5 Iron Golf Club Guide: Length, Pros, And Cons
Find out how the 5 iron can transform your golf game. Explore its features, uses, pros, and cons to understand the five irons’ role in modern golf games.
5 Iron is a middle iron that has both high and low iron characteristics, making it perfect for getting out of tricky situations and shots near the green. Discover how it can help you get your ball back into play as we explore its features, usage, and role in a modern golf game.
What is a 5 Iron?
A 5 iron is a versatile mid-iron club with a thin metal head that provides better control to golfers on fairways and light roughs. It has a thick face that makes it a forgiving club and helpful in getting the ball out of the rough or onto the green. It is also used for approach shots on long par 4’s and off the tee on par 3’s.
5 Iron Distance
The distance a 5-iron can be hit depends on the golfer’s skill level and swing speed. On average, a golfer can hit their 5 iron between 150-160 yards. However, the actual distance can vary based on factors like the quality of the strike, swing speed, wind, and type of golf ball used.
How long should you hit a 5 Iron?
Male golfers tend to prefer 5 iron clubs, whereas women golfers often choose 5 hybrid options over 5 iron. Although female golfers typically hit a 5 iron for around 110 yards, many can achieve similar distances with their 7 iron, making the 5 iron less necessary.
However, let’s examine the average distance golfers can achieve with a 5 iron, which varies depending on their skill level.
| Distance by gender | Beginners/ High handicappers | Mid handicappers | Low handicappers | Tour golfers |
| Women | 80 | 110 | 140 | 175 to 190 yards (LPGA) |
| Men | 140 | 160 | 180 | 190 to 200 yards (PGA) |
Can you hit 200 yards with a 5-iron golf club?
Hitting 200 yards with a five-iron is possible. However, golfers must have the right combination of factors, including swing speed, ball speed, angle of attack, and clubface contact.
Long hitters with good swing and ball speeds can achieve this distance, but it requires high skill and technique. Even the best golfers must practice hitting their five iron 200 yards. In addition, weather and course conditions can also affect the distance a golfer can hit their five iron.
Tips for hitting your 5 Iron further
To improve your 5-iron distance, start by identifying whether the issue lies with your equipment or mechanics, and make the necessary adjustments.
Here are some useful tips to help you improve your 5-iron distance.
1. Ball position
Place the ball slightly forward of the center to maintain accuracy and apply full energy from your backswing. This works well with the 5 iron due to its length.
2. Use a club with more forgiveness
Mid-irons are challenging due to their lower loft and length. For better results with a 5 iron, use a more forgiving club that allows for higher trajectory and accommodates toe or heel hits, leading to better club head speed.
3. Shift your weight forward to improve your stance
To achieve maximum distance in your golf swing, ensure your weight shifts forward at impact instead of keeping it on the back foot.
Transitioning from the top of the backswing to impact with some weight transferred to the left can help achieve this. Observe golf professionals in their swing to see this weight shift forward for improved distance.
4. Practice from different lies
If you want to increase your 5-iron distance, try practicing from different lies. This will help you adjust your technique and develop the skills necessary to hit the ball further, regardless of the type of lie angle you encounter on the course.
By practicing from various lies, you’ll be better prepared to handle a wide range of playing conditions, which can ultimately help you improve your overall performance on the golf course.
5. Improve your swing speed
Improve swing speed to generate more power and achieve a greater 5-iron distance. Exercises and drills, such as strength training and technique work, can help achieve this goal and improve the overall golf game.
5 Iron Length
The standard length for a 5 iron varies depending on the material of the shaft. The material of the shaft can also have an impact on a golfer’s swing and ball flight.
For example, graphite vs steel shafts has different properties that can affect the way the club feels and performs. However, golfers can add or subtract inches from the standard length to find the best fit for their height.
Golf club manufacturers often recommend adding or subtracting half an inch for every three inches taller or shorter than the average height of 5’9″ to 6′. Proper club sizing can improve accuracy and distance, but it is not necessary for everyone.
- 5 Iron steel shaft length: 37.5 inches
- 5 Iron graphite shaft length: 38 inches for men and 37.25 inches for women
5 Iron Loft
Traditionally, a 5-iron has a loft of 28 degrees, but some manufacturers now offer clubs with strengthened lofts ranging from 24 to 26 degrees. These stronger lofted 5-irons are typically classified as player’s distance irons, and they are designed to help increase distance and decrease spin. Choosing the right loft for your club is important to ensure you get the best results from your shot.
What is a 5 iron used for?
A 5 iron is a type of golf club that is primarily used for mid-range shots, typically around 150-160 yards. Here are some different types of shots you can play with a 5 iron:
1. Approach Shots
One of the most common uses for a 5 iron is for approach shots to the green. When you’re around 150-170 yards away from the green, a 5-iron can be a good choice to help you land the ball on the putting surface. To hit an approach shot with a 5 iron, use a slightly descending blow on the ball to create a backspin and control the trajectory.
2. Punch Shots
If you find yourself in trouble and need to keep the ball low, a 5-iron can be a good choice for a punch shot. This type of shot is used to keep the ball under tree branches or other obstacles. To hit a punch shot with a 5 iron, grip down on the club, play the ball back in your stance, and make a shorter, controlled swing.
3. Bump-and-Run Shots
A bump-and-run shot is a low-trajectory shot that rolls along the ground for a significant distance. It’s a useful shot to have in your arsenal when you need to get the ball close to the green without hitting a high, soft shot. To hit a bump-and-run shot with a 5 iron, play the ball back in your stance, keep your hands ahead of the ball, and make a short, controlled swing.
4. Tee Shots
A 5 iron can be a good choice for tee shots on shorter par 3 holes, especially if there is trouble (like a water hazard) in front of the green. The loft of a 5 iron is lower than that of a higher-numbered iron or a wood, which means it can help keep the ball low and avoid trouble.
5. Fairway Shots
If you’re in the fairway and need to hit a mid-range shot, a 5 iron can be a good choice. The club’s loft and design make it ideal for hitting the ball high and with a backspin, which can help you hold the green and get closer to the hole.
Pros and cons of 5 Irons
Using a 5-iron can have several pros and cons depending on the golfer’s skill level, swing speed, and preferences.
Pros
Cons
5 Iron vs. 5 Hybrid
Both 5 irons and 5 hybrids have similar lofts ranging from 24° – 28°. Still, the 5 hybrid has a lower center of gravity, providing higher forgiveness and launch angle. While a 5 iron is more versatile, a 5 hybrid is more effective for game improvement. So, do you need a 5-iron? That’s for you to decide based on your playing style and goals.
| Parameter | 5 Iron | 5 Hybrid |
| Loft | 24-28° | 24-28° |
| Center of gravity | Higher | Lower |
| Forgiveness | Less forgiving | More forgiving |
| Launch angle | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal for | Low handicappers | Mid-high handicappers |
| Purpose | To perform better | Game improvement |
What is the difference between a 5 iron and a 4 iron?
The main difference between a 5 iron and a 4 iron is the loft angle and the length of the club. A 5 iron typically has a higher loft angle and a shorter shaft than a 4 iron.
As a result, a 5 iron can be easier to hit for some golfers, as it provides more accuracy and control for mid-range shots.
In contrast, a 4 iron may be more challenging to hit due to its lower loft angle and longer shaft, but it can also provide a greater distance for experienced golfers. Ultimately, the choice between a 4 and 5 iron will depend on the individual golfer’s playing style and skill level.
Conclusion
The 5-iron is a club that is best suited for experienced golfers who possess exceptional ball-striking skills. It offers increased workability, consistency, and control of the course. However, a 5 hybrid is often more beneficial for game improvement due to its higher launch angle and forgiveness.
FAQs
Is A 5 Iron Necessary?
A 5 iron is included in a standard set of golf clubs, but some golfers may prefer other clubs for mid-range shots. However, it can be a useful, versatile club for mid-range shots with good distance and accuracy and can also be preferred for shorter approach or tee shots.
Is A 5 Iron Easy To Hit?
The 5 iron can be challenging to hit compared to other clubs, particularly for beginners or those with slower swing speeds. As a result, some golfers opt for 5 iron equivalents like hybrids or fairway woods for longer shots.
Can I Tee Off With A 5 Iron?
Teeing off with a 5 iron is possible, but it may be difficult for golfers struggling with lower lofted irons. In such cases, a cavity back iron or hybrid with over 21 degrees of the loft may be a better option. However, if a golfer is confident and comfortable with a 5 iron off the tee, they can use it.
Do I Need A 3 Or 5 Iron?
A 3 iron has a lower loft and longer shaft than a 5 iron, providing greater distance but can be challenging to hit. A 5 iron has a higher loft and shorter shaft, offering accuracy and control for mid-range shots, and is comparatively forgiving for slower swing speeds.
