Despite its difficulty to master, the 60-degree wedge is my favorite club for greenside shots. I like to get the ball up high and stop it dead near the target to get up and down, which requires a weak loft and increased spin.

So if you’re looking for a good lob wedge to keep in your bag, this article details my top 9 for 2023.

Although all the lob wedges on our list spin rampantly and improve your consistency around the green, they vary in price and design. I have included a range of compact profiles with minimal forgiveness for superior golfers and forgiving cavity-back designs for a high-handicap golfer.

What to Look for in a Good Lob Wedge

Mid or Low-Bounce

In my experience, the best lob wedges feature a lower bounce profile to help you get under the ball and launch it high. When a lob wedge carries excess bounce in the sole, it can cause the clubface to bounce up and catch the ball higher than intended.

Hitting the ball in the equator or higher leads to a lower-flying golf shot which may not stop as quickly as if it were elevated.

When shopping for lob wedges, visit the specs section and identify the bounce of the said product. You will notice that bounce runs from approximately 4 degrees on the low side to over 10 on the higher end.

In my experience, I feel that anything over 8 degrees offers the average golfer too much bounce and can lead to your clubhead bouncing up off the turf. As a result, you will struggle to get under your golf ball for slop and bunker shots.

Versatile Sole Grind

Although superior golfers demand different grind options for their wedges, I believe the average golfer should keep it simple. That is why a versatile sole grind is a suitable option. This makes it easier for you to play chips, flops, medium-range shots, and bunker shots without drastically altering your setup.

Full Face Grooves

Without higher quantities of spin, you will struggle to elevate the ball and stop it rapidly near your target. That is why I suggest that the average golfer consider the options of full-face grooves, which help you produce maximum spin with an open clubface.

The grooves typically extend from the heel to the toe to offer a greater surface area to connect with the ball. As a result, it is easier for mid and high handicappers to make contact and impart substantial revs per minute on the ball.

Clean Turf Interaction

Crisp turf interaction is vital to help your clubhead glide across the turf and avoid digging into the earth. This motion propels your lob wedge to get underneath the ball for a raised launch and a soft landing. Characteristics that golfers welcome on flop and full shots.

The 9 Best Lob Wedges

1. Titleist Vokey SM9 – Overall Best Lob Wedge

Pros

• Soft feel
• Controlled flight
• Exceptional spin
• Compact profile
• Numerous soles are available to suit all attack angles and turf conditions.

Cons

• Pricey lob wedge
• Beginners may struggle for consistency based on its low launching nature.

The Titleist Vokey SM9 soars to the top of our list of best lob wedges for 2023 for its controlled flight, rampant spin, and superb feel. Plus, I appreciated the wealth of sole grind options to cater to varying attack angles and turf conditions.

I generated exceptional spin levels off the face with the combination of sharp patented Spin Milled Grooves and Micro-Grooves. The sharp spin-milled grooves bite into your ball at contact and impart increased spin on the ball for drop and stop control.

In addition, the micro-grooves run horizontally between the main grooves to enhance friction on all shots. From memory, this is the most forgiving Vokey wedge I have struck, but it still works better for low-handicap golfers.

Next, I found the higher center of gravity (CG) appealing because it prompted low-flying shots for superior command. This reduced the risk of ballooning lob wedge shots and losing distance control in my short game. Finally, Titleist offers the SM9 lob wedge in a 58, 60, and 62-degree profile.

2. Callaway Mack Daddy CB – Best For Golfers on a Budget

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Maximum Forgiveness
• Prompts straighter shots
• Built for a high handicap golfer
• Generates consistent spin

Cons

• The lob wedge is only available in a single-sole grind
• The high MOI limits the workability

Keeping your golf equipment expenses to a minimum is possible if you box smart and opt for slightly older models. The Callaway Mack Daddy CB turns 3 this year, but its forgiving cavity back design and consistent spin help it punch far above its weight.

The cavity back construction enabled Callaway engineers to distribute weight around the clubface perimeter for an improved moment of inertia (MOI). Its high MOI profile restricted twisting during my swing to keep the face square at impact for straighter shots.

I also found the cavity back boosted the stability of the wedge to preserve ball speed and spin on off-center strikes. The full-face JAWS groove construction also generated substantial spin on all shots and enhanced my short-game control.

The only downside is that the Mack Daddy CB range sports high-bounce wedges which may increase the difficulty of executing a flop shot. Callaway offers this wedge in their W-grind, which suits golfers with steep attack angles. Lastly, the only lob wedge features 60 degrees of loft.

3. Cleveland RTX Zipcore – Best For Forgiveness

Pros

• Exceptional forgiveness
• Promotes straight flying shots
• Ample spin
• Durable, long lasting grooves
• Available in 3 sole grinds

Cons

• Its increased MOI minimizes workability
• The lower launch may prove challenging for slower swing speeds

Although we all long for a playable lob wedge with a soft feel, the average golfer suits a highly forgiving, oversized lob wedge. The Cleveland RTX Zipcore features a low-density ZipCore which lowers CG for a high launch and boosts MOI for greater consistency.

The UltiZip grooves performed as expected, prompting consistent spin, even on heel and toe mishits. This stems from the deep, sharp, and narrow grooves positioned closer together for an expanded active zone.

In my experience, the hollow cavity back design pushed weight into the toe while dispersing a low chamber to the heel. Together these components improved stability at impact for excellent spin and ball speed while keeping the clubface square for straight shots.

Next, the inclusion of a Gelback TPU insert softened the feel of each shot by drowning vibrations from mishits. Finally, Cleveland engineers built the RTX Zipcore lob wedge in a 58 and 60-degree profile, with the option of a low, mid or full grind.

4. Cleveland CBX2 – Best For High Handicappers

Pros

• Superior forgiveness
• Generates adequate spin
• Promotes a higher launch
• Eradicates vibrations on off-center hits
• Affordable

Cons

• Chunky profile
• Only one sole grind is offered for the lob wedge.

High handicappers need a forgiving wedge that contains perimeter weighting, a low CG, and a high MOI. These features deliver straighter shots and consistent spin, as I found in the Cleveland CBX2 wedge.

The hollow cavity back design spreads the weight around the clubface perimeter to increase stability at contact. This helped me maintain spin and ball speed on all strikes for satisfactory distance control and accuracy.

Like the CBX Zipcore, the CBX2 possesses a Gelback TPU insert to dampen vibrations running up the shaft on off-center hits. Furthermore, the Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology offered a surprisingly soft feel off the clubface for a game-improvement lob wedge.

Cleveland engineers opted for a single sole grind option on the lob wedge, a C-Shaped sole. The design made it easier for me to open the clubface thanks to relief on the heel, toe, and trailing edge. Finally, Cleveland offers this lob wedge in a 58 and 60-degree profile.

5. Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS – Best For Mid Handicappers

Pros

• Soft feel
• High spinning grooves
• Consistent spin on mishits
• Attractive player-preferred profile
• Three sole grind options

Cons

• I struggled with the glare
• The 3 medallions on the flange are an eyesore.

Mid-handicap golfers deserve a refined-looking wedge that produces a soft feel and satisfactory revolutions per minute without sacrificing forgiveness. The Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS hits the mark in these areas to enhance your greenside experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed the soft feel and exceptional feedback generated by the MD 5 JAWS, thanks to the 8620 Mild Carbon Steel clubface. As a result, it caused me to better judge the power of each shot for superior distance control.

Besides its feel, the Callaway MD 5 JAWS produces spin across the face because of its Groove-In-Groove technology and micro features. The grooves bite into your ball at impact for a rampant spin, while the microfeatures ensure optimal friction on all shots.

Next, mid-handicappers will appreciate the players-shaped head, which offers a compact profile for a more attractive look. Lastly, Callaway crafted the lob wedges in 58 or 60-degree lofts. Plus, you have the option of an S and W and C-grind, with the latter offering the best versatility.

6. TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw – Best Lob Wedge For Low Handicappers

Pros

• Superior feedback
• Classy-aged copper finish
• Prompts consistent spin and velocity on all strikes
• Produces controlled flight
• Smooth turf interaction

Cons

• The face rusts over time which some golfers may not appreciate
• The lower flight is not ideal for high handicappers or seniors

Low handicappers look for wedges that generate a buttery smooth feel, controlled flight, a compact profile, and exceptional spin. The TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw lob wedge possesses all these features, with an Aged Copper Finish for a rich, premium finish.

Apart from aesthetics, the Hi-Toe Raw wedge produces sensational spin levels from its Raw Face, which sports narrow, sharp, and deep grooves. The golf ball sunk into the teeth of the indentations and spun hard off the face for a drop-and-stop spin on the flop and full shots.

The Raw Face Technology is supported by Full Face Scoring Lines which sit between the grooves to boost contact. I found I generated the necessary spin and ball speed on all shots, thanks to this genius engineer by TaylorMade.

Low handicappers will welcome the higher CG position, which managed to deliver lower, controlled flight for hop and stop spin. Finally, TaylorMade offers the Hi Toe Raw wedge in a 58, 60, and 62-degree loft and the alternative of a standard or low wedge bounce.

7. Wilson Staff Model – Best For Consistent Contact

Pros

• Promotes consistent contact off the clubface
• Generates sufficient spin
• Soft feel
• Clean turf interaction
• Versatile sole grind for

Cons

• Only crafted in one sole grind
• The glare was an issue

Generating optimal spin in your short game requires clean contact with the golf ball and elevated friction levels. The Wilson Staff Model lob wedge thrives in this department as its clubface is designed for consistent connection resulting in optimal spin and velocity on all shots.

I found the Precision Milled Face and Advanced Spin Scorelines worked well to soften the feel and boost spin on all shots. The Advanced Score Spinlines are machine etched into the face to create a larger density pattern.

The density pattern across the clubface gives your golf ball more surface to grip onto at impact, generating sufficient spin. I also welcomed the remarkably soft feel enjoyed on most shots which stemmed from the durable 8620 Forged Carbon Steel.

Wilson only constructed a 60-degree lob wedge profile with a Tour grind sole, which I felt glided through the turf effortlessly. The grind is designed for versatility and consistency on all shots without severely altering your setup.

8. Cobra Snake Bite – Best For Consistent Spin

Pros

• Generates optimal spin across the clubface
• Crisp turf interaction
• Glare resistant
• Pleasant feel
• 3 sole grind options

Cons

• The profile may appear too chunky for some golfers
• Moderately expensive compared to its peers

The average golfer struggles to consistently strike the ball cleanly, leading to lackluster spin results on flop shots, chips, and shots out of the bunkers. The Cobra Snake Bite wedge sports Full-Face grooves to produce maximum revs per minute on open-face strikes.

Not only do the grooves run the width of the clubface, but they are also 40% sharper and 11% deeper than previous iterations. I felt this did well to bite into my ball at impact and impart enhanced spin for drop and stop control in my short game.

Cobra engineers enhanced the groove tolerances and optimized the groove volume to encourage a clean strike across the clubface. I noticed that I still generated satisfactory results on heel and toe mishits.

The Cobra Snake Bite lob wedge is offered in a 60-degree profile, and Ricky Fowler’s sponsors provide 3 sole grinds. While I preferred the Versatile option, you also have the choice of a Widelow or Classic club grind, which suits neutral and steep swingers.

9. Ping Glide 4.0 – Best For a Soft Feel

Pros

• Buttery soft feel
• Encourages consistent contact
• Imparts optimal spin on the ball
• Available in 4 sole grinds
• Generates a lower ball flight which superior golfers appreciate

Cons

• It’s priced at a premium
• I find most sole grinds deliver more bounce than I desire.

Soft-feeling wedges provide maximum feedback and help golfers determine how much force their shot requires for superb distance control. The Ping Glide 4.0 stands out as the best-feeling wedge thanks to a CTP insert and 8620 carbon steel body.

The steel produces a buttery-soft feel at contact for a superb feel and amplified acoustics. Ping engineers decided that was not enough and applied a CTP insert behind the clubface to reduce vibrations on mishits.

In addition, I felt the Emery face blast finish did wonders for the consistency of my strikes due to the added texture on the clubface. This resulted in superior friction levels at impact, prompting adequate velocity and spin on all shots.

Ping engineers constructed the Glide 4.0 lob wedge with a 58 and 60-degree loft profile and 4 sole grinds. The S-grind proved to be the most versatile and suited to a broader range of golfers, but it does produce more bounce than I would like.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Having your own golf cart instead of renting one at the course can save you thousands of dollars per year. Ownership comes with responsibility, though. Part of that responsibility is making sure you have a battery that’s in top shape.

There’s nothing worse than having your golf cart battery die on you in the middle of a round. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a thorough list of reliable golf cart batteries.

Here are the 9 best options if you happen to be in the market for a new one.

What to Look for in a Good Golf Cart Battery

If you’re not sure what to look for when buying a new golf cart battery, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s consider some essential qualities when deciding which new battery to purchase.

• Know Your Voltage: Take out the old battery to make sure you get an equal replacement. Make sure you get the correct number of volts. Most golf carts take 6V, 8V, or 12-voltage batteries.
• Consider the Amps: Each battery has an amp rating that is measured in amperage per hour. More amps equal more power, so you want to make sure that you get a battery that at least meets the minimum amp requirement.
• Measure, Measure, Measure: You need a battery that’s not only the correct voltage and amps but one that’ll fit in your golf cart’s allotted space.
• Weight: This one is a balancing act. A heavy golf cart battery will fit more securely, but one that’s too heavy will limit your speed on the golf course.
• Never Buy Used: This is a bit of a no-brainer. You never know just how many charges a used golf cart battery has left in it. They’re not worth the hassle, even at a steep discount.
• Battery Type: Though lithium-ion batteries are a hot topic these days and becoming more popular, most golf carts still use lead batteries. You need to make sure which of the lead-acid batteries your cart takes. The available options are flooded lead-acid batteries, gel lead-acid batteries, and AGM lead-acid batteries.

The Top 9 Golf Cart Batteries

1. Trojan 4 X T-105 6V Deep Cycle Battery (Best Overall)

Pros

• Shipped on a pallet to limit the chance of damage during delivery
• Quick lead times to most destinations, which is almost unheard of in today’s age
• Trojan is a very respected battery manufacturer, which gives folks peace of mind
• It can last for up to 750 cycles, which is considered a high battery life span
• Some golfers have gotten as many as 200 rounds of golf in with these batteries
• If you have a standard charger, this battery should fit perfectly into it

Cons

• Though it has a high level of durability, the upfront cost is quite expensive
• It uses outdated technology compared to newer models that are now available

If your golf cart takes a 6-volt battery, this is the best choice on the market. Trojan has a stellar reputation in the industry, and they warranty each battery that they produce for at least 12 months. The T-105 model actually comes with an 18-month warranty on defects and workmanship.

2. Lifeline GPL-U1T 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery (Best 12 Volt Battery)

Pros

• Passes all strict mil-spec requirements, which gives golfers peace of mind by knowing they’re getting a quality product
• Each battery has a 5-year warranty, which is by far the best one out there
• It lasts longer than any other deep-cycle lead battery on the market
• Works with most standard golf cart battery chargers
• It gives off minimal vibration, even when on rugged terrains on the golf course
• Holds a single charge for a lengthy amount of time

Cons

• The cost is somewhat high, even for a long-life golf cart battery

If your golf cart takes a 12-volt battery, this is the best choice for you! This quality battery is made by Lifeline specifically for deep-cycle applications and is approved by the US Coast Guard. Each Lifeline battery is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty, which is the best in the industry.

3. Universal Power Group 12 Volt 35 AH Battery (Budget Pick for 12-Volt Battery)

Pros

• One of the lowest-cost 12-volt batteries available
• Requires no maintenance and is designed to be spill-free
• Versatile mounting position for a better fit on your golf cart
• Made to give off very little vibration, regardless of the terrain
• It fits into a wide array of golf carts
• Great for golfers who only play a handful of times per month

Cons

• Won’t last as long as deep-cycle golf cart batteries
• Not a great fit if you use your golf cart daily or even multiple times a week

For one of the most cost-effective 12-volt golf cart batteries, check out this beauty from Universal Power Group. This was actually made for John Deere riding lawnmowers but fits several different golf carts as well. The price of this battery is very reasonable, and it comes with an industry-standard 1-year warranty.

Link to Buy on Amazon

4. Trojan T-875 8V 170Ah FLA Deep Cycle Battery (Best 8 Volt Battery)

Pros

• Trojan is a dependable brand that has stood the test of time by making some of the best batteries in the industry
• Delivers lots of power and performance at a price that isn’t too shabby
• This is a flooded lead-acid battery, which is the most popular choice for solar electric use
• It comes in a 2-pack, so you already have a replacement ready to store
• Long battery life with lots of cycles

Cons

• It takes at least 5 to 10 days for delivery, which is a long time to wait if your golf cart is dead
• Can’t be shipped through standard means like UPS, USPS, or FedEx
• Requires lots of regular maintenance like adding water and keeping the terminals clean

Trojan makes its 2nd appearance on our list with its 8-volt battery. Of all the 8-volt batteries on the market, this is considered one of the best because it’s the ideal size for most golf carts. Trojan has been making durable, reliable deep-cycle batteries since 1925.

5. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt AGM Battery for Golf Carts (Best 6 Volt Battery)

Pros

• Reasonable cost for a deep cycle battery
• After installation, there is no maintenance necessary and no need to add water
• VMAX used an electrolyte suspension system to completely absorb and contain the electrolyte
• VMAX doesn’t use any harmful contaminants when making this battery
• Made with a heavy-duty lead tin for increased durability and performance
• VMAX Golf has specialized in making the best golf cart batteries in the world for quite some time
• The long lifespan of this battery means that you won’t need a replacement very often

Cons

• Not as much power as its higher voltage counterparts
• Some folks don’t prefer AGM batteries

If your golf cart takes a 6-volt lead acid battery, this is the best option in the business. It’s rated at 225 amp-hours, which is considered heavy-duty for a 6-volt battery. Cart owners will appreciate that the Float Service Life Span of this battery is 8 to 10 years.

6. LOSSIGY 100Ah 12 Volt Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Battery (Best Lithium Battery)

Pros

• Made with Grade-A cells for maximum power and steady performance
• Proven to last for at least 4,000 cycles
• It comes with a Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against temperature damage or any kind of shortages
• Meets the highest level of safety standards and has a UL Testing Certificate
• Easy to connect to other batteries if needed
• The battery comes with 2 copper cables, 4 stud terminals, and an instruction booklet
• Much lighter than its lead-acid counterparts
• Much more cost-effective than lead-acid batteries

Cons

• Since it’s much lighter in weight, it could move around more in your golf cart
• A couple of folks have had issues with the warranty

As far as lithium batteries go, this one from Lossigy is hard to beat! If you’re looking for consistent performance and plenty of power, this 12V option may be the perfect fit for your golf cart. It comes with a 5-year warranty, and each battery typically has a 10-year lifespan.

7. OGRPHY 2 Pack 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery (Longest Battery Life)

Pros

• It has a built-in Battery Management System to protect against overcharging, overloading, short-circuiting, and overheating
• Much less weight than a traditional lead acid battery and double the power
• Made with Grade A battery cells, which is even more efficient than automotive batteries
• It will last for up to 10 years or 5,000 cycles, which is almost unheard of in the industry
• Specifically designed for golf carts and other outdoor applications
• Each battery undergoes a thorough test at the warehouse before being sent to customers
• It comes with a 5-year quality warranty for added peace of mind
• The customer service team responds within 24 hours to quickly solve any problems
• The company specializes in finding solutions that are more friendly to the environment

Cons

• A few folks have received bad batteries in their shipment, but replacements were sent in a timely manner
• Some have questioned the actual amp hour rating of this battery
• Can be costly to ship back to the manufacturer if it doesn’t fit in your golf cart correctly

If your golf cart will take lithium-ion batteries, you’ll love how long this one from OGRPHY will last. This deep-cycle battery has been proven to run up to 5,000 cycles before needing a replacement. This might be the ticket if you want to get away from a standard acid battery.

8. JavaEnergy 100Ah Lithium Battery with 100A BMS

Pros

• Comes with a 5-year warranty that covers any quality issues
• Loses power at a much slower rate than other brands on the market
• This battery is waterproof, which saves the customer from a whole host of headaches
• Will provide up to 10 years of service life
• Has a great combination of being lightweight and more energy efficient than lead batteries
• Has a built-in Battery Management System to protect against overcurrents, overcharges, and over-discharges
• The company has over 50 professional engineers on staff, and they donate 20% of battery sales to finding solutions that are easier on the environment
• Protected in both high temps and low temps
• Golfers love how easy these batteries are to install
• The company has a friendly customer service team that’s always quick to respond to any quality issues

Cons

• A small number of customers have experienced reliability issues with this battery
• Won’t hold up for as many cycles as some other lithium-ion batteries in the industry

JavaEnergy is another solid brand choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective lithium battery for your golf cart. This one is currently on sale, so take advantage of that while you can. This deep-cycle battery has been proven to last for up to 4,000 cycles, so you won’t need to replace it very often.

9. ExpertPower 12 Volt Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

Pros

• A highly trusted brand that’s been reviewed and tested a ton of times
• Easy to install, even for golfers who might not be too handy with tools
• Designed to hold up well in harsh conditions, which comes in handy in a variety of volatile climates
• Uses Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology
• An excellent choice for folks who play golf quite often
• Made with only quality materials
• Resistant to heat, chemicals, shock, and vibration

Cons

• Some have received batteries that were made over a year before
• It cannot be returned, so make sure it will fit your golf cart before ordering

Here’s another 12-volt deep cycle battery that’s a fantastic choice for golf cart owners. ExpertPower makes high-quality batteries at a price that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. This option only weighs 21.61 pounds, so that it won’t weigh your golf cart down too much.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Watching golf videos can be a great way for visual learners to pick up some skills. YouTube golf instructors help players that are needing some golf drills and instructional videos but don’t have a local golf coach to work with.

I watch a lot of YouTube golf instructors when I’m struggling with something in particular, especially the short game. It’s interesting to get some different opinions and try out new swing techniques.

Here are my top 11 best YouTube golf instructions.

1. Danny Maude

Danny Maude is a very smart golf instructor that helps golfers understand the science and reasoning behind why they struggle on the golf course. Maude worked to learn more about the game by studying neuroscience, psychology, and motor learning.

At one point, he felt he was a struggling golfer and eventually completely turned his game around using these methods; now, he shares them with golfers across the world.

Golfers that listen to and subscribe to the videos from Danny Maude will realize that quick fixes are not going to make you an incredible player. Instead, it takes time and patience to see the scores start to drop.

There is plenty of information here to help you succeed.

• Areas of expertise: Full Swing, Working With Average Golfers
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 872K
• Link to channel

2. Rick Shiels

Rick Shiels is certainly one of the most well known golf personalities on YouTube. However, not all of his content is going to be instructional. The reason I like the Rick Shiels videos is that you can learn a lot about the game of golf.

When you watch his game improve and you see the contests and challenges he does, there is a lot to learn. His equipment reviews are also helpful and ensure you end up with equipment that is fit for your golf game.

There is a bit of comedy and entertainment here, but plenty of great advice for the golfers that need it.

• Areas of expertise: Entertainment and Golf Instruction
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 2.43M
• Link to channel

3. Mr.Short Game Golf

Mr.Short Game is a great YouTube channel that started with a focus on the short game and expanded from there. The videos are clear and easy to follow, and he makes the information easy to understand for any level of player.

Although the channel has a ton of chipping and putting content, there is plenty about proper iron striking and gaining more power in your drives. Like a lot of these other channels, there is also some entertainment content and contests here, but the instruction videos are sound.

• Areas of expertise: Short Game and Full Swing
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 359K
• Link to channel

4. Clay Ballard (Top Speed Golf)

Clay Ballard has a Top Speed Golf program that can help players that are looking to make major moves in their game. However, in addition to this content, he offers a ton of instructional videos that make the game of golf considerably easier to understand.

When watching Clay’s videos, I have learned to really enjoy how matter of fact, he is about the moves in the golf swing. In addition, he doesn’t necessarily teach just one golf swing; he helps players adapt to the skills they already have and become better.

• Areas of expertise: Full Swing
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 636K
• Link to channel

5. Jim Venetos

Jim Venetos has an online golf instructional platform that you can subscribe to and learn the game. However, there are some videos available for free on YouTube. The videos are all very similar, and Venetos shares his vast knowledge of the game.

If you find that you want more individualized attention, you can join the golf academy and get quite a bit of information and even upload videos of your own golf swing.

• Areas of expertise: Full Swing
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 37K
• Link to channel

6. Peter Finch Golf

The Peter Finch golf channel is a large YouTube golf instructional, equipment, and tip channel. There are plenty of golf drills to help you become a better player, but also a lot of information about clubs, professionals, and golf courses.

Similar to the Rick Shiels videos, there is quite a bit of entertainment here, and he uploads videos often. I like Peter Finch’s honest information about equipment.

• Areas of expertise: Golf Equipment, Golf Instruction
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 515K
• Link to channel

7. Me and My Golf

Me and My Golf is a golf channel for any golf geek out there. If you are interested in golf fitness, biomechanics, and education, you can really take your game to the next level. The PGA Golf Professionals who host these videos are Andy Proudman and Piers Ward.

The duo is very interesting to listen to, and they know a lot about the game of golf. Every Monday, they try to release a new video so that you have a constant flow of great content.

• Areas of expertise: Golf Training and Instruction
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 873K
• Link to channel

8. Adam Bazzelgette (Scratch Golf Academy)

The Scratch Golf Academy is where you can learn the game from Adam Bazalgette. He is a head golf professional with over 30 years of experience in the PGA of America.

In addition, Adam has coached many tour professionals and been on the Golf Channel.

If you sign up for this academy, there are even more video training and tips for you to work on. I like the way these are broken down, and the quality of the information is good. You can watch a video or two, head to the range, and notice real changes in your game.

• Areas of expertise: All Areas of The Game
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 454K
• Link to channel

9. Performance Golf Zone

Performance Golf Zone is a channel that brings together the wisdom of many different golf instructors and allows you a place to go to get the best information you can about your game.

Sometimes I get bored with just one golf instructor; having the information from several different professionals often makes me feel as though something finally clicks and my game starts making the necessary changes.

• Areas of expertise: Full Swing and Short Game
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 83K
• Link to channel

10. Steve Johnston PGA

Steve Johnston is a PGA Golf Professional that works on simplifying the movements in a golfer’s swing. He takes information and breaks it down, and shows you exactly what you need to do to improve.

Johnston offers free instruction on all areas of the game. He is well-spoken, and his videos are entertaining and fast-moving. I like videos that move long without feeling like the instruction is just repeating themselves.

Although his popularity may not be the best, for beginners and even great players, this is some really sound golf advice.

• Areas of expertise: Golf Instruction, Simplifying the Game
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 84K
• Link to channel

11. Russell Heritage

Russell Heritage is a golf instructor that offers free golf tips, lessons, and equipment reviews. What I like about Russell Heritage is that he’s not as concerned with entertainment as he is with the fact.

The videos have very good content and advice, and many of the golf drills and information that I got from these videos I have been able to implement on the golf course. If you consider yourself more of an old-school golfer that wants just the fact delivered cleanly and professionally, this is your guy.

• Areas of expertise: Golf Swing, Golf Science, Low Handicappers
• Number of YouTube Subscribers: 157K
• Link to channel

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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For most of my formative years on the golf course, I had little to no knowledge of the impact of my shaft on my launch. Fortunately, I am older and wiser and have seen the light.

In this post, I pay homage to the best high-launching iron shafts in each category for 2023.

The best of the list features a range of graphite and steel shaft designs that cater to slow, mid and faster swing speeds, seeking a higher launch. I have also included the top pick for ladies and senior golfers in our ranks.

What Types of Shafts Create The Highest Launch?

In my experience, the highest launching golf iron shaft features a low to mid kick point, a high degree of torque, and lightweight construction. In addition, high-launching golf shafts often feature a longer raw length than their mid-to-low-launch counterparts.

A low to mid kick point provides golfers with added spring into impact for consistent ball speed and spin to prompt a high launch. I also find that the higher degree of torque helps slower swing speeds accelerate the club head on the downswing for maximum velocity.

While the added clubhead speed improves your chances of a powerful strike, it can also cause you to leave your clubface open at contact. As a result, your shot dispersion chart features numerous misses to the right of the target.

6 Top High Launching Iron Shafts

1. KBS Max Graphite – Best Overall Iron Shaft For High Launch

Pros

• Elevated launch
• Helps slow swingers accelerate clubhead speed
• Produces ample flex into the impact
• The set includes 6 shafts
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive for the average golfer
• The high torque can prompt slices or pushed shots

The KBS Max Graphite irons are the overall best iron shaft construction for high launch in 2022. It tops the list for its wealth of shaft flex options, easy launch, and the consistent carry distance it helps a slow swing speed golfer produce.

A mid to high torque in the lite, senior and regular flex profiles promotes supreme flexibility on the downswing for a powerful strike. This encouraged consistent ball speed and initiated an improved launch and a soft landing on approach.

Further aiding my launch was a low kick point which helped the clubhead flex at a critical point of the swing to prompt rapid clubhead and ball speed for a high launch. Conversely, the regular + and stiff flex option has a higher kick point to induce a mid-to-high launch.

Overall, I found the graphite shafts easy to launch, stable and durable. A slow swing speed golfer should have no struggle launching their irons high and landing the ball softly on approach.

2. KBS Tour 90 – Best Steel Iron Shafts

Pros

• Lighter than standard steel irons
• Produces a consistent high launch
• Improves control compared to some graphite shafts
• Boosts clubhead speed
• Ideal for fast swing speeds

Cons

• Expensive
• The shaft’s stiffness may prove excessive for slow swing speeds

Golfers with fast swing speeds may prefer the heavier weight and added control provided by a steel golf iron shaft. The KBS Tour 90 tops the category, thanks to its lighter-than-usual design and the increased clubhead speed it produces.

I produced splendid velocity on my downswing, which often saw me impart it onto the golf ball for adequate speed and spin. This resulted in a high launch, consistent trajectory, and a soft landing on the dancefloor.

My buddy, Martin, who swings a 6-iron over 90 mph, felt the Tour 90 shafts enhanced his tempo compared to the graphite golf shaft options we tested. However, the slowest swingers in our game are advised to stay with graphite shafts for now.

KBS only constructed these shafts in regular and stiff shaft flex, making it best suited to faster swing speeds. Ultimately, I felt the lightness of the KBS Tour 90 golf shafts compared to other steel shafts and enjoyed maximum distance, speed, and control.

3. UST Mamiya Recoil ESX – Best High Launch Graphite Shaft

Pros

• Lighter mass than a steel iron shaft
• Encourages accelerated clubhead speed
• Soft feel
• The stiffer butt and midpoint boost control
• Ideal for medium to slow-swing-speed golfers

Cons

• Not ideal for the fastest swing speeds
• An expensive product

Modern high-handicap golfers often favor the lightweight, fast-swinging, and high-flexing graphite golf shaft material. The UST Mamiya Recoil ESX shafts are the best high-launch graphite shafts in 2022 for their maximum spring, easy lift, and high torque during the swing.

I pushed a few shots right of the target on mishits, which is attributed to the moderate torque of these shafts. However, I appreciated the impressive whip of the clubface at impact to boost energy transfer for accelerated ball zip at contact.

Next, I appreciated the soft feel on all shots created by the soft tip, which enhanced spring on the downswing. Furthermore, the stiffer butt and mid increased my control despite the higher torque.

In summary, the UST Mamiya Recoil ESX shaft springs well, feels soft, and amplifies your energy transfer at impact. In addition, a low kick point and moderate to high torque encourage a high launch for maximum carry distance.

4. Mitsubishi MMT Taper 105 – Best Feeling High Launch Golf Clubs Shafts

Pros

• Constructed with highly durable materials
• Exceptional feel
• Low torque for less whip during your swing
• Provides optimal stability
• Superb spin and ball speed control

Cons

• An expensive set of golf shafts
• No flex options for slower swing speeds

Golfers who desire a soft feel on every shot are best suited to a finely tuned, highly responsive shaft with optimal density. The Mitsubishi Taper 105 golf shaft ticked all these boxes to offer a pleasant touch, a mid-to-high launch, and consistent ball flight.

The super low torque in the stiff flex increased stability but was too much for my slow to moderate swing speed. However, I asked a 7 handicapper to give them a crack. He enjoyed their durability, ball speed, and spin consistency, which helped him deliver a controlled golf shot.

In addition, the individually braided strands of high-quality 304 stainless steel enhance the density and stability of the shaft during your swing. Plus, it allowed engineers to construct a thin composite wall, which produces a highly responsive golf shaft for a pleasant feel on long, mid, and short iron shots.

Finally, Mitsubishi only constructs these shafts in a stiff and extra stiff profile which is better for moderate to fast swing speed.

5. True Temper Project X Cypher Graphite – Best High Launch Iron Shaft For Seniors

Pros

• Built for a deliberate tempo
• Available in 4 shaft flexes
• Produces optimal spin
• Makes it easy to transition from fairway woods to irons
• Helps slower golfers launch high

Cons

• Not suited to faster swing speeds
• The high spin may cause some golfers to balloon their shots and lose yards

I often find seniors operating with a slow backswing and a smooth transition, which creates a deliberate tempo and a clean strike. The True Temper Project X Cypher Graphite works well for slower-swinging seniors as it helps accelerate clubhead speed for a powerful strike and high launch.

Besides its tendency to send your ball higher and longer, I also enjoyed the seamless transition between my fairway woods and long irons. The similar shaft constructions made it easy to replicate my setup and swing on every shot.

Next, I produced maximum spin off the face to help my ball land rapidly. Seniors will feel a greater sense of control in this area and deliver an improved green-in-regulation record.

True Temper offers the Project X Cypher Graphite shafts in ladies, senior, regular, stiff, and extra-stiff shaft stiffness, catering to slow, moderate, and fast swing speeds. Finally, these shafts fetch a lower price per set than most of their peers, which suits the average golfer.

6. Fujikura Vista Pro 50i – Best High Launching Iron Shafts For Ladies

Pros

• Produces maximum spin
• Improves energy transfer at impact
• Increased stability
• Lightweight
• Generates faster clubhead speed

Cons

• Their lightweight design and high launch may cause golfers to balloon strikes
• Not ideal for super fast swing speeds

The Fujikura Vista Pro 50i completes our list of high-launching shafts this year. Its blend of stability, high energy transfer, and soft feel make it the best high-launching iron shaft for ladies.

Their lightweight construction, high torque, and low kick point cover all the necessary qualities to send your golf ball higher and longer. I felt the reduced handle stiffness prompted an extra degree of spring on the downswing, which accelerated clubhead speed and improved the power of your strike.

In addition, the maximum spin produced by these shafts makes it easier for the average lady to stop their ball rapidly on the green. Lastly, opposite to their improved launch factor is the attractive low price tag, which makes the Vista Pro 50i shafts accessible to the average golfer.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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What putting stroke do you operate with?

Holding the answer to this question simplifies finding your next putter. While I utilize a slight arc stroke and prefer minor toe hang, players with straight strokes excel with a face balanced putter for limited rotation.

In this post, I reveal the 7 best face balanced putters for 2023 to keep your putts on line. You will notice the mallet-style putter is the most common head design in this category, as the face balanced blade style putters are rare to find these days.

Pros and Cons of Face Balanced Putters

Pros

• Easier to keep square through the stroke
• Promotes greater accuracy
• Restricts face twisting during the stroke
• Highly forgiving
• Produces clean roll

Cons

• Not suited to extreme arched strokes
• The oversize profile mallets may not appeal to everyone

What to Look for In a Good Face Balanced Putter

Middle CG Position

Although face-balanced putters are best suited to straight strokes, Phil Kenyon explains how the center of gravity (CG) position impacts rotation. The further back and low you move CG, the more likely a clubface is to twist during the stroke and follow through.

Therefore, a face balanced putter with CG closer toward the heel may perform best for slight arc strokes. This is because the putter face opens on the backstroke and is not entirely square to the line as straight-stroke golfers would prefer.

Therefore, if you demand a true face balanced putter, I suggest searching for options with a centered CG that keeps the head square and stable throughout.

Double Bend or Center Shaft Hosel

Putter manufacturers typically employ four-hosel designs to cater to golfers with varying strokes. However, face balanced putters are often found with a double bend or center shaft hosel, which induces face balance and best suits straight strokes.

When you utilize a short hosel or plumber’s hosel, it prompts the blade open on the backstroke to adapt to an arched stroke. This hosel makes it challenging for straight-stroke putters to square the putter face at contact.

Perimeter Weighting

Most face balanced putters feature sizeable clubhead profiles, which produce exceptional forgiveness across the face. I suggest searching for a mallet putter with perimeter weighting to enhance stability, improve MOI and boost speed and forward roll.

When manufacturers employ perimeter weighting, it helps you square the putter face at contact to produce an accurate putt. Plus, the added support around the clubface preserves ball speed and topspin across a wider area of the putter.

Without the assistance of perimeter weighting, you will lose ball speed, spin, and accuracy on off-center strikes.

Shaft Length

Shaft length is the final factor to consider, as it impacts your posture, stroke path, and angle of attack. Most stock putter shafts are 34 inches which suits the average golfer. However, taller golfers may prefer the extra inch found on a 35-inch putter shaft.

Conversely, golfers with a shorter stature may stroke the ball better with a reduced 33-inch shaft. The predominant point is that you must be able to set up and stroke your ball easily for a smooth rolling putt. If your golf shaft is too long or short, it may prompt you to stroke the ball erratically, sending you left and right of the target.

7 Top Face Balanced Putters

1. Odyssey White Hot OG Seven – Best Overall Face-Balanced Putter

Pros

• Enhanced MOI
• Exceptional feedback
• Adjustable weights
• Clean milled finish
• Produces a smooth roll

Cons

• Moderately expensive
• The pistol grip may increase wrist action

In order to beat the best face balanced putters, a flat stick must produce a soft feel, muted acoustics, high MOI, and a pure roll. In my experience, the Odyssey White Hot OG Seven putter thrives in all these fields and delivers superb distance control and accuracy on the green.

To begin with, the two-part urethane White Hot Insert softened every touch for exceptional feedback on the dancefloor. This aided my performance on long putts to better gauge the power required for each strike.

Despite the White-Hot insert, Odyssey engineered expertly milled the rest of the face ensuring a rich, clean finish. In addition, the OG Seven possesses a 15 and 10-gram weight which is adjustable to achieve your preferred swing mass.

Next, the winged mallet-style putter contains perimeter weighting, which maximizes stability and MOI to keep your putter square to the target. Finally, the Odyssey White OG Seven putters are equipped with a Pistol size DRX grip, which may increase wrist movement for some golfers.

2. Wilson Infinite Buckingham – Best Budget Face Balanced Mallet Putter

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Double-milled face enhances friction
• Generates a clean roll
• Provides a soft feel
• Advanced alignment aid

Cons

• The flange is not the prettiest putter head.
• Not as cheap as their Harmonized putters, but for excellent reason.

With costs rising at every turn, our wallets could use a break in the form of an affordable, quality putter. Fortunately, the Wilson Infinite Buckingham tackles these challenges with a doubled-milled face, enhanced forgiveness, and a consistently smooth roll.

I enjoyed greater friction at impact because of the double-milled face, which prompted a clean, consistent roll with limited skidding. Plus, I appreciated the soft feel on all strikes, which enhanced my feedback for greater distance control on long-range efforts.

Wilson added a robust alignment aid, using perpendicular sight lines to better frame your ball at address. I felt this improved my awareness of my clubface aim, which helped me start my ball on the intended line for enhanced accuracy.

The Infinite Buckingham also features a glare-resistant finish that prevents distractions at address. Lastly, this putter included an oversized grip which limited wrist action during the stroke to keep the putter face square to the line.

3. TaylorMade Spider Tour Black 3 – Best Forgiving Face balanced Flat Stick

Pros

• Exceptional forgiveness
• Boosts friction
• Generates a pure roll
• Maximum MOI
• Glare resistant finish

Cons

• Underwhelming alignment aid
• Some golfers may prefer a thicker grip, although it worked for me.

Leniency is vital for the average golfer to deliver improved accuracy and speed control on the putting surface. I found the TaylorMade Spider Tour Black 3 offered superior forgiveness thanks to its high MOI design, consistent roll, and enhanced feedback at contact.

The companionship of a 6061 aluminum core and 304 stainless steel frame gifted me exceptional MOI and perimeter weighting. This increased the stability of the putter head at contact to preserve spin and velocity on off-center hits.

Added to its forgiveness was welcomed feedback, which made the strength of lag putts easier to gauge. Plus, the Pure Roll Insert elevated friction to preserve spin and ball speed across the clubface. As a result, I generated a clean roll with limited skidding.

I also appreciated the black finish, which eliminated the glare factor at address to keep me focused on putts. TaylorMade employed a SuperStroke GTR 1.0, a thicker grip to minimize wrist movement. Finally, the double bend hosel is the only option for a face-balanced setup.

4. Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 – Best Face Balanced Putter For Accuracy

Pros

• Boosts accuracy
• High MOI
• Prompts optimal forward roll on all strikes
• Soft feel
• Enhances friction

Cons

• I struggled with glare on occasion
• It may feel ultra soft for some golfers

Cleveland has the ability to craft smooth rolling, soft feeling, accurate putters for less than their competitors. It appears they have done it again, this time with the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11, which is the most accurate of the face balanced mallet putters this year.

Naturally, the Speed Optimized Face technology takes all the glory and deserves it for the forgiveness it provides. However, for me, it is all about perimeter weighting. The winged mallet design boosts stability and keeps the putter face square to the line at contact for supreme accuracy on the dancefloor.

Next, the Diamond CNC Milling pattern produced a delicate feel on all putts and increased friction for optimal forward roll. I understand some players may find the sensation excessively muted and prefer the consistency of a face insert, but I like it pure.

Cleveland opted for a single bend hosel, which works best for golfers with a straight back stroke. Furthermore, the stock grip is a Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft oversized, an excellent option for restricting wrist movement in your backswing and forward stroke.

5. Cobra King Vintage Nova – Best for Clean Roll

Pros

• Generates a clean, consistent roll
• Enhances friction across the putter face
• Stable design
• Wide grip restricts wrist action
• Glare resistant finish

Cons

• Moderately expensive
• The adjustable weights are sold separately

When your golf ball skids off the putter face, it loses forward roll and distance control. In my experience, the Cobra King Vintage Nova putter eradicates this challenge by prompting a clean roll across the putter face to increase your chance of draining a putt.

I generated a clean and consistent roll with the Vintage Nova thanks to its advanced SIK Face Insert, powered by Descending Loft Technology (DLT). 4 descending loft angles are featured to help every attack angle produce sufficient friction to maximize ball speed and topspin.

The engineers played out of their boots by stabilizing the putter head thanks to its classic Fang design and adjustable weight setup. The fangs stabilized the putter from the heel and the toe to balance the face on mishits, while the weighting complimented my stroke requirements.

Cobra employed a single-bend hosel for the King Vintage Nova to reinforce face balancing with an oversized SuperStroke Traxion Tour 2.0 as the grip of choice.

6. Ping Tomcat 14 – Best for Feel

Pros

• Smooth feel
• Enhances friction on all shots
• Boosts ball speed and topspin across the putter face
• Advanced alignment aid
• Maximum Forgiveness

Cons

• Expensive
• Not the most attractive design

Hot off the press is the Ping Tomcat 14, the brand’s highly forgiving and accurate mallet putter for 2023. A firm, milled face and mallet design combine with a runway-style alignment aid to keep you straight and close on every putt.

In addition to enhancing friction, the solid face produces a smooth feel and amplified acoustics for improved feedback. This helped me identify how hard I needed to strike each ball for superior distance judgment, giving me a greater chance of getting down in two on long putts.

Next, the balanced mallet head features perimeter weighting, which did wonders for stability and helped me keep the putter face square at contact. In addition, this allowed me to maintain ball speed and spin on all strikes for supreme forward roll and accuracy.

In addition, Ping engineers pushed the CG back and low to boost spin and accuracy forgiveness across the putter face.

Link to buy on Global Golf

7. Mizuno M-Craft III  – Best Milled Face Balanced Putter

Pros

• Produces a soft feel
• Increases friction
• Promotes a clean, smooth roll
• Adjustable weight system
• Glare resistant

Cons

• Expensive
• No shaft options for shorter golfers

Topping off our list of the best face balanced putters for 2023 is the Mizuno M-Craft III. In my experience, this expertly crafted flat stick takes the cake for the best-milled, face balanced putter in 2023. It offers a buttery-soft feel, clean roll, and glare resistance

Mizuno engineers constructed the M-Craft III from 1025 mild carbon steel for a durable and soft putter face. Every time I stroked the ball, it exuded a pleasant, smooth feeling for exceptional feedback on the dancefloor. Plus, it increased friction off the putter face to preserve ball zip and spin.

I also appreciated the forgiveness provided by this mid-mallet putter, which helped me produce satisfactory speed and accuracy. I generated a clean roll on all shots for optimal distance control on short and long-range strikes.

Mizuno constructed the M-Craft III with adjustable weights, which enable golfers to alter the swing weight setup of the putter. Finally, the grip of choice is a standard pistol grip which may cause some players to produce excess wrist action.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Low handicap golfers with faster swing speeds often produce too much spin with regular drivers, causing high ball flight and a loss of carry distance. As a result, they turn to the best low spin drivers to keep their revolutions per minute down and their distance up.

In this post, I uncover the 5 best low spin drivers for 2023 to boost your distance and accuracy from the tee.

Although these drivers typically favor more advanced golfers, they still provide ample forgiveness, ball speed, and accuracy on all shots.

Who Low Spin Drivers are Best Suited For

In my experience, low spin drivers best suit golfers with higher swing speeds looking for a lower launch and maximum distance. Low spin drivers prevent these faster swing speeds from ballooning shots and losing vital yards off the tee box.

What to Look for in a Good Low Spin Driver

Low Launch

Golfers with higher swing speeds often desire drivers with low launch profiles to prevent ballooning tee shots and losing carry distance. Therefore, low spin drivers are frequently available in moderate and low loft profiles for a lower launch.

Besides the loft profile, you might consider a driver with a low and forward center of gravity (CG). In my experience, these drivers offer exceptionally low spin and launch compared to low and back CG drivers.

Flexible Clubface

Low spin drivers restrict your revolutions per minute, which is ideal when you strike the ball in the sweet spot. However, when you catch it in the heel, toe, or low off the club face, you find it demanding to get the ball in the air.

This is why I suggest searching for a flexible clubface, which maintains ball pace on off-center strikes. For example, the TaylorMade Stealth+ features a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, which helps the clubface impart adequate speed and spin on the ball for a consistent launch.

Stiff Shaft

Flexible golf shafts often produce high spin and a high launch to help slower swing speeds get airborne and maximize carry distance. For a low spin driver, a stiff golf shaft in a graphite design is your best option.

The structure will prevent added whip into the ball at impact to improve your control, energy transfer, and golf ball speed. As a result, you stand a higher chance of launching your ball low, with accelerated velocity and restricted spin.

5 Top Low Spin Drivers

1. Ping G425 LST – Best Overall Low Spin Driver

Pros

• Produces rapid ball speed across the clubface
• Forgiving
• Promotes straighter shots for improved dispersion
• Adjustable hosel
• Moveable CG weight for your preferred shot shape

Cons

• Not the cheapest driver on the market
• The loft profiles are not suited to slower swing speed

Golfers with faster swing speeds require a driver that limits spin, lowers launch, and increases playability without eradicating forgiveness. I find the Ping G425 LST excels in these areas to claim the overall best driver to lower spin in 2023.

Ping engineers attached a refined 445 cc pear-shaped head to reduce spin by up to 400 rpm compared to the G410 LST. As a result, I achieved a lower, more controlled launch with a reduced driver spin rate for maximum distance off the tee.

In addition, the aerodynamic Refined Crown Turbulators boosted my swing speed on the downswing for a powerful strike across the clubface. Plus, I appreciated the enhanced moment of inertia (MOI) for improved accuracy brought about by the Internal Dragonfly Technology.

The Precision Forged Face improved flexibility, which helps preserve ball velocity on low-face strikes. This produced consistent launch and yardage on all strikes.

Finally, Ping offers the G425 LST in a 9 and 10.5-degree loft profile and an adjustable hosel and moveable CG weight, enabling you to achieve your optimized launch angle and shot shape.

2. Callaway Epic Max LS – Best Value For Money Lower Launch Driver

Pros

• More affordable than its competitors
• Adjustable CG weight
• Adjustable hosel
• Rapid ball pace across the clubface
• Increased MOI

Cons

• Limited loft profiles for slower swing speed golfer
• Slow swing speeds may struggle to consistently launch this driver

A new driver can set you back over $500 if you desire the creme de la creme of big sticks. However, we can find plenty of affordable drivers built for golfers on a budget. The Callaway Epic Max LS is our best value-for-money low spin driver for its versatility, forgiveness, distance, and launch.

The A.I. Jailbreak Speed Frame prompted exceptional golf ball speed on all strikes because of its torsional and horizontal stability. I felt the perimeter-weighted, high MOI design paired well with the Speed Frame to compliment the velocity with accuracy.

Callaway included an adjustable weight to alter your CG position for varying shot shapes. Although one should avoid tinkering excessively, it allows you to adjust the curve by up to 13 yards. An equal quantity is provided by the Epic Speed.

Lastly, the Epic Max LS possesses an adjustable hosel to change your loft, club face lie, and produce your desired launch angle.

3. Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS – Most Forgiving Low Spin Driver

Pros

• Maximum Forgiveness
• Preserves ball speed and lowers spin
• Increased MOI for greater accuracy
• Lightning face
• Adjustable hosel

Cons

• Some high swing speeds may detest the mid-launch
• Expensive

Even a mid or low handicap can use forgiveness off the tee to achieve optimal ball flight and yardage. In my experience, the Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS offers improved leniency due to its flexible clubface, stable frame, and enhanced MOI.

Whenever I struck the ball off-center, I still produced adequate lift and distance to remain in contention on my approach shot. The combination of a 20-gram Tungsten Speed Cartridge and a flexible A.I. designed club face maintained ball speed and lowered spin on every strike.

Adding to the forgiveness is a high MOI design brought about by the Tungsten Speed Cartridge. I found this structure resisted twisting during the swing to keep my clubface square to the target at contact. This produced improved accuracy for improved fairways in regulation record.

Callaway engineers worked to minimize the spin rate by reducing the head size to 450cc, which also enabled moderate playability. Finally, the Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS is offered in a 9 and 10.5-degree loft, which can be strengthened by 1 degree and weakened by 2 degrees.

4. Cobra LTDx LS – Best Low Spin Driver For Longer Drives

Pros

• Exceptional distance
• Blistering ball speed
• Enhanced sweet spot
• Adjustable CG weight and hosel
• Promotes accelerated clubhead speed

Cons

• Super expensive for the average golfer
• There are no lofts suitable for slow swing speeds

One of the reasons faster swing speeds seek a low spin driver is the added distance it provides. During testing, the Cobra LTDx LS traveled further than its peers and produced incredibly low spin and exceptional ball speed. Plus, it features an adjustable hosel and CG weight for greater versatility.

I felt the PWR-COR technology was sensational and seemed to help me maintain ball pace and reduce spin across the club face. It seems pushing the CG low and further forward does wonders for spin control.

The PWR-COR technology was backed up by the H.O.T Face, which optimized the thickness of the face across an expansive area. This allowed me to generate desirable spin and speed on most strikes.

Lastly, Cobra fitted an adjustable heavy and light CG weight and adjustable hosel. You can place the adjustable weight in the heel or toe to alter the flight bias of your shots while the hosel changes your loft and lie angle.

5. TaylorMade Stealth+ – Best Sounding Driver With Less Spin

Pros

• Amplified acoustics
• Soft feel
• Attractive finish
• Highly forgiving
• Optimizes launch and carry distance

Cons

• Expensive
• Larger clubface than previous models

Finishing the list of best drivers with low spin rates is our top-sounding golf driver. The combination of a 60X Carbon Twist Face and Nanotexture cover on the TaylorMade Stealth+ delivers a soft feel and amplified acoustics on tee shots.

The polyurethane nanotexture cover, which protects the 60 layers of carbon, softened the feel of each strike. It is supported by a robust internal ribbing structure, stabilizing the driver at contact and boosting MOI to maintain ball speed and refine spin.

In addition, an Asymmetric Inertia Generator improves the aerodynamics of the driver head, which helps you accelerate clubhead speed on the downswing. Plus, a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket enhances the flexibility of the lower clubface to ensure ball zip and low spin on all shots.

I also appreciated the versatility provided by the 10-gram sliding track weight, which enabled me to alter my shot shape. Finally, an adjustable hosel helps you strengthen or weaken the 9 and 10.5-degree stock lofts.

Related Reading: Check out our 20 golf driving tips to hit longer and straighter. Once you have your ideal low spin driver, these tips will help you boost your accuracy and distance off the tee box.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Did you know that the most important object in your golf bag isn’t your favorite wedge or fairway wood?

As great as those golf clubs are, they can’t perform at their highest potential without a solid cleaning brush. Many golfers don’t realize that failing to clean the grooves of their clubs can cost them lots of precious distance.

Now that you know how crucial it is to have a solid cleaning brush in your bag, you may have questions about which 1 to buy. We’ve compiled the following list of the 7 best golf club cleaning brushes on the market. Any of these will help your golf clubs look and perform at their best.

What to Look for in a Good Club Cleaning Brush

Not sure what to look for when buying a new golf club cleaning brush? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a short list of the top qualities to look for:

• Groove Cleaning Spike: This is an absolute must for cleaning irons. This spike must be small enough to fit into each groove to remove any dirt or debris. It also needs to be sturdy enough to hold up well over time.
• Carabiner Clip: This allows you to clip your cleaning brush onto the side of your golf bag. This will enable you to clean your clubs after each shot if needed.
• High Durability: You want a golf club cleaner brush that will last a long time. This isn’t an item that you want to spend money on constantly.
• Low Price: A good golf club brush doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Find a good deal so that you’ll have more money for golf balls.

The Top 7 Golf Club Cleaning Brushes

1. HELLAFOR Golf Club Cleaning Kit (Best Overall)

Pros

• 3 piece club cleaning kit has all you need for cleaning woods or irons
• Bottle perfectly dispenses water or club cleaner while you’re scrubbing your clubs
• The waffle-patterned golf towel easily removes dirt, sand, and grime
• All 3 items come with a carabiner clip to snap onto your golf bag
• The cleaner brush has a soft nylon side and a stiff wire side
• The retractable cord automatically snaps back into place when you let go of it

Cons

• The kit includes lots of items, but the overall cost is a bit high
• Some have had leaking issues with the bottle

This cleaning kit has all the bells and whistles, so we made it our top choice. It comes with a golf towel, a cleaning brush, a bottle that’ll hold water or club groove cleaner, and a carabiner clip for added convenience. It also has a sharp spike on the end to clean the grooves of your clubs.

2. Yoport Golf Club Brush and Club Groove Cleaner (Best Value)

For an excellent no-nonsense golf club brush at a fantastic price, look no further than this option from Yoport. It’s available in 3 different colors and does a great job of getting all the junk from the course off your clubs. If you’ve lost any amount of spin on your irons, this club brush will quickly restore it.

Pros

• Made with tough wire bristles to quickly and effectively clean the grooves of your golf clubs
• Cleaner grooves will give golfers more distance and accuracy on every approach shot
• The handle is specifically designed to strike the perfect balance between softness and durability
• It makes an affordable gift for any golfer in your life
• It can be used to clean both golf clubs and golf shoes
• It comes with a 2-foot zip line with a carabiner on the end that easily snaps onto your golf bag
• It provides a clean finish without the need to wipe down the clubhead
• Trusted by tons of golf enthusiasts around the globe

Cons

• The plastic cap on the groove cleaner can be tough to remove
• Some have had some issues with the retractable zipline

3. Thiodoon 2 Pack of Golf Club Brushes with Groove Cleaners (Best Handle)

Pros

• Currently on sale for 50% off its regular price
• It comes with nylon bristles to remove dust and dirt
• The opposite side of the brush has wire bristles to remove any type of mud or grime
• Designed with sharpeners that’ll take all debris out of the grooves of your irons
• The handle is specifically designed to be ergonomic, which means it’s easier on the hands and wrists
• The contact area of this brush is 2.5 times larger than others on the market

Cons

• If you choose the magnet attachment, some have said it isn’t quite strong enough
• Some have had problems with the wire bristles fraying after several uses

Of all the golf brushes on our list, this one gets the honor of having the best handle. It provides a comfortable grip, is easy on the wrist, and comes in striking colors. These are sold in a pack of 2, so you can keep 1 brush snapped onto your golf bag and a backup squirreled away elsewhere.

4. XinTan Tiger Golf Club Brush Groove Cleaner

Pros

• Outstanding price whether you choose the 2-pack or the single pack
• Both the handle and the bristles will hold up well over time
• Comes with a spike on top to thoroughly clean your club grooves
• The carabiner is made of aluminum so that it won’t rust easily
• The protective case increases the durability of the bristles
• Makes it easy to clean your clubs after each golf shot
• This brush is lightweight and won’t take up too much room

Cons

• The rubber cap on top of the spike can be difficult to take off
• A few golfers have had problems with the wire bristles coming off after a few rounds

Here’s another affordable golf club brush. We like that this unit comes with a protective case covering the bristles. The zipline also stretches out to 26 inches!

5. CHAMPKEY PRO Retractable Golf Club Brush

Pros

• The brush head is 2.5 times larger than most other golf club brushes on the market
• The handle is specifically designed for maximum comfort
• The handle also has a unique texture that provides plenty of traction and grip
• Has a retractable spike to clean each groove of your golf club
• Fantastic price
• Lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your golf bag

Cons

• Only available in 3 colors
• Some have had durability issues from the clip and the retractable cord

If you want clean golf clubs in the shortest amount of time, this may be your best bet. This golf club brush has one of the most prominent heads on the market, which helps golfers get their clubs clean in a hurry. The handle is also designed to be ergonomically friendly, so your hands won’t have to work very hard.

6. Callaway Premium Golf Club Brush With Retractable Cord

Pros

• Callaway is one of the most trusted names in the golf world
• The brush is easy to use and easy on the hands
• It can be used to clean both golf clubs and golf shoes, which is a nice plus
• It comes with a durable carabiner clip to hang off the side of your golf bag
• It has both soft and hard nylon bristles to make cleaning your clubs a breeze
• Designed to be gentle on your irons and not scratch them

Cons

• Lack of wire bristles could make cleaning heavy grime and dirt more difficult
• There is no spike, so cleaning the grooves of your irons could be a hassle

Though Callaway is more well known for making golf clubs and golf balls, they also offer some nice golf club brushes. With this brush, golfers can easily clean both their clubs and shoes. Callaway made this brush with ergonomics in mind, so it’ll be easy on any golfer’s hands.

7. KVV Golf Club Brush with Magnetic Clasp & Rubber Grip

Pros

• It has a nylon brush for cleaning woods and a wire brush for cleaning irons
• It comes with a magnetic button so that you can easily remove it from your golf bag
• The grip is made with a non-slip texture, so your hands won’t have to work too hard
• The groove cleaner pin can be extended or hidden for greater safety
• Available with a regular grip or an oversized grip
• The spike can be used to clean golf clubs or golf shoes

Cons

• Some golfers have said that the magnet isn’t as strong as it should be
• It has a smaller brush head than some other brands on the market

Here’s another solid golf club brush at a ridiculously low price. KVV offers this brush in 5 different colors, and each one is less than $7. With 2 different brushes and a groove cleaning spike, it has everything that golfers need to get their clubs incredibly clean.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Many amateur golfers think that putting backspin on a golf ball is something only professionals can do. However, if you are interested in learning how to get some spin on your shots, you certainly can.

Even high handicap golfers can spin the ball. When I was younger, all of my golf shots had a forward spin. I prepared for it and expected it, but it still made accuracy more difficult.

Eventually, I learned how to put backspin on the ball, and it made all the difference from an accuracy standpoint. Here is how I did it…

Why Putting Backspin on The Ball Is an Important Skill to Learn in Golf

When you put backspin on a ball, it can help control the direction as well as the distance of the golf shots you hit. When backspin can be added to your shots, you can truly plan where the ball is going to end up.

Without backspin, all of your shorts will have a forward roll. With the forward roll, there is very little way to ensure your ball finishes next to the hole.

When I started getting backspin on my shots, I noticed that I had shorter putts for birdie and par. In addition, I made quite a few more par saves because I was good at getting myself up and down.

Lastly, from 100 to 200 yards in with iron approach shots, I could not pick areas on the green where I wanted to land the ball and benefit from the slope. In the past, the ball would roll through, but now I could land the shot on the high side of the green and have it roll down toward the pin.

Backspin helps you score.

How to Put Backspin on a Golf Ball: 6 Tips

Some of getting backspin on your shots are controlled by you, and some are from outside influences. Here are six tips to help put backspin on a golf ball.

1. Choose The Correct Lie

As great as backspin is, it cannot be used anywhere on the golf course. The first step in this process is to analyze the lie you have and make sure it is correct for attempting to get backspin. The way I like to think about this is whether or not the golf ball and the clubface will have a clean interaction.

If the face of the club and the golf ball can connect with each other with nothing in between, backspin is a possibility.

When the face of the club and the golf ball has grass or even water that will impact their connection, the chances of backing the ball up can be smaller. When you are trying to get backspin on shots around the green, make sure that the ball is in a lie with shorter grass.

In addition, lies where there is a major slope involved, your ball is in a divot, or you are hitting out of thicker grass, don’t expect much spin.

2. Steepen The Angle of Attack

When your angle of attack is steep, it is much easier to get spin on the ball.

Shallow golf swings are great for long distances, penetrating ball flight, and even a bit of a draw on your golf shots. However, most draw spin is a forward roll, and it doesn’t back up.

To get a golf ball to spin back, you must steepen the angle of attack. I don’t like to think about this too much with my short irons because I feel it changes the swing more than I would like. However, around the greens, I often think about being steeper with my angle of attack and allowing that to stop the ball on the green.

With the wedges on shorter shots where I want a little spin, I feel like the club comes up a little on the takeaway. Instead of it getting wrapped around, I feel a little more upright, and it leads to a steep angle of attack and more spin.

3. Play with a High Spin Golf Ball

A high spin golf ball can help improve the chance of creating backspin in your shots. Something like a Titleist Pro V1 has a much higher chance of spinning than a Callaway Supersoft. The higher-spinning golf balls have a cover that is more reactive, and the grooves on the face combine with the cover on the ball to increase overall spin.

When I switch out the golf ball in my game to try something new, the first thing I will look at is how well it spins around the green. If the golf ball does not spin well, I won’t keep it in play.

If I switch from a four or even five-piece ball down to a two or three-piece ball, the most significant difference I see in performance is the spin.

4. Increase Clubhead Speed a Bit

You have to have enough clubhead speed to get a higher spin rate. Golfers often try to think about having a smooth and easy swing but sometimes, to get the right amount of spin, you will need speed.

Don’t be afraid to get aggressive with your approach shots and your shots around the green. A downward angle of attack combined with some speed will get your golf ball spinning backward.

I never like to think too much about speeding up as it throws off other things in the game at times. However, I can have the thought of being more aggressive to create high spin. I work on getting my weight towards my front foot and ensuring I hit down and through the ball with some extra speed. This helps improve the accuracy and the overall spin on the golf shot.

5. Improve Friction Between Clubface and The Ball

To improve friction between the clubface and the ball, you need to ensure nothing is blocking the ball from interacting on the grooves of your club head.

Simply put: clean your golf clubs!

Playing with dirty clubs makes no sense. There are plenty of cleaning tools on the market to help you get the face of the club clean and the groove clear. Golf grooves need to interact with the dimples if you are going to get backspin.

I see many amateurs make this mistake with their wedges. They think because there are no clumps of dirt on the wedge that it’s good to go. Take a tee and clean the grooves out to ensure that they are clear.

6. Check The Grooves on The Clubhead

Lastly, ensure that the grooves on your golf club are still in good shape. In addition, some golf wedges are better at producing backspin (especially from the rough) than others.

Every year golf manufacturers make improvements to their equipment that help increase overall spin rates. If you are not taking advantage of this and are still hitting wedge shots with a 13-year-old wedge, it may be time to change things up.

Some golf clubs can be regrooved if they are old and need some help to get the grooves back to their original condition. However, for others, it’s just time to make a change.

Best Situations to Use Backspin

Backspin is very often a great help in your game. However, there are times when it is unnecessary. For instance, I would not want my driver to back up. I’m doing all I can to get that one to spin forwards! Here are some times when backspin can help, and you should focus on trying to get more of it in your game.

Short Chips

Hitting short chips around the greens usually means that you don’t have much green to work with. If you need a ball to land on the surface of the putting green and then stop, then you need some backspin.

On longer chips, less backspin is fine because the ball can roll partly to the hole. Ensure that with your short chips, you are being aggressive, you trap the ball a little and hit down and through.

Approach Shots to Fast Greens

Personally, I like having backspin on all of my approach shots to the greens. However, when you are playing faster greens, a higher spin rate is beneficial. With fast greens, its hard to get the ball to stop, as it just continues to roll when it makes contact with the turf.

Hitting a shot with a higher spin rate and fresh grooves certainly increases your chance of being more accurate. Professional golfers would be in a world of trouble without backspin on their iron shots, and wedge shots, the fast greens on the PGA Tour are very difficult to hold without spin.

Sand Trap Shots

Finally, it’s important to have spin on sand shots around the greens. The most important thing when hitting out of a bunker is the ability to be aggressive. If you can hit sand trap shots out of a bunker and be aggressive, you will get the ball to stop on the green and never worry about having to hit out of the bunker a second time.

The great thing about developing backspin out of a bunker is that if you have a clean lie, you can generate spin even easier than you can out of the grass.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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One of the things that I find to be so helpful about a 6 iron is the fact that you can use it for a variety of shots on the golf course. In addition, sometimes the 5 iron starts to feel a little uncomfortable because of its length and lower loft. With the 6 iron, that won’t be a concern.

To start incorporating your 6 iron into your golf game a bit more, you must know how far you can hit it with a 6 iron in your hands. The better contact you can make, the easier it is to get distance, but there are other factors that come into play here.

So if you are curious about how far you should be hitting a 6 iron based on skill, here is the information you need.

How Far You Should Be Hitting a 6 Iron

The major reasons you will hit a golf ball further are the squareness of the strike and the speed at which you swing the golf club. If you can strike the center of the golf club with lots of speed, expect quite a bit more distance.

The easiest way to break this down is to sort golfers by what their handicap is. Let’s look at how far you should be hitting a 6 iron based on your current handicap.

Beginner

A beginner male golfer often hits a 6 iron around 140 yards. Once they get the hang of this club and how it works, the distance can increase to 150-155 yards. Beginner golfers will have trouble getting a high ball flight, so you have to watch out for the line drive shot.

Most beginners should look for a 6 iron with a wide sole that helps improve and increase total launch in the shots they are hitting. As a beginner, if your set only comes with a 7 iron and lower, don’t worry about it; for now, you can add a 6 iron in later.

If you notice your 6 iron and 7 iron are going the same distance, this is common. As your clubhead speed increases, you should see total distance.

High Handicap

High handicap golfers often struggle with hitting the center of the clubface consistently. With the clubface being difficult to make contact with, many high handicappers struggle to get maximum distance from their shots.

With high handicappers, the 6 iron will probably travel about 145-150 yards on average. The issue with distance in this club has more to do with accuracy than with swing speed.

Many higher handicappers have high swing speed, but when it is not applied correctly, the results are unfavorable. If you find that you have more success with hybrid type clubs, don’t be afraid to take the 6 iron out of the bag and switch to something a bit more forgiving.

Mid Handicap

Mid-handicapped golfers tend to have average swing speeds and often hit their 6 iron in the 150-160 yard range. With a modern game improvement 6 iron, you can expect about 155 yards of distance on average.

One thing that can have a significant impact on the mid handicapper’s total distance is the loft of their irons. If your iron loft is a bit on the low side, you may see a longer carry distance.

With changes in the center of gravity positioning over the last few years, mid handicappers have seen more distance in their mid to long irons and a higher ball flight.

Low Handicap

One of the reasons golfers make it to the low handicap range is because they are able to hit the ball far. When you have excellent distance, it makes it easier to cover a long hole in a shorter number of strokes.

Low handicap golfers tend to have fast swing speeds that allow for yardages in the 170-180 yard range for a 6 iron. Low handicappers with slower swing speeds may be in the 160-169 range.

Most low-handicap players use a 6 iron, some mid to high handicappers look for alternatives, but most lower handicappers will go to at least a 4 iron in their set.

Professional

The PGA Tour average for a 6 iron is 180 yards. Some golfers can get it to go 190 and others closer to 178, but this is the general range for a 6 iron. For LPGA Professionals, the averages are slightly lower in the 160 to 170 range. Again this is related to swing speed.

Professional golfers also play with golf clubs that are more traditionally lofted; this means that they are hitting these longer distances with a club with even higher lofts than the one you are using.

If they switched to something like a game improvement iron, the distances they could hit the ball would be even higher!

When to Use Your 6 Iron

The 6 iron is a versatile club; in fact, it is one of my favorites when it comes to controlling ball flight. I don’t like the 6 iron for my short game, although I have seen some golfers learn how to do a bump-and-run shot with the 6. Here are the best ways to use your 6 iron and have better results on the golf course.

Approach Shot To The Green

The 6 iron is best used for a full swing approach shot to the green. You will find out the total yardage that you can hit the 6 and swing away to the center of the green. With the 6 iron being responsive, you can also fade or draw the ball.

When a 6 iron approach shot is struck correctly, expect a high ball flight, plenty of spin, and a generally controlled path or line.

Knock Down Shot

The knockdown shot keeps the ball flight lower so players can get the ball to fly under the wind. With a knockdown shot, you can expect a bit more roll when the ball does hit the green, but you can also get the distance in some of the most challenging conditions.

The loft of the 6-iron is perfect for a knockdown shot. It gives you just the right mix of forgiveness and control that is necessary to hit a shot like this.

Play around with a knockdown shot on the driving range, and you will be surprised at how much you can do with it on the golf course.

Controlled Shot From Tee Box

When standing on the tee box, it’s essential to learn how to control a golf shot. A par 3 is difficult in that you only get one shot to make it perfect. Some golfers can perfect a ¾ type swing with their 6 iron which results in some impressive overall accuracy and control.

I would highly recommend learning how to take a little off of your 6 iron (i.e., not a full swing) and keeping it as accurate as possible; it’s a shot you will continually use on the course.

Other Clubs That Could Replace a 6 Iron

If the 6 iron is not a good fit for your game, you are not alone. There are plenty of golfers that struggle with a 6 iron and the ability it has to get you from point A to point B. Some golfers don’t like the lower loft and the overall look of the club head, while others just don’t feel comfortable.

Here are a few alternatives if you need those exact yardages but don’t want to keep the 6 iron in the golf bag.

6 Hybrid

The 6 hybrid is a perfect option for golfers who are slightly leery of a 6 iron. The 6 hybrid is much easier to launch, has a deeper and lower center of gravity, and can help golfers get a more consistent distance.

What I like about the 6 hybrid is that it is much easier to hit out of the rough than the 6 iron. If you find that you are continually hitting your approach shots into the green from the rough, invest in the 6 hybrid.

Hitting a 6 hybrid and a 6 iron is not all that much different, but the 6 hybrid makes it a bit simpler for the higher handicap player.

13 Wood

Golfers that don’t like the iron or hybrid look can also consider adding in an additional fairway wood. From a loft perspective, the 13 wood will match the 6 iron, but it certainly has some different playability.

With the 13 wood, you will take more of a sweeping type golf swing and get a slightly more penetrating ball flight, as opposed to the high loft you may get with the hybrid.

The 13 wood is a bit longer than a 6 iron, so some golfers also notice a bit more distance.

Utility Club

There are a few   that may get you close in loft and yardage to a 6 iron. However, most companies will stop their utility club production at the 5 iron loft. When utility irons are used, you will sometimes notice a more precise turf interaction.

They tend to have a slightly wider sole and promote a higher launch than the 6 iron itself.

Tips for Hitting Your 6 Iron Further

If you want to get your 6 iron to fly further, you must make a clean strike. I have found that these are some of the best ways to ensure you get the most distance and the best overall results from your 6 iron.

• Always ensure the ball is in the center of your stance; a half-inch forward of the center works as well, but don’t play this off your front or back foot.
• The 6 iron requires plenty of acceleration through impact, don’t slow the swing down to try and increase accuracy; go after the ball.
• Make sure that you finish high, amateur golfers forget to transfer their weight through the ball, and it can cost you a few yards.
• Practice stability and balance off the course so that you can go after the ball a bit more when you are on the course.
• Remember that total distance only matters if you hit the ball straight, make sure your hands and body are working together to get high ball flight, accurate shots, and increased total distance.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Golf scrambles are fun. They give you a way to play golf with friends and enjoy your time on the course without the same stress as you would find when playing your own ball the entire way.

As great as the golf scramble can be from the perspective of fun and games, there is also a bit of strategy involved.

If you want to win your next scramble tournament, here are the tips I have used to bring home quite a few golf scramble trophies through the years!

Background: The Rules of a Golf Scramble Tournament

The basic scramble is most commonly played; however, there are times when you may have a shamble, Texas Scramble, or even a Florida Scramble as your format of choice during a tournament. Here is what you need to know about the rules of a golf scramble tournament.

Traditional Scramble

In a traditional scramble, every player tees off. After the tee shots, the best is selected, and all players hit their shots from this location. This process is continued until you get the ball in the hole. The great thing about a traditional scramble is that you won’t need to play your ball if you hit a bad shot.

Texas Scramble or Shamble

The Texas Scramble or Shamble is where all golfers tee off, and the best shot is selected. From this point, all players will then play their own ball all the way into the hole. With this format, you play a bit more of your golf ball than you do with the Traditional Scramble format.

Florida Scramble

With a Florida Scramble, all golfers tee off, the best shot is selected, and then only three players hit their second shots. After these three shots are hit, the better one is chosen, and the player who hits that shot has to sit out. The process is then continued until the ball is in the hole.

7 Tips for a Winning Golf Scramble Strategy

Winning a golf scramble is a lot of fun. It’s a great way to play with a group of people that all have different handicaps but still get to be competitive together. When you play in a scramble, it’s all about being a great team player.

Don’t get overly worried about your own game; see what you can do to help out your team. Even the highest handicap players often have a chance in the scramble format to save the day and make their score count for the team.

1. Determine an Order

The first thing I recommend doing is establishing an order of play. You must decide who is going to go first on every hole. I like to keep the order the same throughout the entire round of golf.

Most of the time, the best way to do the order is to have the highest handicapped golfers tee off first. When high handicappers tee off and have a good shot, it eases some pressure from the lower handicap golfers.

These lower handicap golfers can now swing freely and get as much power as they can. Once a drive is in the fairway, you will have no trouble working to get some extra distance. If that doesn’t go well and the drive ends up in a bunker or the rough, you still have a straight shot to choose from.

2. Best Putter Putts Last

In addition to making sure that the best hitter goes last off the tee, make sure that the best putter goes last. When you are the best putter, your chance of making the putt is the highest.

If everyone else misses, the last player to go will have watched those three putts and can determine which way they want to play the break. When the best putter goes, there should also be one putt that is a tap-in so that they can go to the hole at full speed and really try to make it.

When playing in a scramble, you can go low, but golfers need to make some fairly long putts, and the good news is that even higher handicappers can do that from time to time.

3. Don’t Always Choose The Shortest Shot

The ball that is closest to the hole is not always the best shot. Take a look at where the pin is on the green and decide which one makes the most sense to play. If the pin is on the left side of the green, you will want to choose an approach shot from the right.

In addition, if one shot is in the rough, play the one from the fairway. Be smart about the shot you are choosing; making up for five or ten yards is not a big deal. Distance is not always the most critical thing in a scramble.

4. Don’t Always Choose The Closest Putt

When your group makes it to the putting green, you have to choose a putt that is most makeable. If you have a 10 foot putt down the hill or a 12 foot putt up the hill, the 12 foot putt is often the better choice.

Be really smart about which putts you decide to use, and make sure that it is a shot that several players in the group feel confident about making. Look at the slope, angles, and grain to determine your most significant percentage of making the putt.

The putting green is where you can earn the most strokes back after a bad hole. Take your time and be selective about your angles.

5. Alternate The Club Hit Off The Tee

One of the biggest mistakes that I have seen players make through the years is trying to have all golfers on the scramble team hit a driver off the par 4’s and par 5s. As long as you have some players in the group that can generate good clubhead speed, you can hit a 3 wood or even a utility iron at times to get a great shot in play.

This is especially important to consider when golfers are playing from different tees. If one of the golfers in the group plays from a shorter tee, let them get a shot in the fairway for you.

On par 3 holes, you will also want to have players alternate the clubs that they are hitting. Pay close attention to the yardage that your playing partners can hit their shots. If somebody can hit the ball 150 with their 7 iron, make sure you base your club selection off of that.

6. Check for The Minimum Number of Drives

Although some four-person scrambles have no extra rules or regulations, there are times when you will find a minimum number of drives is required. This minimum number of drives from each player can become a real issue if you ignore it early on in the game.

It’s usually easy to get two drives from the lowest handicap player, but from the highest handicap player, it can be a bit of a problem.

Make sure that you are working on this process right from the start of your round. Lets’ say the first hole results in a shot by the highest handicap golfer that is in the middle of the fairway but about three yards back from the lowest handicap golfer.

This is the time to check one off the list for the high handicapper.

If you wait until the end of the round, you will get stuck with these requirements and be forced to use a shot from a specific player. I have seen groups come down to the 18th hole, and the only shot they can even take from the tee box is the one outstanding player who has not fulfilled their drive quote.

This is a mistake.

Get those drives crossed off early, and then play the rest of the round, focusing on locking in those birdies and eagles.

7. The Pace of Play Can Be Different

The pace of play during a scramble can be a little different. You may feel like there is a lot of running around and motion, picking up golf balls and getting them to the best spot. Then once you get to that spot, it feels like a lot of waiting.

Prepare yourself for the scramble to be a slightly different pace of play.

Most of the time, things should move faster than they do when everyone plays their own ball, but plenty of beginner golfers play in scrambles and slow things down. Just be mindful that this will be different than a standard round, and you will have a lot more fun and a much better chance of winning your scramble event.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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