TOP 10 PLAYERS’ IRONS

Ping i525 |

£180 (s), £190 (g)

TG VERDICT Brand new for 2022, we love how the i525’s styling sits really well alongside the cracking i59 (players’ iron), and how four extra face grooves build the feeling that the model is a really good players’ iron. It was just 2 yards back from our very longest players’ distance iron this year, so should be on the radar of decent club golfers looking to combine power and gorgeous looks.

Mizuno Pro 225 |

£200 per club

TG VERDICT In the space of two generations (MP-20 HMB and Pro 225), Mizuno have become major players in the decent players’ hollow body iron arena. Coupled with creating our test pro’s fastest ball speed (125.5 mph) in the category, the 225 also hit shots into the smallest dispersion area (89.6 yds2), which is a seriously impressive performance at both ends of the scale.

Wilson D9 Forged |

£792 (s), £882 (g)

TG VERDICT Our test pro really liked the D9’s more traditional iron appearance. There’s a shiny, polished finish, some rounder edges (where the majority of modern models opt for straighter lines), and a slightly longer blade length than many of the competition. It all adds up to the D9 being a very attractive package in 2022.

Taylormade P790 |

£1,149 (s), £1,349 (g)

TG VERDICT The P790 was only 3 yards back on carry distance from our longest, but the metrics that will appeal to above average golfers are how it launched and flighted shots higher as well as descending the ball onto the green at a steeper angle (than our test average), which helps with stopping approaches close to the target. A new lighter shaft opens up the regular flex to more average speed players, too.

Srixon ZX5 |

£899 (s), £999 (g)

TG VERDICT After winning a ‘Best of 2021’ award, the ZX5S have hit similar heights in 2022. We adore the irons’ straight leading edge and top line shaping, and how the springy SUP 10 face and 1° stronger loft added 6 yards of 7-iron carry distance over Srixon’s more player-focused ZX7. It was also just a single yard back from our longest players’ distance iron (the Mizuno Pro 225).

PXG 0311 P Gen4 |

£170 per club

TG VERDICT PXG’S premium irons are seriously difficult to beat. The Gen4 P is gorgeous to look at and to hit, but its real difference lies in how the model can be weighted up or down for you, all without changing the centre of gravity location. Thanks to the new Gen5 irons being announced, the model is now available for £170 a club, which is serious value for money.

Callaway Rogue ST Pro |

£949 (s), £1,149 (g)

TG VERDICT The ST Pro is new for 2022 and Callaway say that if you see the model sitting between their Apex Pro and Apex 21 irons you really won’t go too far wrong. Our test pro commented on liking the feel and sound, so we reckon many club golfers won’t even spot that the heads are cast and not forged. A cracking set that will cost you less than Callaway’s brilliant Apex models.

Mizuno JPX921 Forged |

£150 per iron

TG VERDICT If our test pro was left to choose his favourite models, the JPX921 Forged would definitely be among his award winners this year: he simply loves this model. We’re not saying you won’t love them too, but be aware that with the model turning two in August, it’s likely to be replaced in 2022. Regardless, it’s a brilliant players’ distance iron choice.

Callaway Apex 21 |

£1,099 (s), £1,399 (g)

TG VERDICT Callaway can legitimately lay claim to having created the players’ distance iron category with the brand’s first forged Apex iron back in 2014. Each generation since has been a brilliant forged iron option, bringing together looks, feel and forgiveness in one fantastic package. And even though the Apex 21 is a year old, it’s still every bit as good as the day it was launched.

Honma T//world TR20 P |

From £1,225

TG VERDICT As the previous T//world TR20 P iron showed us, Honma know a thing or two about making brilliant players’ distance irons. The P is brand new for 2022 and is cast and not forged, but it’s a heck of a looker and it feels and sounds good too. Make sure to take maximum advantage of any purchase by tapping into Honma’s very decent custom fitting network.