TaylorMade today unveiled the P790 UDI, the latest in the category of driving or utility irons designed to give better players iron-like control with driver-like pop off the face.
The P790 UDI takes its lead from the popular P790 irons, which feature a hollow construction with an L-shaped high-strength steel face insert (4140 carbon steel) that wraps around the sole. Other similarities include the 8620 stainless steel body and metal injection molded internal tungsten weighting for forgiveness and a lowered center of gravity. As well, the P790 UDI driving iron features a slot that runs from heel to toe along the sole to provide extra face flexibility, particularly on low-face impacts. Also enhancing
One further key element in the P790 UDI’s construction is the use of the same light but resilient foam, called SpeedFoam, inside the hollow body to support the iron’s thin face.
“This material is so soft that it preserves the flexibility in the face and at the same time dampens the sound,” said Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s senior director of product creation. “So that was kind of the magic bullet to solving this puzzle.”
While the the P790 UDI nearly identical in many respects to the P790 long irons, there are subtle differences, including slightly less offset and a a slightly shallower blade height. Compared to TaylorMade’s previous driving iron, the Tour Preferred UDI, Bystedt said the P790 UDI features a narrower sole and a faster face thanks to the L-face construction supported by the SpeedFoam, which is a first-time use in a TaylorMade utility iron.
The P790 UDI’s appearance in the market is a direct result of tour player input and use, including by Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer.
The P790 UDI will be in stores starting March 30 ($220, 17 degrees, right-hand only), featuring the Project X HZRDUS Black shaft (85 grams) designed for low launch/low spin.
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