New Big Bertha irons

Helen Dawson, an 18-handicapper on the Golfmagic sales team, has had a sneak preview of the new Big Bertha irons, due to be launched at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida at the end of January.

During a recent demo in Spain, she tried a 6- and 8-iron and 10-iron, designed, she was advised, with high handicappers in mind.

Apparently the 10-iron (with 46 degrees of loft) is part of a new short-iron loft configuration of (9-, 10-, Pitching Wedge, Sand iron, and Lob Wedge). This new progression (from 42 deg to 58 deg) is aimed at eliminating gaps traditionally found in iron sets between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge - by spacing each loft four degrees apart.

Callaway says this loft spacing provides greater distance control with the scoring irons. The standard set will not include a 1-, 2-, or 3-iron.

Helen described the clubfaces as 'very meaty and thick', with a large cavity backs and the extra weight position towards the bottom of the club to help high handicappers get more height on the ball.

"I felt I was hitting the ball a lot higher and further with these irons. It was quite easy to hit consistently well with these clubs, and, for the most part, they were very forgiving.

"They were definitely clubs that would suit me, because I didn't have to force my swing to get the best results and I got more distance than normal.

*Callaway has asked us mention that while every effort was made to fit our reviewer with appropriate products, only limited supplies were available during media demonstrations in Spain. Specifications, for women golfers, especially, were restricted.