TaylorMade’s new P∙UDI and P∙HDY will do the job nicely for players who prefer the look of an iron.

By Tony Dear

Of course, it had its reasons – companies with such sophisticated marketing departments and business analysis tools, and which sell as many products, tend not to make major commercial/marketplace gaffes. But if you thought it a little odd that TaylorMade positioned its UDI and HDy utility/long irons (first introduced a decade ago) in its Stealth line-up last time out, you probably weren’t alone.

The Carlsbad company’s Stealth irons were for game-improvers, of course. But golfers with higher handicaps invariably prefer hybrids and lofted fairway woods to driving irons when facing a shot from 200+ yards from the fairway or when determined to find the short grass from the tee.

Both the UDI and DHy have now shifted into the better players’ P Series where they look far more at home. Indeed, not only are they in what most would regard as more appropriate surroundings, but each has blossomed into as attractive a utility/long-iron as can be imagined.

That’s not to say the Stealth DHy and UDI were unsightly clubs, far from it. Both were actually quite attractive – the Stealth UDI especially. But the P•DHY and P•UDI, like the P790 and P770, really are lookers and might divert you from the fact, momentarily at least, they’re designed for a long and challenging shot.

That said, it’s likely these long iron replacements which fill the gap between your most-lofted wood and least-lofted iron will be used from the tee, more often than not. And a long iron from the tee, especially with such an appealing club that’s designed for the very purpose, isn’t really all that difficult a shot for lower handicap golfers.

Of the two, the P•UDI is the more compact and has the narrower sole, thinner top-line, and less offset – elite ball striker territory. Its Center of Gravity (CG) is a little higher than that of the P•DHY which promotes the lower, more penetrating trajectory really good players prefer. Its face, like that of the P•DHY, is forged from 4140 Stainless Steel.

The back wall on both clubs has a honeycomb pattern giving thick and thin areas which saves weight and allows TaylorMade to position up to 26g of Tungsten inside the hollow clubhead to lower the CG. Both clubs feature TaylorMade’s proprietary SpeedFoam and a Speed Pocket to give strikes low on the clubface a little boost.

The shallower, longer clubface of the P•DHY launches the ball a little higher (though still lower than a hybrid with the same loft) and is designed to be slightly more forgiving. At address, you’ll see more of the back of the club which might be distracting for some players, but reassuring for others.

P•UDI
$250
Lofts – 17˚, 20˚, 22˚
Shaft – UST Mamiya Recoil DART
Right and left-hand

P•DHY
$250
Lofts – 18˚, 20˚, 22˚
Shaft – UST Mamiya Recoil DART
Right and left-hand
taylormadegolf.com

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, of course, and, if Mom plays golf, you might like to surprise her with something special. One of these items should fit the bill.

1. Srixon – Women’s Soft Feel Lady Personalized Golf Balls – $23
Two-piece ionomer cover. FastLayer Core increases ball speed. Ultra-low compression (58). Designed for high launch.

2. JoFit Checkerboard Sleeveless Polo – $90
Polyester/Spandex, machine-washable. Wicking, 4-way stretch, quick-dry, UPF50+

3. Bushnell Wingman GPS Mini Speaker – $100
It has great sound quality, good for riding or walking. Press the ‘B’ button for audible distances.

4. Ecco Women’s Biom H4 – $240
An attractive and sporty leather shoe whose ECCO MTN GRIP outsole provides excellent traction while the Gore-Tex liner keeps her dry in all conditions.

5. ClicGear Modl 4.0 Push Cart – $300
Folds down easily to 13″ x 15″ x 24″. Three wheels with a sturdy frame. Weighs 21lbs.

(All available at the Greenwood Village PGA Tour Superstore)

 

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