First there were long irons and then there were hybrids. But in recent years, utility irons—a mix of a hybrid and long iron—have gained a lot of traction. TaylorMade is pushing forward with new versions of these—called SIM UDI and SIM DHY —designed for different types of players. Both will be available for preorder on August 14 and in stores on September 4
As long irons have increasingly become easier for the majority of players to hit, launching higher and resulting in straighter shots, hybrids have had to evolve as well. But in recent years, equipment makers have come out with versions that offer the best of both worlds—the ease of hitting a hybrid with the flight of an iron. First came GAPR, TaylorMade’s entry into the category—and it is being followed by the new SIM UDI and SIM DHY utility irons.
“For a while it seemed like hybrids would win out, but then irons became easier to hit,” says Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s senior director of product creation. “But it is interesting to see this category evolve, especially since we have clubs that are segmented for different types of golfers.”
SIM DHY
A utility iron that offers a more wood-like performance, but with the comfort of an iron, DHY is a club that offers all-around options and will have broad appeal. This will be the more playable utility iron for a larger audience, with the right amount of spin for the average golfer. A lighter stock shaft will help increase swing speeds, and the DHY will be easy for a majority of players to get in the air.
Who is it for?
If you’re looking for a hybrid-like iron that is easy to hit and works well on those tight holes where you need to get the ball on the fairway off the tee, this is going to be worth considering. If you love your irons, but want the forgiveness of a hybrid, this could be your new favourite club.
SIM UDI
Offering a club that fits right at home in the P790 set, this will offer a higher peak flight and has already found a fan in PGA Tour star Jon Rahm. A very versatile club that PGA Tour pros are going to use to attack longer par-5s, this is a more workable club than the DHY and is aimed at better players. “This is a club that will work for a lot of lower-handicap players,” says Bystedt. “It produces shots at the right height and with the right amount of spin.”
Who is it for?
If you’re the player who loved TaylorMade’s P790 irons because of their mix of looks and distance, the UDI is going to be the right fit for you. Offering the workability the best players expect, it is a natural fit for lower handicaps seeking the most distance off the tee and into longer holes.