If you’re like most seniors, you’re starting to find that your swing speed isn’t what it used to be. Maybe your drives aren’t carrying like they used too and every iron seems to be coming up short of the green. While it’s frustrating to not get the distance you once did in your younger years, don’t worry, there are ways to get it back.
Thanks to so much new technology from club providers, getting older doesn’t necessarily mean shooting higher scores. In fact, changing to the right set of clubs can have a huge impact on your ball striking and might even shoot lower than ever before.
Here’s the thing, most golfers are playing the wrong set of irons. Most golfers are playing irons that are old, outdated, too heavy, and have too stiff of shafts. This makes it so much more difficult to consistently hit irons from the fairway and rough.
Our Picks for the Best Golf Irons for Seniors
- Callaway Great Big Bertha – Best Premium Irons for Senior Golfers
- Taylormade Stealth 2 HD Combo Irons – Also Very Good Irons for Seniors
- Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite – Best Value Irons for Senior Golfers
Instead of just upgrading your driver and woods this year, let’s talk about the best irons for seniors. With such a massive selection, there are a ton of clubs that I bet you don’t even know about yet.Let’s make golf more fun and easy!
In this post, you will learn how to properly choose your next iron set. Get ready to start hitting more greens and having more looks at birdie.
How to Pick Your Iron Set
Before diving into the best irons for seniors, let’s talk about the biggest factors that you should consider when choosing new irons.
Type of Irons
First off, what type of look and feel do you want with your new irons?
Are you looking for a traditional iron set (4-PW) or a mixed bag that include some hybrids? Or, do you want all of your irons to be “game improvement” irons that focus on forgiveness above all else?
If you’re new to the game, full sets that are all hybrid style clubs will make the game easier. But if you’ve been playing for a while, going from traditional irons to a bag of all hybrids might be too much of a transition.
Luckily, there are a lot of combo sets that you can choose from now which blend both types together.
With combo sets, the longer clubs (4, 5, and 6) are more like hybrids than traditional irons. Then, the 7, 8, 9, and pitching wedge have a traditional iron look and feel of a standard iron. This makes long ones easier to hit (especially off the turf) and the shorter irons geared more toward performance.
Forgiveness
Once you decide what type of iron set you like looking at the most, then it’s time to think about the overall forgiveness or your irons. The higher handicap you are, the more you want to invest in irons that have a larger sweet spot. This means having a large cavity back that helps with mish*t shots.
This will make it so much easier to make consistent contact with each club, even when you’re hitting from tough lies. The one downside to more forgiving clubs is that you have less workability. Meaning, it’s harder to hit draws, cuts, and flight the ball. Instead, a lot of senior irons are geared more toward forgiveness than anything else thanks to the adjusted center of gravity.
Shaft
Another huge part of your purchasing decision is the shaft of your irons.
I can’t stress this enough, your shaft is equally important as the clubhead itself.
You can easily play the right irons but if you have the wrong shaft, good luck with consistency.Here are two things to think about when choosing the best shaft for your game:
Graphite vs. Steel Shaft
Picking steel shafts over graphite… One of the biggest mistakes so many seniors (and everyday amateurs make) is playing too heavy of shafts. The heavier the shaft, the more swing speed is required.
But as you get older, your swing speed decreases (unless you’re Phil Mickelson who seems to defy aging). This means you need to play shafts that are lighter and easier to swing throughout the round. Otherwise, your ballstriking will suffer.
I would say that 90+% of all seniors should be playing graphite shafts. Otherwise, you’re making the game so much harder and could even have a potential injury from playing heavy, steel shafts as well.
Shaft Flex
The other thing you want to think about is shaft flex. While most golfers not only play too heavy of shafts, they also play too stiff of shafts as well.
Once again, if you have a slower swing, this is just making golf that much harder! Put the pride aside, and go down a flex as you get older so you can start hitting your irons more consistently.
Regular or Stiff flex? For example, if you’ve always played a stiff shaft, try out a regular or senior flex. If you’ve always played a regular flex, try out a senior or sometimes named “lite” flex shaft.
This will make it so much easier to create swing speed, hit each iron farther, and have more consistency. Plus, it’ll make it easier to swing with the same intensity later in the round (even if you’re a little fatigued).
Grip
Finally, don’t forget about the grip as well. Your grip plays a big role in your overall swing, so make sure you find a set that has a great stock grip.
Ideally, you want to find ones that have rubber grips as they’re the best golf grips for older players to handle. Plus, a larger, midsize grip might work better if you have arthritis or other wrist/hand conditions.
Otherwise, you’ll have to regrip all your golf clubs which can be $80 – $100 or more after installation.
Best Irons for Seniors
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for you in your next iron set, let’s dive into our top picks for seniors:
1. Great Big Bertha Irons (Best Premium Irons for Senior Golfer)
If you want some of the most forgiving and easy to hit irons, you’ll love the Great Big Bertha irons. The Big Bertha has been one of the most successful models for Callaway over the years and is a great choice for senior golfers. We love the newBig Bertha driverand the irons are just as amazing, here’s why…
First off, these are the multi-piece titanium and tungsten iron that provides “driver like power” to an iron set. As Callaway said,“By leveraging materials that are typically reserved for drivers, we’ve generated up to 96g of discretionary weight, and precisely repositioned this saved weight to increase launch and forgiveness.”This leads to a better energy transfer thanks to the thinner face.
These irons also have a tungsten speed cartridge which is usually reserved for drivers as well. This 145 gram of tungsten provides more speed and higher launch than ever before in any iron set. While using all this driver technology is great in irons, it has a downside as they are some of the most expensive irons on the market.
Other highlights include:
- A.I. performance forged titanium face to improve spin rates.
- Softer feel to produce more natural ball speed (aka distance) with every club.
- Two graphite shaft options. The Nippon NS Pro is an 85 gram shaft that is designed for faster swinging golfers. While the UST Mamiya Helium Nanocore shaft is 25 grams lighter and available in light, regular, or stiff flex (usually the better choice for seniors).
Additionally, these clubs are available in tons of set configurations including:
- 4-PW (add AW and/or SW)
- 5-PW & AW
- 6-PW (add AW and/or SW)
- 7-PW (add AW and/or SW)
Whether you need a full set or mid and short irons only, they have an option for you. Not to mention you can choose to buy these in a 4, 5, 6 or 7-iron only to use as more forgiving long/mid-irons to your set of clubs.
Pros
- Two graphite shaft choices.
- Tons of different iron set configurations.
- Game improvement irons built for maximum distance and forgiveness.
Cons
- No steel shaft options.
- Expensive – these are more than the most expensive PXG iron sets.
Callaway recommends golfers between 10-18 handicap will benefit most from these game improvement irons.The 7-iron loft is 30 degrees which isn’t as strong as the Rogue ST Max and Max OS clubs. Despite being a game improvement iron, these clubs aren’t overly bulky with a thick topline either.
>> You can order the Great Big Bertha Iron here or here.
2. Taylormade Stealth 2 HD Combo Irons (Best Irons for Senior Golfers with a Slice)
New technology and different clubs can make golf a little bit easier. The new Stealth 2 HD combo set of irons and hybrids might be just what you need to play your best golf.
Let’s face it, long irons aren’t easy to hit, even if you’re young with a fast swing. Thankfully the golf Gods created hybrids and TaylorMade has a new set with a great mix of forgiving irons with a few easy to hit hybrids too.
Here’s what TaylorMade said about the combo set.“The Stealth 2 HD Combo Set pairs the easy launching performance of Stealth 2 HD Rescue with the distance-producing benefits of Stealth HD Irons, delivering a set that is ideal for golfers seeking to maximize forgiveness throughout the bag.”
The hybrids are a great idea for senior golfers as they’re much larger and more forgiving than long irons. These aren’t just any hybrids either – the Stealth 2 HD rescue clubs are high launching and great looking clubs. The black/red design, paired with high loft and anti-slice technology should give you tons of confidence on all types of shots.
The irons are extremely forgiving too and makes it easier than ever to increase distance from your current set. As TaylorMade said,“Stealth HD irons feature an ultra-low CG that progressively shifts it higher throughout the set for easier launch and playability in the long irons, while optimizing trajectory and spin in the scoring clubs.”
The irons are definitely game-improvement irons but don’t have a huge topline. Plus, they come with four different combo configurations to pair with your fairway woods:
- 4H, 5H, 6-PW
- 3H, 4H, 5-PW
- 4H, 5H, 6-PW and AW
- 4H, 5H, 6-PW and SW
Not to mention you can choose from two shafts; the graphite shaft is in all the hybrids and is a bold red Fujikura Speeder NX (available in A, R, or S flex). There is a steel shaft option for the irons with the KBS Max 85 MT. It’s a high launching, lightweight steel shaft available in R or S flex.
Pros
- Graphite and steel shafts available.
- Great looking headcovers on the hybrids.
- Multiple configurations with three types of hybrids.
- Matching gap wedges and sand wedges are available.
Cons
- Irons might be too big for some types of golfers.
Otherwise, there isn’t much negative to say about these combo sets of irons from TaylorMade. The new rescue clubs are like a cheat code for long clubs and easy to hit from all types of lies. All these clubs will add ball speed, are high launching, and help you enjoy the game more than ever.
>> You can order your set of Taylormade Stealth 2 HD Combo irons here or here.
3. Callaway Rogue Max OS Lite Irons
Even thought these irons are a previous model. They certainly still hold up and can be had if you would like to save a little money.
Callaway is know for making some great irons including the Apex lineup and the new Rogue ST Max lineup. While the Max OS irons are a top pick for beginner and high handicaps, the “Lite” version is a great version for seniors. Here’s why these irons made the Golf Digest Gold List back in 2022:
- 450 A.I. Flash Face Cup Design. These help promote higher ball speed and more consistency
- Precision Tungsten weighting is a 188% increase over the previous Mavrik irons. This helps optimize launch and maximize speed.
Overall, they are very similar to the Max OS but are significantly lighter with every iron in the set.
The Max OS Lite irons also offer more loft, lighter swing weights, and different shaft options as well. This is their easiest to hit irons that focus on high launch above all else. This set of Callaway irons makes it much easier for higher handicap players to get the ball up and on the green!
Unlike the Max OS, there are only two stock shaft options but still great selections. Both are significantly lighter to stick with the “Lite” theme to promote faster speed and higher launch.
- Project X Cypher 50 gram: These are the lightest shafts in terms of weight (50 grams each) and only offered in “light” flex.
- Project X Cypher 60 gram: This shaft is 10 grams heavier and available in regular flex. Even though they’re heavier, they’re still a high launching shaft thanks to a low kickpoint.
Pros
- Available in right and left-hand options.
- Multiple set options from 4-PW, 6-PW, and other wedges available.
- Extremely lightweight, much lighter than the standard Rogue Max ST irons.
Cons
- Thick topline that might not suit your eye at address. Otherwise, these are a great set of lightweight irons.
If you’re someone who needs a little extra help getting the ball on the green on your approach shot, these are the ones for you. Despite being a game improvement iron, they’re still great looking and sure to help your game.
You can order a set of Max OS Lite irons here or here.
4. Cleveland Men’s Launcher HB Turbo
As I mentioned in the selection process, the type of irons play a huge role in your ball striking. The Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo is unlike any other as each club has a somewhat hybrid design. If you’re looking for distance and forgiveness more than shot making, these are likely the ones for you.
Plus, the HiBore core design keeps the weight low on the club to generate high launch, even with longer irons. These are available in the Dynamic Gold DST98 steel (which is very lightweight) and Miyazaki C. Kua 60 graphite shaft.
Pros
- Available in regular, stiff, and senior flex.
- All clubs are hybrids for maximum distance.
- High ball flight for seniors thanks to low center of gravity.
- 4-PW stock set composition (Gap Wedge & sand wedge available).
- Fully hollow construction for the most forgiveness in each golf club.
- Shaping changes as you go from long to short. Longer irons look more like hybrids while short irons have features for better performance.
Cons
- Higher cost per iron that most sets.
- Lamkin 360 grip isn’t great for seniors.
- Not all golfers will like the shorter irons being so bulky.
If you’re a senior golfer who loves hybrids and currently noticing slower swing speeds, these are the ones for you!
The Launcher HB Turbo iron set are some of the best clubs for senior golfers and made our list of best irons for beginners and high handicappers.
>>Click here to get the Cleveland Mens Launcher HB Turbo series.
5. Cobra T-Rail
If you’re like most seniors in 2023, you probably struggle with the long irons, until now. The T-Rail irons from Cobra Golf are some of the most innovative new irons out there, even making the Golf Digest Hot List.
This unique hybrid-iron makes golf easier with their latest T-Rail technology. The ball speed is off the charts and they are one of the best looking ones in the golf industry. They are similar to the HB Turbo from Cleveland but have a few differences as well.
Pros
- Low center of gravity.
- Great looking all black design.
- 7-piece set (4-PW, 5-GW, or 6-SW).
- Available in steel and graphite shafts.
- Hybrids are available to make a combo set.
- Hollow design making it easy to launch each club high with tons of ball speed.
- Baffler Rails (the blue part of the club) to help keep club head speed high even in tough, tight lies.
Cons
- Hybrids might be a little bulky for some golfers.
Best golf irons for seniors who love hybrids and struggle from tight lies.
>>Click here to get the Cobra T-Rail golf clubs.
Alternate (Best Budget Set): Majek Men’s Golf Hybrid Complete Set
If budget is your biggest concern or you’re just getting started with golf at an older age, the Majek hybrid set could be the ones for you. These are a fraction of the price from the clubs mentioned above but also lack a lot of the technology as well. That being said, they are a good starter set and great for golfers who don’t make it out to the course very often.
The set is made of all hybrids (4-PW) and have a very bulky design for players who want tons of forgiveness and distance. While this is great for guys shooting 100+, the large size short irons might be distracting for a lot of lower handicap golfers.
Overall, they have a very big sweet spot and a deep cavity back for increased distance and forgiveness. These are only available in graphite shafts and do not allow different customization for iron sets.
One of the best golf clubs for anyone on a tight budget but committed to the game.
>>Click here to get the Majek hybrid complete set.
FAQs on Best Senior Golf Clubs
Do you have more questions about ball speed, swing speeds, and more as a senior golf? If so, we got you covered.
What golf clubs are best for seniors?
I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the clubs mentioned above. The biggest things to think about is the clubhead design and shaft.
For clubhead design, do you want an all hybrid set? A total iron set? Or, a combo set that includes both hybrids and irons?
Once you decide which type of clubhead you want in your iron set, next up is evaluating the shaft options. Primarily, if you want graphite or steel and identifying the right flex in the shaft.
In general, I highly suggest that all senior golfers opt for graphite flex shafts. These are much easier to hit and won’t require extra energy late in the round to swing.
Also, you want to make sure the flex itself is the right one. For some senior players, I suggest going with the designated senior (sometimes called “A” flex). A less stiff shaft, plus lighter clubs will make it easier to make consistent contact with your irons.
Are graphite shafts better for seniors in golf?
Yes, graphite shafts are the best choice for most seniors. As I mentioned, the shaft plays a major role in ball striking, consistency, and distance. The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft.
Not just any graphite shaft, you want to find one that is lightweight and has enough flex. This will help you swing with the same intensity throughout the round and avoid any injury.
Should I get custom fit?
While a custom fitting can help, it’s not necessary for most senior golfers. I would only recommend this if you’re very experienced and want to fine tune your clubs. Or, if you’re taller than most golfers and might need to get custom shafts for your golf game.
How far should a senior hit 7 iron?
It really depends on the player, swing speed, and the golf club of choice.
For example, a golfer with a 10 handicap, 100mph swing speed, and game improvement irons is going to hit a lot further than most. Meanwhile, a 25 handicap playing with older models that are too heavy and stiff will likely hit it shorter.
The biggest thing to think about is finding ones that help you get the ball airborne and are lightweight. This will help you find more greens, make more pars, and enjoy the round a lot more. Plus, you’ll likely avoid injury from playing clubs that are suited for a golfer who has a higher swing speed.
How do I know if I need a senior shaft?
One of the easiest ways to check is to hit on a launch monitor at your local golf store. If your swing speed is in the range of 70 to 85 mph, you could likely benefit from a senior (or A flex) shaft.
If you don’t have a golf store nearby, think about your carry distance. If it’s between 180-210 yard carry, then a senior flex might help you add more distance without changing your swing.
Why are senior clubs more expensive?
That’s a fair question. Senior clubs tend to cost more because of two reasons; the type of club and the shaft.
Since a lot of the sets mentioned above are hybrids or combo sets, this is more costly for the manufacturer to produce. Also, the shafts are usually graphite which also yields a higher cost.
While they are a higher investment, they can last you for years to come. Don’t sacrifice your game (or a potential injury) by not playing the best golf clubs for you!
Final Thoughtson Best Irons for Seniors
When it comes to the best golf irons for seniors, there have never been more options. This is great for golfers who are finding their swing speed decreasing but still want to get out and play golf as often as possible.
Remember, when picking your irons, focus on the type of iron set and the shafts more than anything else. Make sure you pick a set that is forgiving throughout the entire set and will help you add distance to each club. Some golfers will prefer a hybrid set while others are fine with all “normal” irons but created for distance.
Then, focus on the shaft itself. The wrong shaft type and flex can make the game so much harder than it needs. And always make sure the grip is right for your hands and get ready to start attacking flags!
Now that you’ve got the irons covered, check out our article about the best golf drivers for seniors.
