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 reason, many higher handicap golfers tend to swap out their long irons and replace them with more forgiving hybrid clubs. Hybrids are far easier to hit with a high launch and they generate consistent distance. But, they don’t tend to be so workable and the shot-making chances are reduced.
Thankfully there is another option for the golfer who likes to get creative and shape their shots. As mentioned above, the best utility irons golf clubs on the market offer the best of both worlds. They allow you to work the ball and to control the ball flight whilst also offering a good degree 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
If you're in the market for a club that offers the easy launch of a hybrid and the ball flight of a driving iron, the TaylorMade Stealth DHY could be exactly what you're looking for.
The iCrossover adjustability combined with the visual changes and improvement in sound and performance from the sleeker head create a hybrid iron that has forgiveness and playability.
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.
All in all, we really enjoyed using this Wilson Staff utility as it provides excellent value for golfers seeking a versatile, iron-like club to sit at the top of the bag.
The ZX Mk II Utility iron combines confident shape of the U85 with the looks of the ZX to create a forged face utility iron that blends easily into any set of Srixon irons.
The U505 is a playable iron that looks surprisingly inviting to hit without looking overly clunky. The feel is fantastic and the flight on offer can be tailored to suit your needs.
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For $119.00 with a premium shaft and grip combination, the Takomo 101U driving iron represents some real value for money from the direct-to-consumer brand.
The new Callaway Apex UT is a nice upgrade from the previous model for the better player. 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.
Refinements in the UDI head shape provide a much-improved address profile and the subtle internal weight changes have boosted playability of this iron.
Best Utility Irons Golf Clubs
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Most Forgiving Utility Irons
The Stealth DHY packs a punch for a wide range of golfers thanks to several updates that have been made following the release of its predecessor, the SIM DHY. We feel this is a very good looking club, with a slightly wider sole than the Stealth UDI, making it a little more forgiving. The black detailing gives it a nice, subtle edge, and it has a sleek profile at the address.
It definitely has a few improvements on the SIM, with TaylorMade altering the center of gravity of this club to bring it much lower, allowing golfers to launch and flight the ball with ease. Thanks to the new ultra-thin 4140 forged face, the feedback on the club is softer than normal, delivering minimal noise akin to a standard golf iron. Distance-wise, we found it carried longer than the Stealth UDI and while both feature TaylorMade's Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, which helps to deliver optimal speed on the ball, the flight is slightly higher. This is something you should definitely keep in mind if you play a lot of links golf. Ultimately, this is one of the best driving irons we have tested as it is a very forgiving club that can also add more distance to your game.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth DHY Utility Iron Review
Ping iCrossover Utility Iron
Combining excellent forgiveness with superb visuals, the Ping iCrossover is one of the most functional clubs on this list. It is the latest in a long line of driving irons that started in 2016 with the G Crossover. Since then Ping have perfected their craft, producing hybrid driving irons to the point where we now have this exceptional offering that delivers superb playability to cover the gap between your longest iron and shortest hybrid.
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. Overall the adjustability this club offers, combined with its excellent visuals, feel and sound means this club has several big improvements on the G425 and is definitely one of our favorites in this category.
- Read our full Ping iCrossover Utility Iron Review
Best Value For Money Utility Irons
We 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 has 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.
Available from a 17° 2-iron to a 25° 5-iron, there is still plenty of scope to find the right distance to fill a gap in your set, and it's also worth mentioning that it comes with a stock graphite Mitsubishi MMT 80 graphite shaft which is a joy to use.
The only slight downside is that it doesn't feature any loft/lie adjustability but, on low strikes especially, it still performed superbly. The Tec feels powerful while maintaining solid spin characteristics and decent distance. An excellent all around choice that offers the perfect balance between performance and value.
- Read our full Cobra King Tec Utility Iron Review
Wilson Staff Model Utility Iron
The Wilson Staff Model Utility has been designed to deliver a combination of distance, reliability and forgiveness. One of the ways this is created is through the positioning of seven grams of weight low in the clubhead for improved launch.
The high-strength maraging steel face produces impressive ball speeds and notable distance. It’s a versatile club and we found it to deliver a reliable, penetrating ball flight. In testing out on the course, it gave us a useful and accurate option off tees on tight par fours, and it was proficient from the turf too.
Wilson irons always look stunning and these are no exception. One of the best looking irons you will find.
- Read our full Wilson Staff Model Utility Iron Review
Best Better Player Utility Irons
The Srixon ZK Mk II offers plenty of forgiveness in a mid-sized head and, what's more, we see the return of the sole notches which have been a feature of previous Srixon irons. Not only do they create a great look, they really help reduce drag through the turf and improve the versatility from uneven lies.
We were really impressed by Srixon's previous ZX Utility Iron and, at address, the ZK Mk II is the same. It gives the impression of a blade style iron, which is thanks to some visual trickery that sees the larger muscle on the back of the iron feature a chrome finish to reflect the grass and make it look smaller than it is. This has been done a few times before and we think Srixon has created the right balance here to create a forgiving long iron that better players will appreciate the look of.
Definitely one to consider if you're a low handicap player looking for a bit more workability at the longer end of the bag.
- Read our full Srixon ZX Mk II Utility Iron Review
Titleist 2023 U505 Utility Iron
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.
The feel is on the firmer end of the spectrum and the flight on offer can be tailored to suit your needs. Versatility is arguably its strongest suit, with competitive distance not far behind. Make no mistake, this club packs some serious fire power, and well-struck shots are rewarded with a sensationally solid feel and a towering ball flight. The distance and flight window you experience will very much depend on the loft you choose but it has the potential to fulfill a lot of important jobs, whether that’s a fairway finding shot off the tee or an approach shot into a par five.
It also comes with a wide range or lofts combined with plenty of steel and graphite shaft options so you should get a specification that is worthy of the investment.
- Read our full Titleist 2023 U505 Utility Iron Review
Takomo 101U Driving Iron
We recently tested the 301 CB iron and were seriously impressed, giving them a full 5 stars in our review, and while we weren't quite as blown away by the 101U driving iron we would say it's an excellent option for the price point it comes in at.
The 101U is a hollow body construction and features a wide, weighted sole to help bring that CG down. Takomo promises “power, low spin and bullet-like ball flights” but our experience was a little different as we found the 101U to be a high flying and fairly spinny club relative to some other driving irons we have tested.
Whilst feel and sound were both excellent, the flight we experienced was much more akin to a hybrid than a traditional driving iron. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as this hybrid style flight is extremely useful in the correct circumstances, but just be aware that this club may not give you the flight you would normally associate with a “driving iron”.
The 101U is however, a wonderfully forgiving driving iron. Many of our more severe mishits still produced perfectly serviceable results, while turf interaction from the extra wide sole was again excellent with zero snagging and it provided a super smooth exit from the turf when taking a divot from the fairway.
For $119.00 with a premium shaft and grip combination, the Takomo 101U driving iron represents some real value for money for what is another beautifully put together product from the direct-to-consumer brand.
- Read our full Takomo 101U Driving Iron Review
Best Elite Player Utility Irons
Noticeably smaller and with slightly less offset than the previous iteration, the Apex UT from Callaway strikes all the right cords aesthetically. Whilst this new smaller profile could potentially prove prohibitive to the masses looking for a bit more of a confidence inspiring footprint, the top line has just enough substance to show the player that they are still getting some level of playability. This iron performed really well in testing and we're a big fan of it.
This certainly isn’t what you would call an “all-rounder”, it knows exactly what it was designed for and delivers that specific performance in bucket loads. Quick off the face, penetrating and low spinning, the Callaway Apex UT is a rocket ship of a driving iron that we think better players will absolutely love as a tee shot alternative when the course tightens up a bit.
- Read our full Callaway Apex UT Utility Iron Review
TaylorMade P-UDI Utility Iron
We have beens fans of the UDI range of TaylorMade irons for a while now and this latest version continues this theme. From a looks perspective the visuals are extremely premium with the pearl satin finish contrasting well with the black ridge on the back. We also noticed less offset than the previous model and it looked slightly thicker on the topline as well which was a welcome alteration.
From a technology perspective there is a new internal weighting structure which helps forgiveness and enhanced consistency. Additionally the SpeedFoam Air and Thru Slot Speed pocket tech remain.
The results were excellent. The feel off the face was just about perfect, not too harsh, but also not too soft. You get a real sense that you have struck a powerful shot, without any unwanted vibrations through the hands. We also enjoyed the balanced acoustics 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. Finally it should be said no manufacturer can buy a good review because our team tells it how it is.
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 work out which club out of utility iron, long iron, or hybrid would be the best for you. Each has a different set of positives and negatives and the difference between them is big. The hybrid is a little more versatile as you can use it well from light rough and around the greens. However, there are plenty of golfers out there who prefer an iron-like profile. In which case, the utility iron is a great option. A long iron in the bag in all likelihood signifies a player who is consistent with strike.
Course
What kind of course do you play on? We think this does play a part in the world of driving irons because if you play on a links course from day to day, then a driving iron is perfect for those low shots below the wind, especially on firm fairways when you will get extra run. If you play on a parkland, chances are a driving iron will not be as impactful in the bag, particularly when the fairways are wet and soft.
Gapping/Loft
One of the most important things to know is how far each club in your bag goes. For example if you know there is a large gap between your three-wood and first iron then a driving iron will fit in there perfectly. Therefore knowing the gap you need to fill at the top of the bag will give you an indication of what loft the driving iron should be as well.
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
They may have iron club-head's but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be forgiving. Some models are better than others as we have shown above and you should be aware of which model will suit your game and ability to strike the ball better. The difference between a TaylorMade SIM UDI and SIM DHY is a case in point.
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
How do you want the driving iron to look down by the ball? Do you want it to have a sleek, small profile or look larger and more confidence-inspiring? Additionally do you want it to blend with the irons you have in the bag, or maybe you want it to match the brand of iron you have in your setup. These are all things you need to consider in terms of looks as a club that does not look inviting at address is not going to inspire confidence.
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.
FAQs
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 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.
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.
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