Golfers get as much forgiveness as they can with a classic looking of a blade

Golf club head technology and fitting techniques are extremely advanced, and are far better than anyone would have guessed just a short time ago.

The most revolutionary iron design of the last half-century was the ping k1, perimeter-weighted, investment-cast, cavity-back invention. The ping golf club was a radical departure from the iron design norm in 1969, employing a wholly utilitarian approach that pushed clean lines and aesthetics aside to make room for new attributes such as forgiveness and playability.

At once, golfers had a choice: A set of forged, blade-style irons designed for better and Tour-level players, or a set of cast cavity-backs that didn't allow as much shot versatility, but were far more forgiving. For many, the decision was difficult because there was no middle ground.

Today players no longer face the dilemma of deciding between extra forgiveness or enhanced shot maneuverability. Like the MacGregor M565, Mizuno MX-17 and Callaway Fusion, many of today's top iron models prove that high-tech, forgiveness and good looks can come together in a single iron. It's a trend that's sure to continue.

Forgiving blades - The time of the unforgiving muscle-back blade is over, as today's blade iterations are more forgiving and playable than ever before. Among the leaders in new blade technology is the forged MacGregor M675, which features hidden tungsten weights in the heel, and toe regions for greater perimeter weighting. blade-like cavity-backs.

Mixed-material technology leaps from drivers to irons in '05, with a new breed of sticks that are traditionally shaped, but exceptionally forgiving. The new Callaway Big Bertha Fusion irons feature a polymer-filled cavity, a titanium face and a tunite cradle. The combination provides the extreme forgiveness of a cavity-back.

Cavity-backs still reign supreme when it comes to game improvement. New high-forgiveness models, such as the Cleveland Launcher, are built with large, deep cavities and extra-wide soles, which contribute to a low center of gravity club and higher ball-flight.