Debate: Should Golf Iron Covers Be Frowned Upon?

Iron headcovers are considered a golfing no-no, but should they be?

Debate: Should Golf Iron Covers Be Frowned Upon?

World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua sparked golf’s classic iron cover debate into force again when he posted an image of him at the driving range with his clubs.

AJ looked to have a lovely set of Ping G410s but the irons all had headcovers on – commonly known as a golfing no-no.

Former World No.1 Luke Donald joked that Joshua should get rid of them:

Let’s start by throwing away those iron covers Champ, we can work on the golf after that https://t.co/5aLbOaBO7Q

— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) September 20, 2020

So – Are Golf Iron Covers Actually A Faux Pas?

Yes – Sam Tremlett

There may be practical uses for iron covers – they may stop the irons creating that clanging noise and they also might keep the irons in better condition for longer periods of time.

However, modern life is primarily based around how you look. Yes that is a depressing and negative thought but it is true nonetheless, and there is nothing more uncool in the game of golf than someone using iron covers.

An added element here is that golf club manufacturers spend a lot of time on the aesthetic design and craft of their irons, to make them look good. So then covering up those beautiful blades with iron covers basically takes something very cool, and makes them instantly uncool.

Not only that, but iron cover advocates swear they don’t add too much time to the pace of play, but that is incorrect. Having played with iron cover uses in the past, the endless faffing with different clubs and different covers, and then having to put them all back on again, means you are slowly losing the will to live after six holes. Oh and by the way, iron covers can lead to greater rust so how much are you really protecting them in the first place?

They’re also extra faff as you’re bound to drop one or lose one completely and end up running back around the golf course looking for it.

Related: The best compact mid-handicap irons 2020

No – Elliott Heath

Okay, granted I do have to side with Sam here in that there is definitely an engrained belief that iron covers are not cool – but why exactly?

I’ve currently got a brand new set of irons in the bag and, whilst they look stunning currently, I know that very soon they’re going to have dinks and scratches all over from where they hit against each other in the bag.

As well as hitting against each other and damaging the irons, they do also make a very loud noise as someone who carries their golf bag.

I’m currently very tempted to purchase a set of covers as I would find them incredibly useful, but I simply can’t as a 5 handicapper when there is that engrained stigma that they’re used by bad golfers.

Perhaps we need to let go of that and make iron covers cool again (if they ever were cool)!

I’ll admit, I’ve never been an iron headcover user, but as someone with a new set of irons I completely understand and respect anybody that uses them.

They are practical and help keep your beautiful, expensive irons looking great for much longer.

Here’s what our Twitter followers think –

I use them so that they don’t hit against each other and my Ping irons are a dark color and want to avoid as many marks as possible. I’m sure over time I will stop using them as the clubs get older.

— Everett Adamson (@Inrehab21) September 22, 2020

Covers all the way …I hate the way I hate the clinking noise and you drive the cart and I get the ones with the big numbers easier to pick the right club

— chris (@chrisNYY15) September 22, 2020

Why have covers for a Driver or putter if its uncool for your irons and they hit the ball at 100mph. I'd love to see how many people would dare to leave their £500 Titleist driver and £350 Scotty Cameron get clattered and chipped. Each to their own I say.

— Bri Naylor (@briannaylor8) September 22, 2020

Of course they’re practical, but the clink of clubs together as you walk or move is the purest sound outside of hitting the ball

— Chris Mac (@C_Mac1986) September 22, 2020

If your irons are forged heads I’d say yes, use them as they’ll protect them from clatter and whacks as you put clubs back in your bag. A big plus point if you want resale value. Cast heads less so

— Michael Walker (@ukmickywalker) September 22, 2020

Uncool! The equivalent of a person wearing cloggs!

— Aaron Marley Clark (@aaronmarleycla1) September 22, 2020

They are just wrong, should be illegal

— Roger Fleming (@Roge_golf) September 22, 2020

Very happy to use iron covers. Personal choice and has no impact on a anyone else. Such a non issue.

— Andy (@Hibs13Howie) September 22, 2020

What do you think? Let us know on social media

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