Sam Tremlett
Much like getting a set of the best golf irons, a good utility iron can be a game changer, offering a tremendous blend of versatility and forgiveness. In the right hands, the long iron is potentially one of the most versatile clubs in the bag, offering a number of shot-making options from the long high ball to the punch into the wind. But for many golfers, the long iron is the most challenging club in the bag to get to grips with as it is not overly forgiving and any slightly missed shot can often be punished quite severely.
For this very reason, some higher handicap players tend to switch out those tricky long irons and replace them with more forgiving hybrid clubs. These hybrid options tend to be easier to hit, they launch higher and generate more consistent distance.
They do tend to be a little less workable than long irons, but thankfully we have a sweet spot between a hybrid club and a long iron for those who aren't sure about either option. Utility iron golf clubs offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to work the ball and control flight whilst also offering strong levels of forgiveness.
A good utility iron could be the distance gapping club that changes your game and helps you save strokes. So with this in mind we have looked at some of the best utilities out there right now. We would also recommend taking a look at our guides on the best golf hybrid clubs currently on the market or the best distance irons. We have also produced a guide on the best driving irons too.
The Quick List
The premium aesthetic, combined with a generous and confidence-inspiring address profile will please many. Exceptionally high levels of forgiveness make the P-DHY a real standout product.
A stunning looking golf club which combines adjustability with improved sound and performance from previous models, the Ping iCrossover combines forgiveness and playability for all type of shots.
The removal of the adjustability hosel is a shame but there's no denying this is a forgiving and easy-to-control utility both off the tee and the ground.
Ball speeds are impressive, as is the buttery feel, and the addition of the Tour V.T. sole for the first time will please those looking to use this utility iron from the ground as well as the tee.
This is a classy-looking utility iron that offers good value. The new refined finish looks great and the freshly engineered face feels very good at impact.
A surprisingly good looking utility iron in a genre that can tend to look a bit wide and chunky, the feel off the U505 from Titleist is arguably the best out of any club in this guide.
Load the next 2 models
The more compact profile and reduced offset give a really classic look, while performance is strong, producing a very penetrating ball flight with no excess spin which is exactly what I look for in this category.
A refined head shape for the P-UDI means this sits a lot more nicely at address than previous models, whilst internal weight changes in the head have added to the playability of this Taylormade option.
Best Utility Irons Golf Clubs
Most forgiving
We start with the TaylorMade P-DHY utility iron, which is my top pick for forgiveness. With a new internal weighting structure, and the continuation of SpeedFoam/Thru Slot Speed pockets, the DHY delivered high ball speeds, really strong distance, and the playability was excellent. Despite my swing not being at its best in testing, wherever I struck this iron on the face the ball speed remained consistent and dispersion was tight as well. The wide sole slid effortlessly though turf as well so this will suit higher handicap players.
Despite the clear focus on forgiveness, I think this club still looks great though. I really like the pearl satin finish and the black mirror line on the back of the head oozes class. Indeed even behind the ball, at address, the club looks good. Some bigger headed utility irons look chunky and the back often sticks out but despite this being the case with the DHY, i actually really liked it. It gave confidence without being over the top. Overall this is an iron which will suit a lot of golfers as a result of the total performance.
- Read our full TaylorMade P-DHY Utility Iron Review
Best adjustability
The iCrossover is one of the most functional clubs on this list thanks to the adjustable shaft allowing the user to create more options than other clubs would provide. Ping made a splash when they released the original Crossover back in 2016 and have steadily improved their utility irons game since, developing clubs that deliver playability and help cover those awkward gaps between your longest iron and shortest hybrid or wood.
The iCrossover is more of an iron than a hybrid as the hollow head has a maraging steel face that is supported by an EVA polymer in the cavity which delivers an excellent sound and feel off the clubface. The sole is a little narrower than the Ping G425 Crossover which means it plays a little more like an iron, cutting through the turf better on tighter lies. This club has some seriously noticeable improvements over the G425 and is a club I'd recommend any reader to have a test run with.
- Read our full Ping iCrossover Utility Iron Review
Best value
I have been seriously impressed by a number of Cobra utility irons in the past, specifically the Cobra King Utility Iron, which was released in 2020. Back in 2023, the brand introduced us to to the Tec Utility Iron, which has much of the same forgiveness, as well as the ease of flighting and shaping the golf ball.
There is no loft or lie adjustability available which is disappointing but this is a club available from a 17° 2-iron to a 25° 5-iron, so plenty of range. The stock Mitsubishi MMT 80 Graphite shaft is also a joy to use.
During testing I was blown away by the levels of forgiveness on shots low off the face - they still flew really far and consistently so. This feels like a powerful iron that offers excellent all round performance and is a happy medium in terms of price when considering performance and value.
- Read our full Cobra King Tec Utility Iron Review
Best feel
My top pick for feel in this guide is the Srixon ZXiU and given the design ethos around this model, it is not hard to see why it performed so well in this regard. Designed with two different types of steel, S20C is condensed forged to form the body, while a softer SUP10 is utilized for the face to enhance impact, the ZXiU felt amazing. Buttery soft and yet the ball seemed to explode at impact with impressive speed. I also really liked the introduction of the Tour V.T. sole. This design feature is also on the other ZXi irons and it really aided turf interaction nicely, whilst I really enjoyed the towering ball flights I was producing.
From a look standpoint, it oozes shelf appeal from the back and the chrome finish glistens nicely. The iron has simple, minimalist branding as well and I should say down behind the ball the clubhead looks excellent, although the club does protrude out past the top edge slightly which may divide opinion.
- Read our full Srixon ZXiU Utility Iron Review
Best looking
The technology story that Wilson is focussing on here is around the face technology and the new internal structure. Wilson have done this by using C300 steel to construct the face for strength, flexibility, and to give stability on mis-hits. The acoustics of the club have also been optimized. Visually, this club has been refined from its previous iteration with a satin finish and a neater, thinner topline to give it a more premium look, which I really liked.
During testing I noticed two main things - firstly, launch monitor numbers weren't too far away from the premium, more expensive utility irons on the market which was a pleasant takeaway.
Secondly, this club may not be as forgiving as those other options, but turf interaction was still positive and smooth. Overall, I really enjoyed testing this product and it will suit many low handicap players. The aesthetics, feel, and performance may put off higher handicap players but they may be more inclined to put some of the best hybrids into play instead.
- Read our full Wilson Staff Model RB Utility Iron Review
Most versatile
The Titleist U505 is a very playable utility iron that looks surprisingly inviting to hit without looking overly clunky behind the ball. Titleist has drawn upon tour feedback to enhance the shape of the U505. It has a slightly shorter blade length and a shallower face than its 2021 predecessor. Additionally the minimalist, clean branding and classy chrome finish just ooze quality.
This is a more firm feeling utility iron compared to others on this list, but the flight can be adjusted and tailored to what you need on the golf course. I found the versatility to be the best feature of this club, but distance isn't too far behind. Shots struck out of the middle of the club face feel electric at impact and are rewarded with a towering, piercing ball flight.
What exact ball flight you get will depend on what loft you are hitting, of course, but there are a wide range of lofts to choose from and plenty of different steel and graphite shaft options to get the right fit for what your golf game needs.
- Read our full Titleist 2023 U505 Utility Iron Review
Best for elite players
With a slightly smaller head with less offset that the previous model, Callaway's Apex UT ticks almost every box you wanted ticked from a utility iron. The smaller head may suit lower handicap golfers more than higher handicaps given that larger heads can often inspire confidence, but the top line has just enough substance to show the player that they are still getting some level of playability.
There wasn't a fail on the report card of all the tests I put this club through, delivering in flying colors in relation to it's low spinning, penetrating ball flight and impressive distance. I felt the performance was most optimized off the tee where I was getting some really good distance numbers and a seriously hot, penetrating ball flight, but I was also impressed from the ground.
This thing is a bit of a missile when struck out of the middle and better players will love this as a 'fairway finder' option off the tee box.
- Read our full Callaway Apex UT Utility Iron Review
Best ball flight
The UDI range of TaylorMade irons have been great for me when I have tested them, so I consider myself a fan. Therefore, I am glad to report the latest iteration continue the theme of great performance.
The look is as premium as it gets with a pearl satin finish contrasting with the black ridge on the back. The slightly thicker topline can help inspire confidence at address whilst the new internal weighting structure will help players achieve more forgiveness and enhanced consistency.
The SpeedFoam Air and Thru Slot Speed pocket remain and give this club a lovely feel in the middle ground of not feeling too soft or two hard. The acoustics are solid and it feels powerful in your hand - it's a fantastic option for anyone looking to add utility irons into their golf bag. I was also a huge fan of the strong, penetrating ball flight which seemed to pierce through wind nicely, I found ball flight easy to manipulate with this iron as well.
- Read our full TaylorMade P-UDI Utility Iron Review
How we test
When it comes to testing utility irons we use the same kind of process for most clubs but have to cater it slightly for each club in the bag as they all do different things.
To start we will attend product launches and speak to R&D experts to gain an understanding of the new technology and then once we have samples we will put them to the test. This usually starts with indoor testing so we can have a controlled environment with premium golf balls and a launch monitor. From there we take the clubs outside to hit on the range and out on the course. We think it is vital to do both.
In terms of utility irons, we would use them in a variety of situations applicable to the club. That means hitting them off the tee, from the ground into par-4's, in the wind and sometimes we put them to the test on links courses because that is where the advantages of a utility iron really come to the fore. We would then collate the information and write comprehensive and honest reviews.
Our reviews are done for golfers, by golfers - something we pride ourselves in. It means our tried and tested review process, honed over decades of reviewing equipment, is being implemented by avid, passionate players of the game who want to help our loyal readers make the best informed purchasing decisions for their golf game.
No brand gets preferential treatment from us, nor can a specific manufacturer 'buy' a good review for product - we simply call it how we see it. If it is a good product, we tell you that and why.
How to choose a utility iron
What are some of the factors you need to consider when looking to buy a driving iron? Let's take a look.
Utility iron vs long iron vs hybrid?
Firstly, you need to decide what club works best for you and your golf game - a utility iron, long iron or hybrid. Each have their positives and negatives, like the workability of a long iron or the fact you can use a hybrid from light rough and around the greens. Find out which suits you best and don't be afraid to head down to your local professional shop or general golf store to hit a few - the answer will be waiting for you.
Course
If you play a links golf course with hard running fairways and tight lies, a long iron may be perfect considering the amount of roll you will get out of it. If you play a wet inland course, chances are a high launching hybrid or utility iron would be best for your setup. Golf course context matters - help it guide your buying decision.
Gapping/Loft
The tricky part of choosing clubs in this area of the bag is that the yardage gaps between clubs grows and thus becomes more difficult to fill. Make sure you know your yardages before making a purchase and especially know what sort of yardage you want your club to travel - it would be a waste of time to buy a new utility iron that travels four yards further than your 5 iron...
Distance
A driving iron has to deliver good distance without compromising on workability. Both are important because not only only do you need to fill that gap at the top end of the bag, but you should also be able to flight the ball and move it with a driving iron as well.
Forgiveness
These longer clubs in the bag can be the hardest to hit, especially if you're a higher handicapper. If you need a bit of help with these longer irons or hybrids, make sure to get one that is designed with forgiveness in mind - not all of them are!
Versatility
It is important to be able to use a driving iron off the tee as well as from the ground when needed, so when trying out models be sure to hit both shots. A model that can do one and not the other is pointless really. Also have a go at chipping with them too, as that can be nifty weapon to have in your arsenal.
Looks
Looks matter. We harp on about it in these buying guides but it is true. If you don't like the look of a golf club at address then the chances are you aren't going to hit it as well as you should as a result.
Budget
Finally have a think about how much you want to spend on a driving iron. There are models at most price points these days as every brand makes a utility iron so be aware of how much you want to spend.
For more iron buying advice check out our guides on the best game improvement irons, best irons for beginners, and best compact mid-handicap irons.
FAQs
Are utility irons forgiving?
Utility irons are more forgiving than normal long irons as their design features larger heads that are usually hollow. This creates a larger sweet spot and a lower CG which makes them easier to get off the ground.
What are utility irons used for?
Utility irons are mainly used from the tee on narrow holes when you want to get the ball in play safely. They can also be used from the fairway, especially in windy conditions where their lower ball flight is more accurate. They are not particularly good out of the rough.
Are utility irons good for high handicappers?
Utility irons are predominantly aimed at better players who have the club head speed to get the ball airborne. Some of the more forgiving ones can be used by high handicappers, but these players may find hybrids easier to hit.
-
What Is Considered A Low, Mid And High Handicap... And Where Do You Fit?We look at how golfers are categorised when it comes to their handicaps – and which category the majority of us sit in...
-
Do You Flick (And Fat) Your Wedges? These Drills Will Help You To Play The Perfect Pitch ShotTop 50 Coach Barney Puttick demonstrates how to play the perfect wedge shot
