The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) golf brands has transformed the equipment landscape, but few have managed to blend boutique aesthetics with high-performance engineering as seamlessly as Haywood. Its CB iron is a masterclass in this balance, aimed squarely at the "better player" who demands a clean look without sacrificing the playability required for modern competitive golf.
The first thing that struck me about the Haywood CB is the very clear "less is more" philosophy, which is a drum I have been banging on social media for some time!
In an era where many manufacturers clutter the cavity with badges, information, and neon accents, Haywood has opted for a stunningly minimal design. The satin finish and subtle milling marks create an incredibly premium feel.
At the address, the profile is equally impressive.
While it features a slightly thicker topline than its razor-thin MB sibling, it remains firmly in the "player's iron" category. The offset is minimal, and the toe section is beautifully rounded, creating a soft, curvy look that frames the ball superbly and is a look I crave in all irons. Its clever balance of shape and proportions creates a shape that inspires confidence without looking chunky.
While the exterior is simple, the manufacturing process is a touch more labour-intensive. The CBs are forged from 1020 carbon steel before undergoing an arduous CNC milling process. This is the secret to their consistency; milling the entire head allows for some of the tightest weight and measurement tolerances in the industry.
By milling the cavity, Haywood has strategically positioned mass around the perimeter. This provides a "safety net" of forgiveness that differentiates it from a pure blade. It’s not a game-improvement club by any means, but the stability on off-center strikes is a notable step up from the MB model.
During testing, the launch monitor data (collected on my Foresight Sports GC3) was eye-opening. The numbers were almost identical to the TaylorMade P7CB - an iron I hold in very high regard.
The Haywood CB is very much a control-oriented iron; it produces a lower, penetrating launch with higher spin rates than the modern "distance brigade" of hollow-body irons. If you are looking to "flight" your shots and hold firm greens, this is exactly the profile you want.
The feel is where the milling process truly shines, and impact results in a beautifully muted strike sensation. Even on slight miscues, there is an absolute absence of harshness transmitted to the hands as it provides the buttery feedback of a premium forging but with a dampened, high-end acoustic that reinforces the club's quality.
It is worth noting that the sole of the CB is quite thin throughout, measuring roughly 0.7". For the shallow player who "picks" the ball clean, these will work superbly; however, this thinness does put a demand on precision. Steeper players who take hefty deep divots might find the leading edge a bit sharp; for those golfers, it may be worth consulting a club maker to slightly soften that edge on a grinding wheel.
I am surprised to be writing this, but I honestly believe the Haywood CB is one of the most compelling irons on the market today. The value proposition is, quite frankly, astounding.
Starting from just $799/£609 and offering masses of customization options - from high-end shafts to a vast array of custom ferrule colors - on their website, Haywood is offering a boutique experience at a fraction of the "big name" price.
Another bonus is that they also combo beautifully with the Haywood MB irons. Because the aesthetic is so cohesive, you can transition from CB long irons to MB short irons without any visual interruption if desired.
For the serious golfer looking for a blend of precision, customization, and pure aesthetic joy, the major manufacturers should be seriously scratching their heads at what Haywood has achieved here.
