A new category for this year’s Teezy Awards is the “Top Utility Iron”.
Utility irons are a great club to have in your bag for a variety of reasons. First of all, they’re great for golfers who haven’t necessarily gone “all-in” on hybrid clubs. They’re a great crossover for these golfers. Secondly, they’re great for hitting short pars and even deadlier when needing to hit a “stinger” into the wind. Typically, utility irons are more forgiving than a 3 or 4-iron. Lastly, they’re great for specialty shots for hitting a “bump and run” shots from underneath trees.
Scoring in this category was out of 50 points with 10 points being allocated for each of the following.
- Performance
- Aesthetics
- Feel
- Innovation
- Price Point
Here are your Teezy Award winners for the Top Utility Iron.
Gold – Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Ti-Utility (47/50)
Innovation. It isn’t a word that comes to my mind when I think of utility irons. However, the EXS 220 Ti-Utility changed my thinking on this frame of mind. In terms of construction, a hollow-bodied design doesn’t wow me. But when you factor in design ideas like “combo brazing” eliminating welds, a Beta-Titanium face (L-Face) that wraps around the leading edge, SpeedTested shafts, and a small feature like a “Notch Hosel” for easier bending for fitters you win me over. Typically, I’m 2* Flat. The EXS 220 Ti-Utility has stunning looks. A thin top line and not much in the way of offset. It’s offered in two finishes chrome and black. The performance was off of the charts in terms of swinging it for it’s intended purpose. Cheating the wind. What a club! $199.99 USD
Silver – Wilson Staff Model Utility (44/50)
When I left the PGA Show, I thought that this was the winner of the category. I first fell in love with this club when I saw it back in October, it was under embargo then. As far as swinging it goes, it was worth the wait. The ball jumps off of the face with a serious “snap” sound. It’s forgiving too! At the time, when I made swings with the Staff Model Utility, the wind was right in our face. The ball penetrated and never ballooned. The looks. I love the retro look of this club with its minimalist design. The Staff Utility reminds me of another utility iron that brought a smile to my face. Their FG Tour V4 Utility iron. $229.99 USD
Bronze – Lynx Golf Prowler VT Stinger (43/50)
Winning the Bronze Medal for the Utility Iron category was the Prowler VT Stinger from Lynx Golf. If the silver medal winner is considered minimalist than I’m not sure what this head would be. This is the cleanest looking head in the category with not much in the way of “glam”. One thing that bothered me about it though was the offset or hosel design. I still haven’t been able to figure it out. But, the Prowler VT Stinger delivers. A hollow-bodied design featuring a forged face and a cast body the Prowler VT Stinger delivers. This club while being minimal in design definitely performs its purpose. I really enjoyed sending this utility iron down-range. Straight as a laser-beam and I could envision this swinging club just watching my golf ball chase down the fairway on hardpan, links-style golf courses. $129.99 USD (Steel)
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee
"The Next Tee (TNT)" 