The latest forged irons from Ben Hogan, the PTX Tour, have garnered significant acclaim within the low handicap category, impressing golf enthusiasts with their traditional appearance and incredibly soft impact feel. Iron tester Joe Ferguson has provided his verdict after thoroughly evaluating their performance.
Joe, who had previous experience with Ben Hogan irons during his junior days, expressed excitement at the opportunity to assess the PTX Tour irons, specifically designed for golfers with low to mid handicaps. Blending traditional aesthetics with modern technology, these irons aim to establish themselves among the best golf irons of 2024.
Despite their classic design, the PTX Tour irons exhibit notable differences in construction between the long, mid, and short irons. The 4 through 8 iron feature a hollow construction with a foaming insert, while the 9 iron and pitching wedge are fully one-piece forged irons.
Upon first sight, Joe was immediately drawn to the spectacular appearance of the PTX Tour irons. The inclusion of extra long ferrules and knurling on the hosel pays homage to historical design elements, endearing them to low handicap golfers.
Throughout the testing process, Joe observed that the wedge and 9 iron delivered the expected soft, feedback-rich impact, enabling precise strike location. These irons proved to be easy to manipulate in terms of trajectory, serving as valuable scoring clubs. In contrast, the mid-irons yielded a livelier response, with a quicker pop off the face and slightly higher launch. While this may appeal to certain players, Joe sought greater consistency and reliability across the set.
The overall performance of the PTX Tour irons proved to be impressive, showcasing competitive figures in ball speed, spin, and carry distance. As a direct-to-consumer brand, Ben Hogan Golf offers these high-quality irons at a relatively lower price point, presenting an enticing option for golfers.
Given their classic appearance and strong performance, Joe believes that the Ben Hogan PTX Tour irons are poised for success. Their exceptional value, coupled with the increasing popularity of direct-to-consumer brands, positions them as a formidable force in the golf equipment market.
In conclusion, the Ben Hogan PTX Tour irons have undeniably captured the attention of golf enthusiasts, and Joe’s testing sessions with them were thoroughly satisfying. With their blend of timeless aesthetics and modern technology, these irons have the potential to emerge as a sought-after choice for discerning golfers in 2024 and beyond.