Choosing the right golf irons doesn’t have to be a super-complicated task, but it does require answering a few questions about a golfer’s skill level and desired performance.

For beginners and high handicappers, finding a set of irons with oversized heads is the way to go. That usually means a deep cavity back, wide sole, and perimeter-focused weighting that makes the club more forgiving, and a lower center of gravity that helps the ball get airborne. A ball that’s not hit on the sweet spot has a better chance of becoming a successful golf shot with the oversized heads, which is what golfers at this level are looking for.

Low handicappers who are confident in their ball-striking abilities are better off with a blade head. It’s not nearly as forgiving as the oversize, but offers much more control. It’s much easier to work the ball where a golfer wants it to go with the blade head, but the trick there is to hit the ball in the right spot.

Players with mid-range handicaps should go with midsize heads, which offer a larger sweet spot and lower center of gravity, and more control than an oversized head. They offer a greater degree of workability while still being forgiving enough to keep slight mis-hits from becoming disasters. Like the oversized heads, these usually have a cavity-back design, but one that is less pronounced than in the game improvement models.

Whether a golfer is just starting out or a scratch player, it’s always useful to get fitted by a reputable pro shop. Among other things, that will help to ensure that the shaft size and flex are appropriate for each golfer. As a general rule, the slower the swing speed, the more flexible the shaft should be to ensure greater distance. Stronger players will find that a stiff shaft helps their accuracy.