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 golf irons too.
The Quick List
My top pick is the T250U from Titleist. The looks are outstanding, the feel is sensational, and it is incredibly easy to vary trajectory both high and low, and left to right. It ticks every box for me.
From a forgiveness standpoint you'd find it hard to beat the DHY from TaylorMade. Yet it combines this forgiveness with a confidence-inspiring look at address and I think the overall look is premium too.
Featuring a noticeable shaping improvement over the previous Crossover models, the Ping iDi is a complete utility iron with sensational feel at the core of its design.
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 thanks to the improved turf interaction.
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.
Load the next 3 models
My top pick for elite players is the latest version of the Apex UT from Callaway. It has an improved look at address whilst the solid all-around performance is complemented by a rugged, industrial look.
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.
Another Titleist model to make this guide, from a launch perspective the U505 is hard to beat. The feel is strong, and it offers excellent carry numbers, whilst I think the overall shelf appeal will attract many.
Best Utility Irons Golf Clubs 2025
Top pick
My top pick in the utility iron sector right now is the T250U iron from Titleist. First up I thought it looked fantastic in testing, with a pleasing shape, a beautiful finish and obviously the shelf appeal is right up there. Finally I enjoyed the look of the iron in the playing position as well.
When it came to hitting performance, the feel is far from harsh and instead offers a nice solid feel with plenty of feedback. In fact I think it is close to being my favorite iron from a feel perspective out there, with the Ping iDi below narrowly beating it out.
Then this performance continued throughout my testing, from the tee to the ground as well, which is crucial for a driving iron. From a short tee or the turf, my spin, launch, and carry distances were exceptionally tight.
My stock shots flew with a beautiful, consistent, mid-height trajectory, only ever deviating by around 200rpm of spin at most, but when I wanted to hoist one up a little more or knock one down, I have never hit a utility iron where this felt easier.
- Read our full Titleist T250U Utility Iron Review
Most forgiving
Next we have 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 feel
Next I have selected the Ping iDi iron which is my top pick from a feel standpoint. Why? Well it is all due to the inR-Air technology, which is essentially an air pocket strategically placed inside the club behind the face to eliminate any unpleasant frequencies at impact. Not only has this helped the club from a looks perspective, aiding the shelf appeal with its smooth, satin finish, but also in terms of feel.
It feels hot and springy without being over the top or harsh, and I could feel the feedback on mishits as well. Importantly these mishits weren't punished unduly in terms of ball speed retention or dispersion either so I cannot speak highly enough of the technology in this iron.
Additionally it is worth acknowledging that in the three lofts you can get this iron, Ping has individually optimized each loft for launch and spin to produce different flight characteristics. This is obviously why a proper custom fitting is important but across all three lofts the iron has been engineered for higher ball speeds with things like the maraging steel face and a lower CG position.
As a result, this iron is one of my favorites at the moment because of the improved looks, exceptional feel and of course the speed is top-notch.
- Read our full Ping iDi 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 turf interaction
My top pick for turf interaction 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. Specifically the introduction of the Tour V.T. sole plays the key role in performance here as the iron glided through turf beautifully and felt lovely.
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.
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
Best for elite players
Next we have the latest version of the Apex UT iron from Callaway, which is my top pick for elite ball strikers out there thanks to the Tour-inspired shape. Starting with the looks, at address it is very clean and compact which will suit the better players out there. Admittedly there have been some comments on the back section of the iron with it looking bolted on, but it didn't bother me in the slightest.
As you would expect from the brand, the technology package is pretty extensive, featuring a multi-material Flexcore Technology, designed to promote more face flexure and faster ball speeds across the face, even on off-center hits. An Ai Face Design has been engineered specifically for utility irons, focusing on superior distance control and spin consistency. But how did it perform?
Then when it came to hitting shoes, I really enjoyed the feel of this utility iron; it feels like it is just that, an iron. Additionally the data I got was excellent as well, whilst the ball flight was strong with a controllable mid-launch. And despite my selection as the best for elite players, I do think there is enough forgiveness here for slightly higher handicap players to get performance out of it as well.
- Read our full Callaway 2025 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
Best launch
Finally I have selected the U505 iron from Titleist to complement the T250U model at the top of this page. As such a lot of the same technology is present, such as the Improved Max Impact Technology which promotes consistent launch, speed, spin, and carry.
Indeed the launch in my testing was the star of the show here. The iron feels very fast off the face and I found it to be very easy to launch high and far, off the tee and from the turf. My peak height was noticeably higher on average versus the T250U version with stock shots. Admittedly because this club has clearly been designed with launch in mind this did make it harder to control the flight somewhat, but many golfers will like this launch help. Impact feel was solid and responsive, powerful as well but I didn't think it was overly harsh. I thought there was good feedback on where I was striking the ball as well.
Looks-wise, from the ‘in the bag’ angle, the U505 generally presents a very clean, modern design that I believe will appeal to many. It certainly looks like an iron, which is the intention, blending beautifully with the best Titleist irons, and the finish is superb.
- Read our full Titleist 2025 U505 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, our testing is overseen by PGA Professional Joe Ferguson, a golfer with decades of experience golf equipment. Specifically for utilities, 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.
