What Is an AW Golf Iron? (And Why You Need One)

What Is an AW Golf Iron?

The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots, from approach shots to chip shots. It is typically played with a slightly more lofted swing than a standard iron, and it can help you to get the ball close to the hole from a variety of distances.

In this article, we will discuss the AW golf iron in more detail. We will cover its history, its unique design features, and how to use it effectively. We will also provide some tips on choosing the right AW golf iron for your game.

So, if you are interested in learning more about this versatile club, read on!

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
What is an AW golf iron? The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots, including approach shots, long iron shots, and even some short fairway woods. The AW golf iron is typically lofted between 44 and 48 degrees, and has a slightly shorter shaft than other irons.
When should you use an AW golf iron? The AW golf iron is a good choice for shots that are between 150 and 200 yards from the green. It can also be used for shots that are slightly longer or shorter, depending on the player’s preference. The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used by golfers of all skill levels. It is a good choice for players who are looking for a club that can be used for a variety of shots.

1. What is an AW golf iron?

Definition of an AW golf iron

An AW golf iron, also known as a sand wedge, is a specialized club designed for playing out of sand bunkers. It has a wide sole and a deep, scooped-out face that helps to get the ball out of the sand with a minimum of digging. AW golf irons typically have a loft of between 54 and 58 degrees, and they are typically played with a relatively steep swing.

History of the AW golf iron

The AW golf iron is a relatively new club, with its origins dating back to the early 1900s. The first AW golf irons were designed by Scottish golf course architect Harry Colt, and they were originally used to play out of the rough. However, it wasn’t long before golfers realized that the AW golf iron was also very effective for playing out of sand bunkers.

Different types of AW golf irons

There are a few different types of AW golf irons available on the market, each with its own unique set of features.

  • Standard AW golf irons have a loft of between 54 and 58 degrees, and they are typically used for playing out of sand bunkers.
  • Lofted AW golf irons have a loft of between 60 and 64 degrees, and they are typically used for playing out of very deep sand bunkers.
  • Utility AW golf irons have a loft of between 48 and 52 degrees, and they are typically used for playing out of the rough.

2. How to use an AW golf iron?

Grip and stance

The grip and stance you use for an AW golf iron will depend on the type of shot you are trying to hit. For a standard sand bunker shot, you will want to use a slightly wider stance than you would for a full swing. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be slightly flexed. Your grip should be slightly stronger than you would use for a full swing, and your club should be positioned just above your left shoulder.

Swinging the club

The swing for an AW golf iron is similar to the swing for a full swing, but it is more compact. You should start your swing with your arms extended in front of you, and your clubhead should be just above your left shoulder. As you swing back, your arms should stay close to your body, and your clubhead should swing up and over your shoulder. At the top of your swing, your clubhead should be pointing at the sky.

As you start to swing down, your arms should uncoil and your clubhead should come down in a steep arc. Your wrists should stay firm throughout the swing, and your clubhead should strike the ball just below its equator.

Aiming the club

When aiming your club for an AW golf iron shot, you will want to take into account the lie of the ball and the slope of the green. If the ball is in a deep sand bunker, you will need to aim your club slightly farther back than you would for a normal shot. If the green is sloped, you will need to aim your club slightly uphill or downhill, depending on the direction of the slope.

The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots. By understanding the different types of AW golf irons and how to use them, you can improve your game and score more birdies.

Here are some additional tips for using an AW golf iron:

  • Practice your sand bunker shots regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at hitting the ball out of the sand.
  • Don’t be afraid to use a lofted AW golf iron if you are in a deep sand bunker. A lofted club will help you get the ball out of the sand with a minimum of digging.
  • Be patient. It takes time to learn how to use an AW golf iron effectively. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit every shot perfectly. Just keep practicing, and you will eventually see improvement.

3. Where to use an AW golf iron?

The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used in a variety of situations on the golf course. It is typically used for shots from around the green, but it can also be used for tee shots and approach shots.

On the golf course

The AW golf iron is most commonly used for shots from around the green. It is a good choice for shots that are between 100 and 150 yards from the green. The AW iron has a high loft, which makes it easy to get the ball up in the air and land it softly on the green. It also has a relatively wide sole, which makes it stable and easy to hit.

The AW golf iron can also be used for tee shots and approach shots. It is a good choice for tee shots on par 3 holes that are not too long. The AW iron can also be used for approach shots on par 4 and par 5 holes. It is a good choice for shots that are between 150 and 200 yards from the green.

In the bag

The AW golf iron is a good choice for golfers who have a gap in their bag between their pitching wedge and their sand wedge. The AW iron fills this gap and provides a club that can be used for a variety of shots around the green.

The AW golf iron is also a good choice for golfers who are looking for a club that they can use for both tee shots and approach shots. The AW iron is a versatile club that can be used in a variety of situations on the golf course.

4. Pros and cons of using an AW golf iron

Advantages of using an AW golf iron

  • The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots around the green.
  • The AW iron has a high loft, which makes it easy to get the ball up in the air and land it softly on the green.
  • The AW iron has a relatively wide sole, which makes it stable and easy to hit.
  • The AW golf iron is a good choice for golfers who have a gap in their bag between their pitching wedge and their sand wedge.
  • The AW golf iron is a good choice for golfers who are looking for a club that they can use for both tee shots and approach shots.

Disadvantages of using an AW golf iron

  • The AW golf iron is not as long as a pitching wedge or a sand wedge.
  • The AW iron is not as forgiving as a pitching wedge or a sand wedge.
  • The AW golf iron is not as versatile as a pitching wedge or a sand wedge.

The AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots around the green. It is a good choice for golfers who have a gap in their bag between their pitching wedge and their sand wedge. It is also a good choice for golfers who are looking for a club that they can use for both tee shots and approach shots.

What is an AW golf iron?

An AW golf iron is a specialized club designed for use on approach shots to the green. It typically has a loft of around 45 degrees and a relatively narrow sole, making it ideal for playing shots from tight lies or around bunkers. AW irons are typically used by more experienced golfers who have the ability to control their swing and hit the ball with accuracy.

What are the advantages of using an AW golf iron?

There are several advantages to using an AW golf iron, including:

  • Accuracy: The narrow sole of an AW iron makes it easier to control the clubhead and hit the ball with accuracy, even from difficult lies.
  • Distance control: The loft of an AW iron is typically between 45 and 50 degrees, which makes it a good choice for shots that require a controlled distance.
  • Spin control: The narrow sole of an AW iron also helps to create spin, which can be useful for stopping the ball on the green or for creating a draw or fade.

**What are the disadvantages of using an AW golf iron?

There are a few disadvantages to using an AW golf iron, including:

  • Difficulty: AW irons are typically more difficult to hit than other types of irons, due to their narrow soles and higher lofts.
  • Limited versatility: AW irons are not as versatile as other types of irons, and they are not typically used for shots from long distances or off the tee.
  • Cost: AW irons are typically more expensive than other types of irons.

**When should I use an AW golf iron?

AW irons are best used for approach shots to the green from around 150 yards or less. They can also be used for shots from tight lies or around bunkers. If you are a beginner golfer, you may want to avoid using an AW iron until you have developed more of your swing and are able to hit the ball with accuracy.

**What are some tips for using an AW golf iron?

Here are a few tips for using an AW golf iron:

  • Take a slightly wider stance than you would for other types of irons. This will help to stabilize your swing and prevent you from swaying.
  • Grip the club lightly and focus on making a smooth, controlled swing. Avoid trying to swing too hard, as this will only make it more difficult to hit the ball with accuracy.
  • Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball until after you have made contact. This will help you to make a solid contact and hit the ball where you intended.

**What is the difference between an AW golf iron and a sand wedge?

AW irons and sand wedges are both specialized clubs designed for use on approach shots to the green. However, there are some key differences between the two clubs.

  • Loft: AW irons typically have a loft of around 45 degrees, while sand wedges have a loft of around 56 degrees. This means that sand wedges are more lofted and can be used for shots from longer distances.
  • Sole: The sole of an AW iron is typically narrower than the sole of a sand wedge. This makes it easier to control the clubhead and hit the ball with accuracy, even from difficult lies.
  • Spin control: AW irons typically create less spin than sand wedges. This can be useful for shots that require a controlled distance or for shots that need to be stopped on the green.

**Which club should I use for an approach shot to the green?

The best club to use for an approach shot to the green will depend on the distance to the green, the lie of the ball, and the conditions of the course. If you are unsure of which club to use, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a club that is more lofted. This will give you more margin for error and help you to hit the ball closer to the hole.

the AW golf iron is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots. It is typically played from the fairway or rough, and it can be used to hit both long and short shots. The AW iron is a great club to have in your bag if you want to be able to hit a variety of shots with one club.

Here are some key takeaways regarding the AW golf iron:

  • The AW iron is typically played from the fairway or rough.
  • It can be used to hit both long and short shots.
  • It is a great club to have in your bag if you want to be able to hit a variety of shots with one club.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.

GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.

Welcome to GolfPGAChampionship.com – let’s make every swing count!