In the world of golf clubs, few debates are as common as forged vs. cast irons. You’ll often hear golfers and industry experts alike discussing which is better. But the truth is, many of the perceived differences between forged and cast irons are based on long-standing myths. At Haywood Golf, we believe it’s important to look beyond the manufacturing process and focus on what really matters: finding the right model for your game.
Let’s dive into some common myths about forged and cast irons, and help you figure out which is the right fit for you.
Myth 1: Forged Clubs Are Only for Better Players
There’s a widespread belief that forged irons are strictly for low-handicap or more advanced players, while cast clubs are for higher-handicappers. While there’s some truth in the origins of this idea, it doesn’t hold up as much today. Forged irons typically had less flexibility in shaping and weight distribution compared to cast irons, which historically made them less forgiving. However, with advancements in technology, you’ll find forged clubs that can offer forgiveness and cast clubs that provide excellent control.
At Haywood, our CB (Cavity Back) and MB (Muscle Back) forged irons cater to mid to lower-handicap players who want precision and control. But our PD.1 irons, a cast model, are also designed for lower- to mid-handicappers, offering both power and precision. It’s less about the material and more about the club’s design that matters.
Takeaway: Don’t automatically assume that forged clubs are beyond your skill level or that cast clubs are just for beginners. Focus on finding clubs that match your playing style, not just the method of construction.
Myth 2: Forged Clubs Feel Softer
One of the most common myths is that forged clubs have a "softer" feel compared to cast clubs. While it’s true that many golfers describe the sensation of a forged iron as softer, this isn’t wholly due to the material or the manufacturing process. The feel largely comes from the geometry of the clubhead itself.
Forged clubs typically have a more compact design, with weight placed directly behind the ball. This design leads to a solid feel at impact, which many players interpret as softness. On the other hand, most cast clubs often have more perimeter weighting to enhance forgiveness, leading to a different feel.
At Haywood, our forged CB and MB models deliver that classic "soft" feel thanks to their compact, player-focused designs. The CB irons offer a bit more forgiveness, with subtle perimeter weighting to help with off-center hits. In contrast, our two-piece cast SV.2 Game Improvement Irons, designed for mid- to higher-handicap players, provide a different feel—one centered on forgiveness and distance. The difference in feel isn’t so much about the material but rather the club’s design and weight distribution. With advanced materials and foam-filled construction, the SV.2 irons offer one of the softest feelings you can get from a cast club, bridging the gap between performance and feel.
Takeaway: Feel is subjective and is more influenced by the club’s design than whether it’s forged or cast. Focus on the model’s features and how they fit your needs rather than the construction process.
Myth 3: Forged Clubs Are Easier to Shape Shots With
It’s often said that forged clubs make it easier to shape your shots. While it’s true that many forged irons offer more shot control, this isn’t because they’re forged. The key factor here is the club’s center of gravity (CG) and weighting.
Forged irons typically have a CG that’s closer to the face, allowing for more control over trajectory and spin, which helps advanced players shape their shots. Cast clubs, often designed with a deeper CG and more perimeter weighting, are generally more forgiving on mishits and help launch the ball higher.
That said, the design is what dictates shot-shaping ability, not whether a club is forged or cast. If a cast club were designed with the same CG and mass distribution as a forged blade, you’d get the same shot-shaping benefits.
Takeaway: If you’re looking for shot-shaping capabilities, focus on the design of the clubhead, not whether it’s forged or cast.
What Really Matters: Choosing the Right Iron for You
At the end of the day, the debate between forged and cast irons shouldn’t be your main focus. What’s most important is finding a club that matches your game and helps you improve. Whether you’re after the shot-shaping precision of the forged MB iron or the forgiveness of the cast SV.2, the key is finding the right fit for your needs.
Final Takeaway: Don’t get caught up in the forged vs. cast debate. Instead, focus on getting properly fitted for a set of clubs that provide the feel, forgiveness, and workability that suit your game best. Once you have the right design for your swing and skill level, you’ll care less about how the clubs were made and more about how well they perform.