As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for the stories that make golf more than just a game – the trends, the insights, the human element that connects us all. And recently, something fascinating has been emerging from the bags of the pros that speaks volumes about adaptability, personal optimization, and perhaps even a lesson for all of us:
The rise of the utility iron.
Two wins in two weeks for TaylorMade staff players, Jacob Bridgeman and Collin Morikawa, both tell a compelling tale. It’s not just about their victories; it’s about what’s missing from their bags: the traditional 4-iron. Instead, these champions are opting for something a little different, a little more tailored to their game, and it’s a trend I believe holds lessons for every golfer looking to elevate their play and, frankly, their enjoyment of the game.
Think about it: in a sport often steeped in tradition, these players are innovating, making deliberate choices that prioritize performance and comfort. It’s a powerful metaphor for life, isn’t it? Knowing when to let go of what’s “always been done” and embracing what truly works for *you*.
Bridgeman, for instance, is trusting a 12-year-old TaylorMade Tour Preferred UDI for his 4-iron slot. A club from 2014, when he was still in high school! Morikawa, too, is experimenting, specifically with TaylorMade’s P-DHY driving iron. These aren’t just minor adjustments; they’re strategic shifts.
The “Why” Behind the Change
So, why are these pros making such a switch? It boils down to optimal performance and, surprisingly, comfort. It’s about finding clubs that launch easier, land softer, and ultimately make the game more manageable – even for the best in the world. And if they’re seeking that advantage, shouldn’t we?
TaylorMade Senior Tour Rep Nick Springer shed some light on Bridgeman’s choices, especially concerning his 5-iron:
“The 770 5-iron was added to his bag to simply find a 5-iron that launched higher and landed softer into long par 3s and par 5s. He found the 770 to be a versatile club that he could flight when he needed to.”
This isn’t just about hitting the ball further; it’s about control, about consistency, about making those crucial approach shots land gently on the green. For Morikawa and his P-DHY driving iron, it’s a similar story tailored to his specific needs.
“He was looking for a 4-iron that goes up in the air easier,” TaylorMade Tour Rep Todd Chew said last week. “With the DHY, he doesn’t have to hit it as hard as he can to make it go up in the air. It also spins enough so he can cut it, whereas with previous 4-irons, it was hard to get the spin right to create that ball flight. We added a little more loft as well to get it to go high and cut and still spin when he takes something off of it.”
Think about that for a moment. Even at the pinnacle of golf, players are looking for clubs that make the game *easier*. That allow them to conserve energy, to hit shots with less effort, and to achieve specific, targeted ball flights without brute force. This, to me, is incredibly empowering for the everyday golfer.
What This Means for Your Golf Lifestyle
This trend isn’t just about tour-level equipment; it’s about a philosophy. It’s a call to action for all of us to be more deliberate about our equipment choices and, by extension, our approach to our golf lifestyle. Here are my actionable takeaways:
Embrace Personalization: Your golf bag should reflect *your* game, not just what’s “standard.” If a traditional long iron feels like a struggle, there are better options out there. This applies to everything from your shoes to your nutrition – optimize for *your* body and *your* performance.
Seek Forgiveness: Pros are actively seeking more forgiving clubs for long iron shots. Why? Because golf is hard enough! Forgiveness means more consistent results, fewer frustrations, and ultimately, more enjoyment. Don’t let ego dictate your equipment. If a utility iron or even a hybrid helps you hit better shots, embrace it.
Prioritize “Launch” and “Landing”: As the pros show, getting the ball up in the air and landing it softly is crucial for scoring. If your long irons are consistently hitting low bullets or running off the back of greens, it might be time to reconsider your gapping. This isn’t about raw distance; it’s about control.
Consider a Club Fitting: This is arguably the most important takeaway. Just as you wouldn’t buy a fancy suit without tailoring, don’t guess with your clubs. A professional fitting, like those offered at True Spec Golf, can analyze your swing data and recommend clubs that perfectly complement your game, including exploring options like utility irons.
I’ve seen firsthand how a properly fitted utility iron can transform a golfer’s confidence and performance on the course. It takes the intimidation out of those long approach shots and replaces it with a feeling of control and capability. It’s not just about hitting greens; it’s about hitting them *well*, with intent and precision.
The beauty of golf is that it’s a game of constant adjustment and self-improvement. Watching these pros adapt their arsenals to better suit their needs is a powerful reminder that we should all continue to question, experiment, and optimize our own golf journey. Whether it’s swapping out a 4-iron or refining your pre-round stretching routine, every small adjustment can lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling golf lifestyle.
TaylorMade P-UDI Custom Utility Iron
Tour inspired shaping for a playable and balanced look at address. Strategically positioned CG for a penetrating ball flight with backspin for players who demand shot making with long irons.
INDIVIDUAL MASS OPTIMIZATION
Featuring advanced thick-thin back wall construction, sound stabilization bar, and deliberately distributed mass to maximize forgiveness. Each iron is uniquely designed with every gram strategically placed to achieve specific performance goals with premium forged feel.
OPTIMAL LAUNCH AND FORGIVENESS
Designed to deliver easy launch, increased forgiveness and enhanced consistency. The new internal weighting structure combines with proven technologies such as the forged 4140 OptiFace, Speed Pocket™ and up to 26g of tungsten.
THRU-SLOT SPEEDPOCKET
The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ provides increased face flexibility while preserving ball speed and distance on low face strikes.
View Product
TaylorMade P-DHY Custom Utility Iron
Shallower face height, increased sole width and longer blade length create a super forgiving and versitile long iron. Designed with a low CG for a mid-high launch and mid-range spin.
INDIVIDUAL MASS OPTIMIZATION
Featuring advanced thick-thin back wall construction, sound stabilization bar, and deliberately distributed mass to maximize forgiveness. Each iron is uniquely designed with every gram strategically placed to achieve specific performance goals with premium forged feel.
OPTIMAL LAUNCH AND FORGIVENESS
Designed to deliver easy launch, increased forgiveness and enhanced consistency. The new internal weighting structure combines with proven technologies such as the forged 4140 OptiFace, Speed Pocket™ and up to 26g of tungsten.
THRU-SLOT SPEEDPOCKET
The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ provides increased face flexibility while preserving ball speed and distance on low face strikes.
View Product
