What is an iron in golf?

Definition

A category of golf clubs with metal heads and angled faces, numbered from 1-iron through 9-iron, designed for various distances and trajectory requirements from approximately 120-200 yards. Modern irons feature advanced materials, perimeter weighting, and cavity-back designs that provide forgiveness and improved performance for golfers of all skill levels. Iron selection and technique are crucial for approach shot success and green-in-regulation statistics. Understanding iron characteristics, including loft progression and distance gaps, helps golfers build effective club sets and make appropriate shot selections during rounds.