Welcome back to The Deep Rough! I thought I would jump right back in and share my thoughts on a set of irons I could not resist picking up from Costco last month!
Just like my unexpected affinity for PING irons, discovered during a memorable demo day experience way back in the day, the Kirkland Signature Player Irons from Costco piqued my curiosity. I know, what clubs don’t? I decided to order a set one day when I saw they were actually in stock and here we are.
Known more for bulk groceries than golf gear, Costco’s foray into golf equipment with these irons seemed like a wild card. Could these irons, much like the G15s had years ago, surprise me with their performance and value? Let's delve into my journey with these irons, from initial skepticism to the final verdict.
Background
My golf bag has seen a revolving door of irons over the years, from the buttery smooth Mizunos to the dependable PINGs. Each set offered a unique promise, blending forgiveness with playability. When the Kirkland Signature Player Irons came onto the scene, my golfer's heart, always on the lookout for the next game-changer, couldn’t resist. Would these irons, from a retailer not traditionally associated with the sport, find a permanent place in my bag? (Does any club ever do that??🤣)
Looks
The moment I laid eyes on the Kirkland Signature Player Irons, I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, whisked back to the first time I encountered the Taylormade P790s. There's a certain reverence we golfers hold for designs that set the benchmark, and it was clear these irons aimed to echo that legacy. However, where the P790s opt for a more understated satin, the Kirklands dazzle with a chrome finish so shiny, you could almost see your reflection. It's this glossy allure that sets them apart, offering a nod to tradition while carving out its own identity.
Addressing the ball, these irons exude a confidence that's both comforting and inspiring. It's a delicate balance, achieving a look that's forgiving yet workable, and the Kirklands manage this with aplomb. The design cues they share with the Callaway Apex 19 Pro irons are evident—the bright chrome, the subtly rounded toe—crafting a silhouette that feels both familiar and fresh. It's this marriage of form and function that speaks to the golfer's heart, promising a tool that's as reliable as it is visually appealing.
Yet, for all their visual nods to industry stalwarts, the Kirklands carve out their own niche. They don't mimic; they pay homage, with just enough distinction to remind you that these irons are here to forge their own story. This blend of inspiration and individuality sets the stage for a golfing experience that feels both rooted in tradition and excitingly new.
Feel
Gripping the Kirkland irons for the first time was an exercise in managing expectations. Having swung the latest P790s, I braced for a familiar sensation, but the Kirklands charted a different course. There's a 'dullness' to them, a muted response that, while not entirely unsatisfying, left me yearning for the explosive feedback that characterizes the best player distance irons. It's an odd sensation, particularly given their forged label—a trait that typically promises a certain liveliness upon impact.
This isn't to say the experience was wholly lacking. Mis-hits, often a golfer's bane, were met not with the harsh, unforgiving feedback of blades but with a more tempered response. It was enough to convey the quality of the strike without the punitive after effects, a feature that's undeniably appealing. Moreover, the choice of Lamkin grips and Elevate shafts suggests a thoughtful consideration for the user experience, ensuring that comfort and suitability aren't sacrificed at the altar of affordability.
Reflecting on the feel of these irons, I can't shake the sense of being somewhat spoiled by past experiences—those blissful moments with Mizunos and Miuras that set a high bar for what an iron can deliver. Yet, there's merit in the Kirklands' approach, offering a forgiving, if not electrifying, journey for the golfer willing to engage with them on their own terms.
Performance
Taking the Kirklands to the course was a venture into the unknown, colored by a blend of hope and skepticism. My time with them was a rollercoaster, marked by moments of genuine surprise and bouts of inconsistency. The potential for greatness was there, glimpsed in the well-struck shots that soared with a confidence that belied their price tag. Yet, the journey was punctuated by unpredictability, a reminder of the delicate dance between golfer and equipment.
It was in the realm of performance variability where the irons both intrigued and confounded. The same club could deliver drastically different outcomes, a quirk that left me pondering the nuances of my swing rather than the equipment in hand. This wasn't the case with other clubs I've cherished, like the JPX 921 - Hot Metal Pros, known for their occasional face-melting smash factor rockets. Instead, the Kirklands offered a more subdued experience, reliable yet lacking that edge of excitement.
For the golfer standing at the crossroads of skill and equipment evolution, these irons present an interesting proposition. Their forgiveness and solid distance are undeniable, making them a worthy companion for the high handicapper or the newcomer. Yet, as someone who's tasted the thrill of the game's finer instruments, I found myself longing for a touch more consistency, a bit more soul in the performance. It's a complex verdict, one that acknowledges the irons' strengths while conceding that, perhaps, my expectations were set a tad too high.
Value
In the realm of golf, where the cost of entry can be as daunting as the game itself, the Kirkland Signature Player Irons stand out as a beacon of value. Priced at a point that challenges the status quo, they offer a proposition that's hard to ignore. For $499 — or a bit more on the resale market given their popularity — these irons undercut their premium counterparts significantly, without compromising on the promise of a quality golfing experience.
This value proposition is further bolstered by Costco's renowned return policy, offering peace of mind to those tempted to venture into these waters. It's a feature that shouldn't be overlooked, providing a safety net for those on the fence. Yet, as I ponder the wider market, with options like lightly used Callaway Paradym Irons or Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Pros within reach around $600-$700, the decision becomes nuanced. The Kirklands undoubtedly offer value, but the quest for the perfect set of irons is as much about fit and feel as it is about fiscal prudence.
At the end of the day, the Kirkland Signature Player Irons are worth consideration, particularly for those on a quest to find quality without breaking the bank. My experience, though mixed, underscores the subjective nature of golf equipment selection—a journey defined by personal preference, performance needs, and, yes, the thrill of the find. On to trying out the next set of irons!