8-Iron
8-Iron, typically ranging in loft from varying degrees depending on the manufacturer, can be the all-around club for attacking the green, pin, and even fairway. Let’s talk about why.
- Cobra Dark Speed 31°
- Ping G430 32°
- Callaway AI Smoke 32°
- PXG Gen 6 34°
- TaylorMade P790 35°
- Titleist T150 36°
The average 8-iron distance is 110-150 yards defending on the player. You have numerous options that you can execute to get the ball where you need it to be.
- Bump n’ Run– Despite everyone wanting the high lofted 60° lob wedge shot around the green, the 8-iron is useful around the greens. A standard chippers loft is 34.5°-35.5° with some ranging into the 42°, so it is consistent in its loft to be able to chip the ball and get enough carry and roll to your intended target.
- Running Pitch Shots– Almost everyone when they get to within 100 yards runs for a wedge, but that doesn’t make it the best choice. High lofted approach shots if hit poorly will have greater deviation that a stronger lofted club. A smooth parallel to parallel swing of the shaft, what the clock readers would call 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock with render you a 15-30 feet high shot with a distance of 90 yards carry, rolling to 100 yards. Now this takes practice to ensure you aren’t trying to scoop the ball into the air, because you know in your mind that it is not a wedge. With patience, you will see success.
- Half swing, half distance– I bet if you do hit your 8-iron 150 yards that a half swing would put you around 75 yards, as long as you let gravity control your swing and you do not force the downswing. In fact, every single iron in your bag can be used in a half swing for a half result. Similar to the pitch shot, you have to build the trust and confidence that it is possible. If you have tried it and failed, it’s one of two reasons I believe. You slow down or your speed up in the downswing. The tempo is not consistent with the plan, so there is hesitation, and that is always good cause for error.
- Punches n’ Bunches– The 8-iron is suitable for a punch shot. Typically, if you have to get under branches, most golfers will grab a 5 or 6-iron and then the mind will trick you into swinging hard. The 8-iron will calm the nerves, play the ball slightly back in the stance, hands forward at address, and make fast solid contact. Swinging fast and hard are not the same.
- Knockdowns– A knockdown is a full swing shot, with the ball only going 80-85% of its total distance. This is the cream of the crop with the 8-iron. a knockdown would be 120-127 yards with an 8-iron and requires little to no effort in the swing. So instead of attacking every pin with a Pitching Wedge, try a knockdown 8-iron.
For a full range of options for the 8-iron, check out Golfer Craze
David