The 7-iron is one of the most versatile clubs in any golfer's bag. The standard use of the 7-iron is on a par 4 or par 5, when a golfer is 110 to 190 yards away from the green. Like the 8- and 9-irons, the 7-iron provides the golfer with excellent loft and the ability to land the ball softly. However, a 7-iron can do a lot more than that. If the golfer is playing on a wide open flat course that tends to be dry that rewards the golfer with excellent roll, a golfer may want to close the hood of the club and reduce the striking angle of clubhead to the golf ball. This is a perfect and creative shot to hit when a golfer is not as comfortable with the mid- and long-range irons. A 7-iron also allows the golfer to have quite a bit of versatility around the green. The club is often referred to as a "Texas wedge" because it's much bigger and stronger than a regulation pitching wedge. Instead of taking a full swing with a pitching wedge, a golfer who does not face a water hazard or bunker may want to use his 7-iron to hit his approach shot. Generally, the shot is hit like an extended putt. A firm putting stroke with a 7-iron can work from 40 yards and in and it is generally easy to control.
What to Look for
The most important thing with a 7-iron is the comfort factor. A golfer should never purchase any club that does not fit comfortably in his hands with an overlapping grip. The 7-iron must be long enough to allow the golfer to cut through high grass and weeds if the ball is in the rough but it also must have the subtlety to handle a short shot if that is what the golfer wants to employ. Most players want to use the 7-iron when the green is within range and neither the wedge nor the 9-iron will do the trick. A 7-iron provides a bit more distance, yet it can still be used to shape a shorter shot.
Common Pitfalls
The phrase "Texas Wedge" may be known to a lot of golfers' grandfathers, but many of today's players are not familiar with it. Of course, that does not hold true with the game's more creative players. Tiger Woods would not hesitate to take out his 7-iron and use it as a Texas wedge and bump the ball up to the green. Golf is not a textbook game and the best golfers are not only the ones who hit the longest drives or can sink a 25-foot putt. Sometimes creativity is a necessity and those who don't have the vision or are afraid to invent a shot when the scenario requires a bit of thought will end up paying a price and won't enjoy the round of golf as much as they normally would.
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