail 2 Combo Iron Set is an incredible option. Although the Cleveland Launcher XL stands out as the best hybrid iron for seniors, the T Rail is a close second.
I have no hesitation in telling you these hybrids are the most forgiving irons for senior golfers in 2023. This hollow construction design features the Baffler Hollow Split Rails. The turf interaction (even when hitting out of the rough) is incredible with the T-Rail in your hands.
In addition, a Forged E9 Face is made with a high strength steel to improve forgiveness on off-center hits and get you that extra jump off the face. If you can adjust to a slightly different top-down look, you will reap the benefits of the Cobra T-Rail.
Cobra T-Rail 2.0 Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Hybrid | 39.75″ | 58.5° |
5 Iron | 38.5″ | 61.5° |
6 Iron | 37.75″ | 62° |
7 Iron | 37.25″ | 62.5° |
8 Iron | 36.75″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 36.25″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 36″ | 64° |
The Cobra T-Rail golf clubs come with a graphite shaft with stiff, regular, or senior flex golf shafts.
PROS
- Hollow construction
- Baffler Split Rails
- Better turf interaction than previous models
- Maximum forgiveness ideal for senior golfers
CONS
- Takes some time to get used to the wedges and short irons being thicker
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Best Irons for Beginners & High Handicappers
High Handicappers
The Callaway Golf Rogue ST Max may not be the newest golf iron to hit the market in 2023, but that was no reason to leave it off of my list. I liked the Callaway Rogue ST Max irons last year, and this year their pricing has dropped, so it’s an even better deal!
With the Callaway Rogue ST Max, you will have an A.I.designed Flash Face Cup to work with and a very large sweet spot. Callaway incorporated 62g of tungsten, and it improved the overall launch and maximized the speed that you can get from the irons.
When I play with the Callaway Rogue ST Max, they feel like a better player golf iron hiding in a forgiving game improvement golf club; it’s a strong combo for senior players.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Specs
Club Head | Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 38.875″ | 60.5° |
5 Iron | 38.25″ | 61.25° |
6 Iron | 37.625″ | 62° |
7 Iron | 37″ | 62.5° |
8 Iron | 36.5″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 36″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64° |
Gap Wedge | 35.25″ | 64° |
Sand Wedge | 35″ | 64° |
The Rogue ST Max golf clubs come in steel or graphite shaft options with light, regular, or stiff shafts.
PROS
- High ball speed
- Very high consistency in the shots you can hit on the golf course
- Impressive forgiveness with an AI Flash Face Cup optimization
- Best golf clubs for beginners, and also high handicap golfers
- Excellent game improvement irons
CONS
- The look is not quite as refined as the Paradym irons
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Best Irons for Mid Handicapper & Average Golfers
Mid-Handicappers
Senior mid-handicappers make up a large portion of the senior golfing population, and most are looking for a bit of feel and precision in addition to distance and forgiveness. It may seem like a lot to ask from a golf iron, but TaylorMade has you covered with the P790.
I love the TaylorMade P790 Irons because they combine a clean look with playability that the average golfer can manage. A thin wall construction and forged face improve overall ball speed and distance.
The sweet spot is also incredibly large, making it easy to hit the shots you want.
The SpeedFoam Air technology used in the clubhead improves overall sound and feel, so you have the mindset you are using a player’s style golf iron (with none of the negatives)!
TaylorMade P790 Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
3 Iron | 39″ | 60.5° |
4 Iron | 38.5″ | 61° |
5 Iron | 38″ | 61.5° |
6 Iron | 37.5″ | 62° |
7 Iron | 37″ | 62.5° |
8 Iron | 36.5″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 36″ | 64° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64° |
The TaylorMade P790 golf clubs come in carbon steel, alloy steel, and graphite, with the option of regular or stiff flex.
PROS
- Large sweet spot with an impressive feel
- Flexible face for extra distance,
- Clean look from the top down
- Keeps getting updates for playability as the years go on making it a excellent choice for a senior golf iron
CONS
- The pricing on P790 irons is a little higher than some average golfers want to spend
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Best Irons for Low Handicapper
Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Iron Set
est $1315
Low Handicapper
If you are a low handicap senior golfer, you will love what the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons offer. This is a one-piece iron made in Japan with very close attention to detail. The JPX line is not a player’s blade or a game improvement iron.
I found it easy to work the ball; the top-down look is impressive, and you can expect a premium feel from a Mizuno golf iron.
Another impressive feature of the JPX is the refined scoring lines in the shorter irons. If you want the ball to stop in a specific location, the JPX 923 can make sure it happens.
Mizuno JPX 923 Irons Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 38.5″ | 60° |
5 Iron | 38″ | 60.5° |
6 Iron | 37.5″ | 61° |
7 Iron | 37″ | 61.5° |
8 Iron | 36.5″ | 62° |
9 Iron | 36″ | 62.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.5″ | 63° |
Gap Wedge | 35.25″ | 63° |
Mizuno JPX 923 golf clubs come in steel shafts with either still or regular golf flex.
PROS
- Reduced vibrations
- High ball speeds
- Thin muscle back look with forgiveness built-in
- Easy to hit the ball and control the distance
CONS
- Won’t offer as much forgiveness on off-center hits
- Not a great choice for higher handicappers or golfers who slice
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Best Premium Golf Irons for Seniors
Best Premium
If money is not something you are concerned with, the Callaway Big Bertha 23 Irons could be a good fit. Most iron club heads are steel, but the Titanium body on the Big Bertha 23 helps make this iron almost like hitting a wood.
I noticed a difference in the feel of the club, but it certainly wasn’t a negative difference. You will get a soft feel and plenty of face flexibility with the Big Bertha 23. In addition, it has a deep center of gravity, the deepest ever in a Callaway iron.
As you can see, many of the top irons for seniors have 65g or more of Tungsten, but the Callaway Big Bertha 23 has 145g (this is a lot and part of what you are paying for in the price).
Callaway Big Bertha 23 Iron Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 38.75″ | 60.5° |
5 Iron | 38.125″ | 61.25° |
6 Iron | 37.5″ | 62° |
7 Iron | 37″ | 62.5° |
8 Iron | 36.5″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 36″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64° |
Sand Wedge | 35.25″ | 64° |
The Callaway Big Bertha 23 irons come with graphite shafts in senior golf flex, stiff, or regular.
PROS
- Commercially Pure Grade Titanium body
- Tungsten Speed Cartridge for extra consistency
- Urethane microspheres help to soften the feel
CONS
- One of the most expensive irons in the game
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Best Budget Golf Irons
Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Irons
Updated on 2023-09-28
Best Budget
With golf irons taking up so much space in the bag, expect to pay quite a bit for them. However, for golfers on a budget, the Tour Edge Golf Hot Launch C522 Hybrid Combo Irons could be a great choice.
Tour Edge makes affordable clubs with incredible forgiveness and a large sweet spot. In the C522 irons, they placed a Vibracor TPU insert to help give senior golfers a little boost in total power.
When I hit these, I noticed forgiveness and consistency immediately. I won’t tell you they have the same feel as a Ping or Callaway iron, as there is certainly a difference.
Tour Edge Iron Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 38.75″ | 61° |
5 Iron | 38.23″ | 61.5° |
6 Iron | 37.75″ | 62° |
7 Iron | 37.25″ | 62.5° |
8 Iron | 36.75″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 36.25″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35.75″ | 64° |
Approach Wedge | 35.5″ | 64° |
Sand Wedge | 35.25″ | 64° |
Lob Wedge | 35″ | 64° |
The Tour Edge C522 golf clubs come in graphite or steel shafts. Flex options include ladies, regular, stiff, and senior golf flex.
PROS
- Very consistent, making it one of the best irons for seniors
- Impressive ball speeds off the face
- Great out of the rough
CONS
- Not the best choice for the highly skilled golfers
- Overall feel is not the best
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Best Irons for Beginners & High Handicappers (Ladies)
High Hcp Ladies
I will admit the selection of irons for senior ladies’ golfers is a little weak compared to the selection for men. However, with this new release from Wilson, the DynaPower Irons has proven to be an affordable yet high-performing option for a senior beginner golfer.
Wilson used AI technology to create these irons with a focus on missed hits that come off the toe of the club. Many women golfers struggle with this, and the DynaPower still stays stable should that happen.
With just the right mix of offset and forgiveness, expect to keep this one in the bag for years to come.
Wilson DyndaPower Iron Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
5 Iron | 37.5″ | 61° |
6 Iron | 37″ | 61.5° |
7 Iron | 36.5″ | 62° |
8 Iron | 36″ | 63° |
9 Iron | 35.5″ | 63.5° |
Pitching Wedge | 35″ | 64° |
Gap Wedge | 34.75″ | 64° |
Sand Wedge | 34.5″ | 64° |
PROS
- Great forgiveness on the toe
- Impressive center of gravity improvements
- Great top-line look
CONS
- A newer release is a higher price point from Wilson
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Best Hybrid Irons For Seniors
Best Hybrid Irons
Last but certainly not least are the Cleveland Halo Launcher XL Irons, the best hybrid iron set for seniors. These irons were revolutionary when they first came out, and they have only been made faster and more player friendly through the years.
This most recent model features the Action Mass CB for more control and a little extra distance.
In addition, the large clubhead makes it possible to strike the ball almost anywhere on the head and still get a decent shot from it.
Cleveland Halo Launcher XL Irons Specs
Club Head | Club Length | Lie |
---|---|---|
4 Iron | 39.125″ | 61.5° |
5 Iron | 38.5″ | 62° |
6 Iron | 37.875″ | 62.5° |
7 Iron | 37.25″ | 63° |
8 Iron | 36.75″ | 63.5° |
9 Iron | 36.25″ | 64° |
Pitching Wedge | 36″ | 64.5° |
Dual Wedge | 35.75″ | 65° |
Sand Wedge | 35.75″ | 65° |
The Cleveland golf clubs come in graphite or steel shaft with stiff, regular, or senior shaft options.
PROS
- 3 Tiered Sole on the wedges for better feel and consistency
- Created with AI technology
- Impressive out of the rough
- Large clubhead makes the hybrid golf club easier to hit
CONS
- It can be a tough transition coming from standard-style irons
- You may want to keep a more traditional sand wedge in the bag for a better spin
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Important Considerations for Finding the Best Irons for Seniors
Here are a few of the things to be aware of when choosing the best irons for seniors in 2023.
High Launch
A lower center of gravity improves the ability to hit the golf ball higher. Senior golfers often lose a bit of clubhead speed, and it can create a line drive-type ball flight; the lower center of gravity helps improve this regardless of the lie.
Maximum Forgiveness
When maximum forgiveness exists, why not take advantage of it? Look for golf irons with a large sweet spot and wider soles to increase forgiveness.
Graphite or Steel Shafts
Most senior golfers find that a graphite shaft is a better choice for their game than a steel shaft. The graphite material is lighter and can help promote maximum distance.
Club Set Makeup
Most senior golfers use more hybrids than irons. The standard club set makeup for a senior may only be 6-PW in the irons, and that is completely acceptable.
Pricing
Pricing for seniors’ irons can sometimes seem a little high, but this is because of the graphite shaft. A graphite shaft costs more money because of the manufacturing process.
⛳️ Read Next: The Best Golf Clubs for Short Men
What Golf Clubs Should Seniors Carry?
Senior golfers need a mix of hybrid golf clubs, fairway woods, irons, and wedges in their bags. In fact, the wedges could be the most important because of the way that seniors can compete when it comes to the short game.
Here is what a standard golf club set makeup could look like for a senior player.
- Driver
- 5 Wood
- 7 Wood
- 4 Hybrid
- 5 Hybrid
- 6 Hybrid
- 7 Iron
- 8 Iron
- 9 Iron
- Pitching
- Gap Wedge
- Sand Wedge
- Lob Wedge
- Putter
Testing Irons for Seniors
Although I’m not a senior golfer, I did spend some time testing the new releases of 2023. I’ve taught many senior golfers through the years, and I can pick up on the characteristics of a golf iron that suits a senior golfer best. The overall selection this year is one that focuses mostly on consistency and extra distance.
The optimal way to determine what you like and what suits your golf game is by testing irons or getting a custom fitting. Both are something we would always recommend.
Finding the Best Shafts for Irons for Seniors
If you think that your golf club head is not the issue and you might need a new shaft in your golf club, make sure you choose something that is specifically suited to the senior golfer, such as senior golf flex shafts. The best golf shafts for seniors often are graphite, have a low kick point, and plenty of flexibility.
Final Thoughts on Best Irons for Seniors 2023
There has been a big push in the last few years to get senior golfers playing with more hybrids to reduce miss hits from off-center strikes.
However, you can’t give up on irons. The best irons for seniors, like the Callaway Paradym offers increased ball speed, higher club head speed, and plenty of forgiveness, regardless of handicap level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best irons for seniors in 2023.
What is the difference between regular vs senior vs ladies flex?
Regular flex is for players that have swing speeds in the 80+ mph range with their driver; when you get closer to the 70s, the senior flex is a better choice. Ladies’ flex golf shafts are similar to a senior flex, and for golfers with slower swing speeds.
What are the easiest irons to hit for a senior golfer?
Most senior golfers play well with short irons (7 and under), and they see better results when using a golf club with a wider sole. The Cleveland Launcher XL or Cobra T-Rail Irons are great options to consider for a senior golfer.
Do you lose distance with graphite shafts?
Graphite shaft irons can help improve overall feel and increase total launch. The graphite shaft will not cause you to lose distance; in fact, it should help you get a few yards. Many senior golfers choose graphite shafts.
What are the best irons for an older mid-handicapper?
An older mid-handicap golfer will love what the TaylorMade P790 irons have to offer. These golf clubs for seniors are highly forgiving, and the thin top-down look makes them feel even more workable.
Should seniors use graphite shafts in irons?
Most senior golfers have slower swing speeds which makes graphite irons a good fit. Most seniors using graphite shafts in irons will enjoy increased distance and forgiveness.
How do I know if I need a senior shaft?
A senior golf shaft is best for golfers in the 70 mph to 80 mph range. If your swing speed is in this range, the senior shaft gives you a higher ball flight and more forgiveness out of a bad lie.
Should senior golfers carry long irons?
A long irons can be a tough club selection for senior golfers. Most longer irons do not offer the same amount of forgiveness and consistency that a hybrid or fairway wood can. I recommend senior golfers use a hybrid golf club or fairway wood instead of longer irons. Even a utility club can be a better solution for senior golfers.
I reviewed the following two articles: 13 Best Irons for Seniors and 13 Best Clubs for Seniors. The two articles name two different sets of Irons as Best overall. The best Clubs article lists Callaway Rogue ST Max as Best Overall while the Irons article lists Callaway Paradym as best overall. What factors causes this difference in selection?
Hi Wes, Great question! The Best Irons for Seniors is the latest article. The Best Golf Clubs for Seniors article was initially released prior to the new golf irons, such as the Callaway Paradym (which became available in stores at the end of Feb). Hope this helps!
Thank you!