The 5-iron is typically used when the ball is 160 yards or less from the hole. According to Golf Magazine, selecting the size and material for your golf shaft is essential for deciding on an optimal set of club irons for your strength and skill level. While some manufacturers can customize irons to meet the needs of individual golfers, the standard length of a 5-iron golf club is 38 inches.
Five Iron Anatomy
According to the Leader Board website, the average 5-iron has a loft angle of 28 degrees, a length of 38 inches and a distance of 160 yards when swung by an experienced golfer. The 5-iron is a popular choice for golfers who have already hit the ball from the tee and still have a fair distance from the green that the ball needs to travel.
Comparing Golf Iron Lengths
Golf irons are rated in numbers from 1 to 9 with the loft angle ranging from 11 degrees on a 1-iron to 41 degrees on a 9-iron. The length of each iron corresponds with the amount of distance it can achieve. For instance, a 4-iron with the length of 38-1/2 inches and a distance of 170 yards is both longer and achieves higher range than a 9-iron that is 36 inches and is used to reach a distance of 120 yards.
When To Use a Five Iron
Although Golf Digest claims that 5-irons might soon be phased out by the more modern, hybrid golf clubs, 5-irons still offer a high amount of versatility for golfers. Set in the middle of the irons, the 5-iron can be an effective choice when you are needing to gain 130 to 160 yards toward the hole. The five iron is less likely to over-shoot than a fairway wood or 3-iron, and its steeper loft angle makes it a possible choice when stuck in a shallow sand trap. For best results, get familiar with the distance of your 5-iron at a driving range.
Safety Considerations
Like all golf clubs, swinging a 5-iron can cause sprain or injury if done improperly. If you are a beginning golfer or are unsure of the best technique for hitting an iron, ask a golf teacher to guide you through the swing. Talk to your doctor or personal physician to make sure you are fit enough to begin seriously engaging in golfing, and always stretch and warm-up before playing.
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