What is a 7 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance & Loft

It’s a golf club that instructors teach students how to swing with because if you can hit a 7 iron, you can hit any club in the bag. 

Today we’ll cover what is a 7 iron golf club, average 7 iron loft, tips to hit it more consistently, and more. 

7 Iron Golf Club

A 7 iron is a very versatile club that is a staple when it comes to learning the golf swing. If you are just starting out, the 7 iron is a great club to learn with.

Similar to an 8 iron, this mid-iron is used primarily for full swing shots. It’s also occasionally used for shorter shots like a bump and run but not very often. 

Before getting into the different shots to hit with this club, let’s get into the specifications of a 7-iron. 

7 Iron Length

So, what is a standard 7 iron length? How long should a 7 iron be for men’s clubs? 

If you’re shorter or taller than the average male it might make sense to get a custom fitting in case you need shafts cut down or extended. 

As a general rule, the longer the club, the more distance you will be able to hit the ball. However, it is also more difficult to control a longer club.

If you are an average golfer or just starting out, it is probably best to stick with a standard length club. 

Related Article: What is a 5 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance and Loft

Average 7 Iron Loft and Lie Angle 

The loft of the 7 iron is between 30 and 35 degrees, depending on the make and model of the iron set. Beginner sets – known as game-improvement clubs – usually have less loft which help add more distance.

But paired with the right shaft combo won’t negatively affect trajectory and green stopping power. 

In general, a standard 7 iron is designed for a medium trajectory ball flight. This means that it will not be too high or too low and swing mechanics plus clubhead speed play a big role. 

If you are looking for a club that you can hit a bit higher, you might want to consider an 8 iron or 9 iron. These clubs have a slightly higher loft and will produce a higher ball flight. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a club that you can hit a bit lower, you might want to consider a 6 iron or 5 iron. These clubs have a slightly lower loft and will produce a lower shot.

Lastly, the lie angle with a 7-iron is generally around 62 degrees. A fitter can always change the lie based on your swing (flat swing vs. upright swing).  

Average 7 Iron Distance

This mid-range club usually travels between 130 – 170 yards depending on clubhead speed and mechanics.

The shaft also plays a big role in how far you can hit a 7 iron; graphite shafts are lighter and can add yards to your 7 iron distance. While steel shafts can help improve accuracy when hitting into greens. 

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Professional golfers and skilled amateurs might hit it between 160–190 yards and slightly higher due to a faster swing. 

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When Should You Use a 7 Iron Golf Club?

A 7 iron is primarily used for full swing shots from the fairway, rough, or on the tee box on par 3s. Thanks to the higher loft than longer irons it’s also a decent option to hit out of the fairway bunker too. 

Here are some other scenarios to hit a 7 iron:

• Fairway bunkers without a tall lip. 
• Knockdown shots when playing in the wind.
• Decent lie in the rough – you might want to avoid hitting if it’s a very thick lie. 
• If you are under trees and need to hit a low shot, the 7 iron can help you do that.
• If you are teeing off on a Par 3, the 7 iron is usually a good choice. This club can help you get the ball up in the air and onto the green quickly.
• If you are around the green and need a bump and run shot, a 7-iron is a pretty dependable option (as long as you have plenty of green to work with). 

What Are Some Pros and Cons of Using a 7 Iron?

Like with any club, there are both pros and cons to using a 7 iron.  

Pros: 

• Easier to hit than long irons. 
• Good option when laying up. 
• Can use for punch shots under trees. 
• Good for approach shots into par 3s and par 4s. 
• Probably the best golf club to use on the range and improve your iron game. 

Cons: 

• Not as much power as some of the other clubs.
• Might be difficult to control if you don’t have a lot of experience with it.

How to Use a 7 Iron Golf Club

Learning how to hit a 7 iron is key to becoming a consistent golfer. Let’s get into the setup and swing adjustments to help you hit this club more consistently.

Ball Position 

The ball position for a 7 iron is different from shorter irons and should be just ahead of the middle of your stance. This will help you make solid contact with the ball and produce a mid-flight trajectory.

If you need to hit a higher shot, move the ball slightly further up in your stance. If you need to flight a lower shot move the ball more toward the middle of your stance. 

Weight Distribution 

To hit mid-irons you’ll want slightly more weight on your front foot at setup – about 55/45 distribution.

Keep your sternum center in the backswing, and don’t allow your weight to go too far back on your back foot. As you come down hit the ball first and then the ground for optimal contact. 

Good Tempo

When you swing a 7 iron, you want to make a smooth, sweeping motion. The club should move up and down in a smooth arc like Freddy Couples.

The loft will do the work for you so don’t swing too hard. 

Shaft Angle at Impact

Finally, make sure to get the hands ahead of the ball at impact. This will help you hit a solid shot with a small, bacon sized divot. 

Related Article: What is a 6 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance and Loft

Closing Thoughts 

A 7 iron golf club is a weapon that you use for all types of shots. The 7 iron length makes it easy to control while the loft helps get the ball in the air easily. 

To hit it and the rest of your irons well make sure to get the right shaft flex (stiff, regular, lite, etc.). Also, don’t forget to consider graphite vs. steel as well as it can have a big impact on distance and trajectory. 

To recap,

• A 7-iron loft is between 30–35 degrees.
• Is shorter than a 6-iron or longer irons making it easier to control
• Used for a variety of shots from the fairway, rough, tee box, and fairway bunkers.
• Usually has a distance from 130 to 170 yards depending on skill level and swing speed. 

Remember to keep your ball position correct, have more weight on your front leg at address (55/45), and keep your shaft angle at impact in mind when you swing. With these three simple tips, you will be hitting the ball like a pro in no time!

As you learn this game more, make sure to practice with your 7-iron often. It’s a great club to learn the golf swing and once you can hit it consistently, it should make it easier to hit every other club in the bag.

Do you like hitting your 7-iron?