Why is 9 iron shorter?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 20, 2026
This is because a shorter shaft brings a player closer to the ball and the shaft more vertical in relation to the ground. The less loft an iron has, the longer the shaft will be, therefore the lie angle will be less.
Is a 9 iron shorter?
The 8 and 9 irons are commonly called the "short irons". They have the highest-mass clubheads and the shortest shafts of the numbered irons, and are used for shots requiring high loft or moderate to short distance (typically between 130 and 150 yards with a full swing).
Why are some irons shorter?
As a club is longer (as well as lighter), then it can be swung faster up to a limit. The increased length provides greater leverage and speed to hit the ball further if solid contact is to be made. Shorter clubs are designed not for length, but rather precision.
Are shorter irons better?
A shorter club technically should improve control and accuracy. A longer club technically should increase distance. A club that is properly fitted in terms of the length of the shaft will maximize accuracy and distance.
How do I know if I need shorter golf clubs?
If a player has clubs that are too short, they will usually bend over too much from the waist in their address position. Conversely, clubs that are too long will require the player to stand too erect. Both of these subconscious adjustments could potentially make their swing motion less effective than it should be.
31 related questions foundWhy can't I hit my longer irons?
Update from a scratch golfer
The main reason hitting long irons is difficult for an amateur is the fact that they do not turn their shoulders to hit the golf ball. They use their hands and arms to drag the body back on the backswing and pull the body forward on the downswing.
How far do pros hit a 9 iron?
According the Leaderboard website, PGA Tour players' average 4-iron shots travel 210 to 220 yards (including the roll). They can hit 5-iron shots 195 to 205 yards; 6-iron shots 180 to 190 yards; 7-iron shots 165 to 180 yards; 8-iron shots 150 to 170 yards; and 9-iron shots 140 to 155 yards.
Should I use single length irons?
Single-length iron sets could be a good option for beginners and high handicappers. This group would only have to use one iron setup, which could accelerate learning. And they'd likely struggle less with longer-than-standard scoring clubs than with standard-length long irons.
Do pros use one length irons?
Bryson Dechambeau is the most well-known player on tour that uses the one length irons. The thing is he is not the first professional ever to try this technology.
Do any pro golfers use single length irons?
DeChambeau is currently the only Tour player who uses single-length irons, but Norman said he thinks that could change in the future.
Can I use a 9 iron instead of a pitching wedge?
The loft of the 9 iron is generally about 4 degrees lower than that of a regular pitching wedge. Golfers use the 9-iron to hit longer. Most players hit their 9 iron from 120 to 150 yards. On the other hand, the pitching wedge is a true score club with which you will be familiar.
How far does Tiger Woods hit a 9-iron?
His long irons (2- to 4-iron) range from 250 to 200 yards. His middle irons (5, 6, 7) range from 208 to 172 yards. His 8-iron travels 158 yards, and 9-iron flies 142.
How far does Rory McIlroy hit a 5 iron?
According to Rory McIlroy's stock yardages, the Northern Irishman hits his 9-iron 163 yards and he hits his 5-iron 219 yards. He is currently the second-longest driver on the PGA Tour and he averages 326 yards with the big stick.
How far does Dustin Johnson hit a 7 iron?
Dustin Johnson is the world's #1 professional golfer who is a threat to win on any course and in any tournament. He has numerous PGA Tour wins and one of his strengths is his short iron game and he regularly hits a 7 iron for 200 yards.
Do range balls go shorter?
Expect that range balls will fly 10-15% shorter than normal and if you're using a limited flight range ball, then expect 25-30% shorter distances to result.
Why do I hit my 3 wood farther than my driver?
Players who hit their 3- or 5-wood as far or longer than their driver are typically using too little loft with the driver for their clubhead speed. You know, it's a funny thing with the driver and its loft compared to the other clubs in the bag.
How far do average golfers actually hit it?
Driving distance figures from the R&A and USGA's most recent Distance Report show that the average hit by an amateur male club golfer is 215 yards. Five handicaps and below average 240 yards, 6-12 handicaps average 220 yards, 13-20 handicaps average 204 yards and 21 and overs average 187 yards.
What is the hardest iron to hit?
A 1-iron is the hardest iron to hit because it is the longest and has the lowest loft of between 14° and 16°. The rise of hybrid clubs to replace long irons however means in the modern game 1-irons and 2-irons are very rare indeed resulting in 3-irons and 4-irons in reality being the most difficult irons to hit.
Why is a 1 iron so hard to hit?
The main reason that a 1 iron is so hard to hit is because of its loft. At just 14 or 16 degrees, this makes it extremely difficult for recreational golfers to hit consistently good shots with the desired trajectory.
Why do I hit my irons all the same distance?
The first factor is speed. Without a good amount of club head speed or with a decelerating club head, it will seem that all your clubs fly the same. Sometimes when this is the case even shorter clubs can fly further. Imagine a 90 year old that is stiff and can't move quickly.
What happens if my irons are too short?
What Happens When Golf Clubs Are Too Short? For most golfers, having clubs that are too short will be better than if they're too long, but can still result in inconsistent shots. Clubs that are too short will make you stand bent over, which can cause back pain. You'll also have the tendency to push the ball a lot.
How long should my irons be for my height?
Using the ratio of every 6" of height there should be a 1" change in length then there should be a 1 ½" difference between their 5-irons. For example, recommend 36.5" for the lady and 38" for the man (or 36.75" / 38.25").