One of the biggest trends in golf equipment over the last decade or so has been the re-birth of utility irons, as golfers look for alternatives to hybrids and long irons which offer the workability and forgiveness that they need at the top end of the bag.
TaylorMade have been one of the brands who have offered these driving irons for quite a while, with the likes of the P790, SIM and Stealth lines all offering a utility iron.
The latest addition to this comes in the form of the new P-UDI and P-DHY, giving golfers two different options depending on their skill level to optimise performance at the top end of the bag.
The reason for two different utility irons is because more and more mid-handicap golfers want to be able to use them, but need a little more help than the tour players and elite handicappers. Therefore, the UDI is geared more for better players, whilst the DHY is aimed at golfers between 6-18 handicap.
“As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P-UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P-Series product and P-DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they
are looking for.”
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge, TaylorMade Golf.
The two models have been designed to fit in with the rest of the P-Series range, with a pearl satin finish and 'mirror black' ridge across the middle of the head. The P-UDI in particular takes inspiration from Tour player feedback, creating a traditional shape which inspires confidence and is still easy to hit.
The P-UDI has a narrower sole width than the P-DHY, although it has a more compact head shape than the P790 which makes it ideal for golfers who use one of the other irons in the series.
The P-UDI has a traditional shape with raised face height, slimmer toplines and less offset than in previous TaylorMade UDI irons, with a slight bit of the back cavity visible at address for more confidence.
The P-DHY is focused on CG placement through shaping, with a taller toe height and more backbar visible from address, as well as a lower face profile that moves the CG lower for easier launch.
The wider sole aids in additional forgiveness through the turf while providing versatility.
Both irons feature a new weighting structure, as well as established TaylorMade technologies including a high-speed 4140 face, SpeedFoam Air, Thru Slot Speed Pocket and up to 26g of tungsten weighting.
They also use a thick-thin back wall construction, sound stabilisation bar and deliberately placed mass to maximise forgiveness.
The P-UDI has a mid CG right behind the centre of the face, to promote more of a penetrating mid-low ball flight, while the P-DHY has a lower CG for an easy launching mid-high ball flight. Compared to a hybrid or higher lofted fairway, both utilities are still on the lower end.
TaylorMade's testing shows that the P-UDI is more forgiving than the P790, whilst the P-DHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire family, making it the perfect option for a golfer seeking a long iron replacement.
Available from 3rd May, the P-UDI and P-DHY are priced at an RRP of £229 and come in both right and left handed offerings.
They have an UST Mamiya Recoil DART shaft and Golf Pride Z-Grip.
The P-UDI is available in 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22°, with the P-DHY in 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22°.
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