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Like the tools on a carpenter’s pegboard, each club in the bag performs a specific job – in the case of utility irons, a very specific one. These clubs, descendants of the old driving iron, are in abundance at the Open Championship – 75 were in play last year. Especially in the wind, they let elite players hit longer shots lower. Are they a better option for you over a hybrid or a 7 or 9-wood? Well, what are you trying to achieve? A utility iron’s flexible face and deeper centre of gravity adds speed and stability, with more shot-making versatility than a typical wood-like club, but they won’t offer the forgiveness and easier  launch of a fairway wood. If you hit those clubs too high, the utility iron is a good choice. It’s all about matching the tool to the task.