Question

1.13K viewsMarch 23, 2023

theblake7 384 March 23, 2023 0 Comments

Almost every iron set has a standard shape for the irons from 3-7 but the 8 and up is different. Higher more rounded toe – like a wedge.

Why? Do they do it because everyone does it or is there an actual design principle behind that for the types of shots played?

I suspect that its deeply rooted in the history of the game, formerly before Wedge/Sandwedge and Iron numbers was invented, the equivalent of 8/9 iron was called a Pitching Niblick, and thus designed for pitch shots, so designers have continued with that concept ever since. Hence my bugbear – i dont want a <40 degree pitching clubs in my golf bag…. :)

Britt Lindsey Answered question March 23, 2023

1 Answer

Answer 1 · 2023-03-23T13:24:42+00:00

No specific design reason other than the transition from mid irons to short irons and historically short irons have a more rounded toe to heel radius on the topline. As a designer, that transition and look is very important to me. The first two clubs I look ate are the #7 iron and #8 iron when looking at a set. I don’t want my 8 iron looking like a 7. No reason it couldn’t and with stronger lofts it certainly has become a challenge to maintain that transition look, but I just think there needs to be that transition. It’s more “how it’s always been” than anything else.

Britt Lindsey