Of all the new PING G400 clubs introduced Monday, I’m most excited to try the iron. For years, I’ve been enamored with the playability of the company’s irons. That love affair started in 1996, when I got a set of the ISI Nickel irons. I’ll bet I could still play them fairly competitively today –  despite all the improvements in technology the past 21 years. Company president John K. Solheim says this latest “game enjoyment iron” produces an extra club of distance with the shot trajectory of using two clubs less. Construction includes a new top rail undercut that boosts flexing of the thin clubface that’s 40 percent stronger than traditional 17-4 stainless steel – contributing to achieve the low-spin, high-flight, far-reaching flight. According to Solheim, the G400 “provides tour-level performance while being very easy to hit and extremely forgiving with an amazing feel. Some golfers are seeing distance improvements as much as 15 yards, yet it is launching much higher and landing softer to give them more control.” For added measure, an aluminum/elastomer badge in the cavity helps enrich impact feel. The silky finish reduces friction to improve turf interaction while lending a premium look. ($137.50/iron with graphite shaft, $125/steel)

Veteran golf writer Scott Kramer has covered the golf equipment market full-time since 1990. His career has spanned senior editor positions at both Golf Pro Magazine and GOLF Magazine. He now works on a freelance basis for many consumer and trade publications, including the SCGA’s FORE magazine.