The choice of clubs between a golfer's driver and longest iron is often the most neglected section of the bag, when in reality it is a great way to save yourself shots out on the course.
Many amateur golfers spent time and money concentrating on getting the perfect wedge setup but they seem to forget that the area where they actually show the largest difference in quality compared to the tour pros is with approaches from 150 yards and longer.
TaylorMade has recognised this and so they have introduced two new models to the 'utility iron' category to provide golfers with more assistance and more choice in an area which they describe as 'critical'.
Imagine if you could start hitting that 210 yard par-3 green regularly, or reach the par 4s that measure well over 400 yards? With the new TaylorMade SIM UDI and SIM DHY utility irons, that could soon become a reality.
'Shaped For Versatility'
One of the key talking points with the new SIM range when it was released earlier this year was the shape - so much so, that SIM actually stands for 'Shape In Motion'. This continues into the utility irons, as two different head shapes help to contribute to slight differences in performance between the two.
The SIM DHY features a larger overall footprint with a thicker top line, wider sole and shallower profile for hybrid-like forgiveness.
The larger shape is intended to inspire more confidence at address but still looks relatively sleek.
The SIM UDI looks like more of a traditional iron with a thinner top line and narrower sole, giving golfers a little more workability with their shots.
Both the UDI and DHY feature a rounded shape on the sole from heel to toe which is reminiscent of the V Steel construction of the SIM Max Rescue, which has found its way into the bags of PGA Tour stars including Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.
The idea of this is to improve the versatility of the iron as true 'utility' clubs so that they can be used from a variety of different lies rather than just as 'driving irons' off the tee. TaylorMade are basically looking to give you the forgiveness and versatility of a hybrid, but with the look and feel of an iron.
Both models have a hollow body construction, along with a forged C300 steel face which is also seen in the SIM Max Fairway Woods as well as the Rescue.
This is an ultra-strong steel which, as well as providing a forged feel, helps to boost ball speeds to give you a little more distance at the top end of the bag.
TaylorMade SIM DHY Utility Iron
The SIM DHY is a 'driving hybrid' that TaylorMade says has been designed with versatility and forgiveness, with a low and deep CG placement for easy launch with a mid-to-high trajectory.
They have also improved their SpeedFoam material to make it 35% more dense than the foam used in their previous iron models, and is lighter to allow the CG to be moved further back in the head which produces the higher launch characteristics.
The foam is injected through a TPS port which is filled with a heavy screw, again driving the CG even lower.
The brand says that the SIM DHY is the ideal complement to their fairway woods, while also providing a forgiving, easy-to-hit alternative to long irons.
The SIM DHY is available from 4th September at an RRP of £229 and comes in lofts of 17°, 19°, 22° and 25° in both right and left handed options. It features a graphite Mitsubishi Diamana Limited shaft and Lamkin Crossline 360 grip.
TaylorMade SIM UDI
The SIM UDI stands for 'Ultimate Driving Iron' and is said to have been designed with the insights of the best players in the game. With a stable including the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson, that's going to be pretty useful...
Despite being geared slightly more towards the 'better player' it still has a confidence-inspiring profile at address and is designed to be able to control shot shape and ball flight.
This is achieved in part by positioning the TPS port in the rear of the clubhead which actually raises the CG slightly to promote a lower launch and more of a penetrating ball flight - ideal for a golfer who wants both control and versatility with their long game.
There are aggressive score lines along with a C300 face and SpeedFoam injection to give this the feel of a forged iron, despite showing the benefits of a hollow bodied construction.
The SIM UDI is available from 4th September and priced at £229, and is available in lofts of 18° or 20°. They come equipped with a Mitsubishi Diamana Thump shaft as well as a Lamkin Crossline 360 grip.
Are you somebody who needs to pay more attention to their setup at the top end of the bag? Do you prefer to use a hybrid or have you tried a utility irons for that extra bit of versatility?
We can't wait to get out on the course and test these two irons to see whether they can save some shots off the tee and on longer approaches into the green!
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TaylorMade SIM Max Rescue Review
Titleist U500 and U510 Utility Irons Review