Let’s be honest: Gamers are one of the most judgmental groups on the planet. And few things induce that collective eye roll faster than seeing a bunch of ironclads walking across the beam.
We’ve all done it: the sideways glance, the internal monologue, “Must be a beginner” assumption.
Drivers get a permit. Putters? No problem. Even woods and freeway hybrids don’t seem to bother anyone. But for whatever reason, irons have always been the accessory that players love to hate.
So naturally, you assume that no self-respecting tour pro would ever go near it.
And that’s where this assumption will get you into trouble.
Enter Aaron Rai
Aaron Rai is not a rookie trying to find his way. He has won more than $11 million on the PGA Tour, won the 2024 Wyndham Championship and just added a DP World Tour victory about a week ago. He is also instantly recognizable for two things:
- Two black gloves
- A complete set of iron covers
Rai has heard all the jokes. He lived the comments. But when he explained why he uses them, the whole conversation changes.
In an interview on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Rai shared that he grew up in a working-class family. Money was tight. His father paid for his equipment, memberships and entry fees, even when it wasn’t easy to do.
And when Rai finally had a set of good clubs, his father treated them as if they were irreplaceable. Cleaned every groove. Deleted them. He protected them. Ironclads were not about fashion; they were for respect.
Rai kept the custom as a reminder of where he came from.
That’s it. Nothing stands out. Nothing cheating. Just thanks.
I’ll be honest – I felt it
Rai’s explanation hit home in a way I didn’t expect.
When I was a kid, new gadgets weren’t something my family could go out and buy. I built my early kits from used clubs, a few demos, and occasionally someone who knew I would appreciate them.
After years of saving, I bought a custom set of Titleist irons. When I took them home, my mother—who was running a tight ship that definitely didn’t have golf equipment inside—looked at me and said,
“Where are you going with them?”
My answer was simple: “They will stay in my room.”
Those irons certainly wouldn’t sit in a garage. And that’s really the point: when something costs you time, sacrifice, and everything you’ve got to earn it, take care of it.
This is exactly why Rai’s story feels so wholesome.
Final thoughts
This is not about ironclads.
It’s about remembering where we came from. Back when gadgets weren’t about chasing the latest “craves” but saving up for the same club that actually necessary. It’s about gratitude disguised as a golf accessory.
Rai could replace his irons every week if he wanted. He doesn’t. He remembers the value of a set of clubs because he remembers what it took to get them.
Honestly? This is a golf perspective that could use a little more.
I’m not going to buy iron covers. But I will follow Aaron Rai’s career a little more closely. There’s something refreshing about someone at the top of the sport who hasn’t forgotten where he started.
Iron cover or not, this is one golfer worth rooting for.
PS If you’re going to go buy iron covers now, at least get good ones like these from Ghost Golf.
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