The new Ben Hogan Fort Worth irons are anything but “unoriginal.” When it comes to describing these clubs, words like “distinctive,” “singular,” and “eye-catching” certainly come to mind. However, “idiosyncratic” might just be the perfect term to capture their unique spirit.
If you’ve seen muscle back blades or player’s cavity back irons before, you’ll recognize the timeless style they exude. The Fort Worth MB and CB irons from Ben Hogan fall right in line with this classic design philosophy but manage to stand apart with their own set of unique characteristics.
Now, about their performance—Ben Hogan’s confident claims are backed by some interesting features. After taking these clubs for a spin (at least a simulated one), I can say they’re possibly among the most user-friendly MBs and CBs you’ll come across.
Talking with Simon Millington, the owner of the Ben Hogan Company, there’s a sense of pride in the new Fort Worth irons. As he shared with MyGolfSpy, a conversation with golfing legend Ian Woosnam quickly turned into Woosnam wanting to get his hands on the Fort Worth MBs, which he saw over a Facetime call. That’s a ringing endorsement if there ever was one.
These irons, elegantly compact in design, offer surprising forgiveness. Their tiny 1025 carbon steel forged bodies hide a lot of playability beneath the sleek surface. Millington emphasizes that they’re designed to be more than just clubs; they aim to be beautiful and perform like high-end jewelry.
Now, they’re not minimalist by any stretch—these clubs have a busy design that some might find a bit much. But that’s where the CMC, or Ceramic Matrix Composite technology, plays a pivotal role in defining the geometry and tech behind these irons.
The quest for discretionary weight is eternal for club designers. Even a mere five grams can be crucial in dialing in the perfect center of gravity or moment of inertia. Enter Hogan’s club designer Gavin Wallin, who brought the CMC technology to the table. It’s a weight-saving blessing, especially for such sleek clubs, providing the strength of steel without its heft. This flexibility in designing means weight can be moved exactly where it’s needed.
CMC is a fiber-infused ceramic that boasts both resilience and lightness. Surrounding this core is a body forged from 1025 carbon steel. Wallin highlights that the lightweight core helps position the center of gravity optimally for each iron, ensuring that long irons fly high while the short ones deliver precise spin and control.
A favorite feature among loyal Hogan fans is the blade-on-blade design, going back to the classic Hogan Precision from 1954. The new Fort Worth MB irons play on this design, reminiscent of the revered 1999 Apex blades, by channeling mass to the heel area thanks to strategic milling and the CMC core.
On the other hand, the Fort Worth CB irons take the blade-on-blade design further by incorporating an exaggerated muscle pad for an ultra-low center of gravity complemented by a wider sole, promising a higher launch with more stopping power.
A golf enthusiast’s heart might skip a beat at the sight of a thin topline; the Fort Worth irons deliver with sleek toplines akin to the ’99 Apex blades. Although the CB models feature a noticeably wider sole to enhance low mass distribution, both models include Hogan’s celebrated V-Sole®. This design combines a high-bounce leading edge and a low-bounce trailing edge to facilitate smooth turf interaction.
Specifications of the Fort Worth MB and CB irons have been crafted to allow for a blended set, a thoughtful approach that supports varied exploring of game styles and preferences.
Our time with these irons consisted of only a couple of sessions, yet they left a notable impression. The MB irons, though designed for skilled players, manage to be surprisingly forgiving and tempt you to elevate your game. Meanwhile, the CBs offer more leniency, making the mixed set an attractive choice.
As modern forgings evolve, so, too, does the tactile experience. While some might miss the classic soft feel of old Hogan or MacGregor clubs, today’s geometry brings in enhanced forgiveness, even if it sacrifices a bit of that muted sensation.
Ultimately, these Ben Hogan Fort Worth irons are certainly targeted at skilled players, but they ease the stringent entry into the realm of refined ball-striking.
Simon Millington’s confidence in these products is substantial, with a bold proclamation that they’ll meet—and exceed—expectations. Given the success of his other brands, such as Ram and MacGregor irons and others, this assertion is more than just talk.
The new Fort Worth MB and CB irons are available in various configurations and built to order. Custom options abound, from Dynamic Gold shafts to a range of grip choices, accommodating a wide array of preferences and tweaks, albeit at an additional cost.
Priced from $899.00 for a six-piece set, these irons, available now on the Ben Hogan website, certainly aim to make their mark in the golf world. With their unique design and performance geared for precision players, these are irons that might very well draw you in with their promise of enhanced playability and style.
