When looking for irons, golfers are able to match different club types to their skill level. In order of skill level, there are player irons, player distance irons, game improvement irons, and super game improvement irons. Some golfers like forgiveness, and some don't want it.

In the game improvement category, you will find different shafts, cavity back designs, flex, heel and toe help, turf interaction, handicap target, and center of gravity in the clubhead—all of which are designed to make it easier to hit the ball.

You will hear the following terms in regard to the design of a game improvement club: speed pocket, moment of inertia, vibration, low centers of gravity, swing speed, hot metal, sweet spot, tungsten weight, ball speed, non-blade, launch, the perimeter of the face, and sole. Many companies make game improvement irons, including Cobra, Cleveland, and Callaway with their Callaway Rogue ST Max. TaylorMade contributions include clubs like the Taylormade Stealth line.

Game improvement clubs can fall into multiple club categories—for example, taking shots with long irons, short irons, hybrids, a premium set of irons, graphite shafts, a 4-iron, steel shafts, or a gap wedge.

At the end of the day, these clubs are designed to minimize a slice and help golfers with a slower swing speed. So with all those terms and descriptions flying around, what exactly are game improvement clubs?

Definition of Game Improvement Clubs

In simple terms, game improvement clubs are in the middle of the iron spectrum.

Players Irons

Players irons have the thinnest topline and are made for advanced players—let’s just say, below a ten handicap. These irons will have the smallest sweet spot, less forgiveness, be mostly forged metal, and will not be designed for distance only. Accuracy and consistent yardages are priorities for these clubs and players.

Game Improvement Irons

Game improvement irons have a medium topline for those with about a 10 to 25 handicap. The majority of golfers fit into this category. The average daily golfer shoots about a 92 or has around an 18 handicap, give or take. There are many who don’t record their scores. In my years of teaching, I would say the average player is close to these numbers. These irons are made to optimize distance and forgiveness. They are the best of both worlds and why most golfers should play these irons. Even some tour players like forgiveness and will sometimes play these clubs.

Super Game Improvement Irons

The super game improvement irons are for a 25 or higher handicap or those newer to the game. The sweet spot is the largest of all the clubs and is designed to hit straight and far, even on mishits. Newer players need the help of these larger clubs. They are more forgiving, have wider soles for easy turf interaction, and won’t vibrate up your arm when you miss the sweet spot like a player's iron would.

For more on the difference between these clubs, read Game Improvement Irons vs. Super Game Improvement Irons.

Who Should Play Game Improvement Irons?

As mentioned earlier, those golfers with a 10 to 25 handicap will benefit the most from clubs in this category. They will also benefit golfers who are shooting in the 90s but want to improve into the 80s.

I noticed one of my students, Jerry, had a fantastic set of players' irons. I thought they might have borrowed them from a friend or something, and we began the lesson by hitting warm-up shots. Of course, recreational players will miss shots, but he was wildly mishitting the ball.

Since I was curious, I asked about his clubs. The student told me that he bought them because they were on sale and highly reviewed online. I casually gave him a more forgiving club and asked if he would try this for a few swings. It didn’t take long for the student to hit the ball straighter and easier with the more forgiving irons I gave him.

I explained the basics of the sweet spot and forgiveness and why he hit the forgiving iron with less effort. Then, I went to the store with him and ended up exchanging those players' irons for a much more comfortable set of game improvement irons, and he was much happier at his next lesson.

Yes, we all want to play with the sexy blade irons. They look and feel lovely, and they make you look like a million bucks. However, when you hit them on the course, you will feel anything but sexy. Forgiveness is a good thing in golf clubs and we all can use a little cushion for our swings.

Top Three Recommended Irons

The following are my top three choices for game improvement clubs in no particular order. These clubs can help a wide range of players, depending on which one you like, and can hit the best. 1. Callaway Rogue ST Max 2. Taylormade Stealth 3. Wilson D9

For a more detailed club review, check out my other article, the 5 Best Game Improvement Irons. This article profoundly delves into different irons and what makes them attractive to the recreational golfer.

One thing to remember is that combination sets of irons are also available these days. For example, a set from 4-iron to pitching wedge could look like the following:

• Game improvement irons include 4, 5, 6, and 7 irons.
• Players irons include 8,9, and PW irons.

Combination sets are popular because they allow the forgiveness of the longer irons to be used where they are most needed. In addition, the shorter irons are easier to hit, so the more precise the shots can be hit into the green. Combination sets are used on professional tours as well.

Final Thoughts

Many golf club manufacturers are trying to persuade you to buy their clubs. The many irons of today are well-built, made with high-quality materials, and can genuinely help your golf game. There are also many options regarding colors, grips, shafts, and golf balls that can impact your game. Unfortunately, getting through the maze of options can be a long and tedious task. Take your time and check in with a Golf Expert here on Curated or a golf professional to help you sort things out.

As both, I see many golfers who didn’t listen to people’s advice on the proper equipment for their game. Instead, they were influenced by marketing or what the tour players were playing. However, tour players mostly use players’ irons while the majority of amateurs are hitting game improvement irons. In addition, most amateurs are not spending five days a week practicing their game for six or eight hours a day!

If you’re a 10 to 25 handicap and are looking for new irons, check out The Most Recommended Irons for Mid-Handicap Golfers and chat with me or one of my fellow Golf Experts here on Curated for free, personalized recommendations. We'll help you find the right equipment for your game. Then, enjoy the next round, and above all, have fun!