Overall, this club is the perfect combination of distance, feel, and control that low handicap players look for in irons. I can’t forget to mention that you can get this set for under $200 if you look hard enough. That is mind blowing, is it not? Ah, I will never forget the Callaway X Forged irons. My best golf buddy that I used to play.
A Guide To Irons for Mid Handicappers
According to USGA stats, the golfers who fall into the mid handicap (10-19) segment account for nearly 44% of the total golfer population. (source) That makes this a significant, if not the most significant demographic for golf equipment manufacturers. So naturally, there is no dearth in numbers when it comes to game improvement irons for mid handicap golfers in the market today.
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Across manufacturers and price points, game improvement irons share certain defining characteristics that make them easy to spot. This guide will try to shed some light what defines a good set of game improvement irons for the average golfer looking to shave some points off his handicap.
What Differentiates Game Improvement Irons from Low Handicap/Player Irons
Irons are the most versatile clubs a golfer has in his/her bag to help them negotiate the numerous challenges that a golf course throws at them between the fairway and the greens. A decent set of game improvement irons will not only make life easier for mid handicappers on the fairway, but also helps them gradually improve their swing and accuracy. Game improvement irons are characterized by the following features:
* Absence of long irons: irons 1-4 are generally considered expert level clubs that most novice and mid level players find too hard to handle effectively. These irons are generally designed for distance and finesse, having long shafts and smaller club heads with lower lofts that result in smaller sweet spots. Inexperienced golfers find it easier to miss than connect with these clubs. As a result, game improvement iron sets generally do not include irons 1-4.
* Hybrid irons: not all game improvement iron sets contain hybrid irons and they are not absolutely essential per se for a good round of golf, especially on the shorter holes. But if you do have them in your bag, they offer a nice distance option on the longer par 4 or par 5/6 holes. These chimaeras of the golf club family borrow the best bits of long irons and mix them with the best bits of drivers and fairway woods, offering decent middle of the road performance and accessibility for mid cap players looking to hone their distance game.
* Larger club heads, higher lofts and increased forgiveness: game improvement irons usually have specially cast heads with design improvements like wider soles, higher loft angles and a larger sweet spot. Most often, these irons employ a cavity back design, which has a hollow at the back of the club head, which transfers weight to the corners of the club head. If you regularly end up skewing your second or third shots into the rough or sand traps, you really need to take a look at game improvement iron sets.(source)
The upgrade to the Mizuno JPX 850 is forged and has a more U-shaped sole for less digging in the turf interaction. As always, Mizuno forged irons are buttery soft but what's normally reserved for the better players is available to anyone now.
You'll be able to shape the ball both ways with these. there are a lot of mid handicappers who were once single figures who still like a fade or draw into a tight pin. There's still hope out there my good man!
What's special about the Mizuno JPX 900s, is that one you move south of the double digit handicap, you'll still be playing these clubs. They're timeless in design and with all the latest technology coming out being not-much-different to the previous one or two years, these will serve you a long time.
They have the look of professional style clubs with more forgiving and bigger clubs heads in the long irons and more compact shorter irons for precision shots. They have a tiny bit of offset so if you prefer a more classical style head but with massive forgiveness, the Mizuno's cater to you.
Most Mizuno users are Mizuno users for life and you'll very rarely find a second hand sets being traded in by someone who hates the clubs.