Addressing the Pro’s thing first, graphite in the woods allows for the clubs to be longer without being too heavy. Although there graphite shafts ranging from the 40 gram range to the 90+ gram weight range, most tour players use graphites in the 60 to 80 gram range in their drivers. Some senior tour players will even dip into the 55 gram range, for the purpose of lowering the overall weight of the club to increase clubhead speed. The longer length and the lighter overall weight of the club produced by the graphite shafts in the woods produces the incredibly high club head speeds you see. This also allows the average person to generate more clubhead speed as well. The majority of tour pros use steel in there irons for the exact reason you mention, accuracy. Most still believe that steel is more stable on irons, or at least easier to control distance. That might have been true in the early days of graphite irons, but graphite iron shafts can be as stable as steel, and graphite manufacturers will tell you they are more stable. The real difference comes in the way the materials transmit vibration. Graphite definitely absorbs more of the low frequency vibrations that are transmitted up the shaft at impact. Graphite also offers lighter weigh options than you can get in steel, although you can now get steel shafts as light as 70 grams. In short, if you need more distance, you should look at the lightest weight steel or graphite you can, but still provides the feel you prefer. If you want more control, or have a higher clubhead speed, you probably will prefer a heavier weight iron shaft (graphite or steel). The decision then becomes based on which material gives you the feel you want. One other thing. If you have elbow or wrist or hand problems, graphite will provide more shock dampening than steel and can lessen the pain associated with hitting shots.
Britt Lindsey