Most of us lack the ball-striking abilities of Tour pros or even elite amateurs, which means most of us will never (or should never) play a full set of blades, or even a set of CB irons.
But even if you’re not exactly Collin Morikawa, that doesn’t mean you need resign yourself to playing exclusively oversized game-improvement irons.
This is where blended (or combo) iron sets, which combine different types of irons within the same set composition, can be of great benefit.
Typically, these sets pair more forgiving long irons with more workable “player-style” mid to short irons. Some combo sets even blend three types of irons, or include hybrids or driving irons in place of traditional long irons.
If you’re unable to devote hours of your week to practice, playing or grinding with an instructor, you might see some improvements in your game simply by reengineering your iron makeup. By building a blended set, you can better manage your misses and improve your consistency while maximizing your scoring potential.
Here are a few signs that a blended iron set could be right for you:
—Your long-iron play is incosistent. If you struggle with consistent contact, low launch/spin or overall control with longer irons (3-5 or even 6), a more forgiving cavity-back or hollow-body design could be a game-changer.
—You have a strong short game. If you’re seeking more precision and feel in your short irons, a more traditional CB- or MD-style iron can provide better workability.
—Your distance gapping is out of whack. If you notice big and unwanted distance gaps between your irons, a blended set can offer more consistency.
—You lack swing speed. If you’re a consistent ball-striker but lack swing speed, you might benefit from more forgiving long irons, which also tend to have stronger lofts for faster ball speeds, paired with more workable scoring irons.
—You have speed but lack control. Speed is a great thing to have but can sometimes create more problems than it provides solutions. Building a blended set that is a complement of forgiveness and playability can be your best friend.
—You have turf-interaction issues. This one is often overlooked by players and fitters alike. If you take deep divots with long irons but prefer a more precise strike with short irons, different sole designs can help make your contact and dispersion more consistent.
—Your hybrid transition needs help. If you play hybrids instead of long irons, blending driving irons or deeper cavity-back mid-irons with players’-style short irons could create a seamless flow in your set.
The most important thing to remember when building a blended set is to maximize playability and minimize your misses. The last thing you need in your bag is a club, or clubs, that cost you strokes. As ever, I recommend working with a qualified fitting professional or golf professional to best understand what will show you the most consistent results.
When you find the right mix for your game, all you have left to worry about is holing putts.
