It isn't every day that a titan of industry decides to pivot into the hyper-competitive world of golf equipment. When that titan is McLaren, a name synonymous with Formula 1 dominance and automotive perfection, the anticipation is electric.
WATCH: Joe Ferguson tests the new McLaren Series 3 irons
Having a new entry into the manufacturing stable with the sheer technical expertise and R&D resources that McLaren possesses is, frankly, one of the most exciting developments in the industry for years. Its stated ambition is to bring the "exacting standards" of its racing teams to the fairway.
However, without wanting to start the review too negatively, I must admit to being marginally disappointed when I opened the box with the brand’s big launch as a whole.
Perhaps it was my own doing, but I had built up an appetite and expectation for a comprehensive, through-the-bag product lineup, whereas, in reality, we have a partially complete iron offering.
While we have the Series 1 and Series 3, the Series 2 is notably absent from the initial release, and furthermore, Series 1 won't even be available for testing for another month. So, after all the excitement and anticipation, for all intents and purposes, the big launch currently boils down to just one model: the Series 3.
For those wondering where they can view and possibly test McLaren product as and when it becomes available, you won't find these sitting in the racks of your local big-box store or pro shop. McLaren is opting for a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model through its website or via a very select group of specialist fitting accounts. It’s an exclusive approach that fits the brand.
Despite the undeniably high build quality, the Series 3 is visually far too busy for me. From an ‘in the bag’ perspective, the combination of a multitude of different materials and textures - while technically impressive - lacks the understated premium impression one expects at this price point.
Bearing in mind, we are talking about a £360 ($375) per iron asking price here. I'm not sure the look is helped by the unfortunately striking resemblance to the (it is fair to say) budget brand Benross. While - short of re-designing their whole logo - there isn't much McLaren could do about this, a more subtle and premium execution may have bolstered the overall look.
The design features a structural mesh, a carbon fiber 'bonnet', and visible tungsten weighting. While these allow for strategic weight distribution and vibration reduction, there is simply too much going on visually to put these in the same conversation as the clean, minimalistic lines of the Titleist T350 or TaylorMade P790.
The numbering on the clubs - which resembles the segmented text of a digital alarm clock - cheapens the look to my eyes but let me know in the comments if you feel differently!
The visual appeal didn't get much better for me at address either, although I appreciate this is entirely subjective.
The heel is a little too pinched, and the toe is very high and pronounced, creating a very angular look. The profiles are better in the long irons than the short, but overall, the shaping feels a bit disjointed compared to more traditional designs.
Fortunately, when you look past the superficial and subjective, the Series 3 irons are decent performers. The Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process delivers a sensation that is significantly more premium than the looks suggest. It provides the "superior sound and feel of forging" promised, with much higher technical precision.
The impact is rich, deep, and soft - something many game-improvement irons struggle to achieve. Much of this is likely down to the carbon fiber ‘bonnet’, which encapsulates the calibration weight while actively reducing vibration. Additionally, the heel cut sole design is extremely effective; it noticeably reduces turf drag and improves strike consistency.
In terms of raw data (collected on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor), the Series 3 is strikingly similar to the impressive Srixon ZXi5. It offers decent ball speeds and a slightly lower launch than many contemporaries in the game-improvement category.
While not ‘rocket launchers’ like the Titleist T250, the distance output was impressively consistent. The Tungsten CG System, which uses a hidden toe weight (3g - 16g) and internal calibration weights (10g - 17g), clearly does its job in stabilizing the head.
With design input from the likes of Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, I remain very hopeful for the Series 1 irons. However, for this initial Series 3 release, I can't help but feel a touch underwhelmed.
McLaren had a real opportunity to bring a touch of class and technological refinement to the market. Instead, we have an iron that, to me at least, is a touch brash and disjointed, despite its genuine performance merits.
Brand loyalists who have enough spare cash to drive a McLaren car will no doubt jump at the opportunity to match up their irons to their wheels, but for me, this is going to be very much a vanity or status purchase when there are significantly better irons available for less than half the price.
One relevant question to consider: as McLaren expands into a ‘full bag’ ambition (as we are told they will), will they refine this aesthetic to better match the elegance of their automotive heritage? Only time will tell.
