Consistently hitting a golf ball straight, a reasonably long distance and being able to perform a selection of different shots are the chief things that a player will be hoping for when choosing a set of new golf irons.

However, with so many brands on the market, it is tough for a player to discover which club has all the elements to fit their needs best without taking them all out onto the driving range and hitting some balls.

One brand that has numerous options to choose from in the golf iron market is Nike and the company has continued to expand its offerings since bursting onto the golf scene in 1996 when backing Tiger Woods, following his decision to move into the professional ranks.

The world number one is currently taking an indefinite break from the sport in a bid to sort out his family life, but was on top form with his Nike golf irons last year.

Although he failed to win any of the four majors, Woods picked up six victories and 14 top-ten finishes in 17 PGA Tour events on his way to being crowned the 2009 FedEx Cup champion.

Among the clubs in his golf bag that were pivotal to this performance were the Nike Victory Red Forged TW Blade golf irons.

Woods was heavily involved in the creation of the golf irons, with their muscle back design offering the ultimate in control and shop-shaping capabilities.

Meanwhile, consistent ball flight is supported by the CNC milled flat face and feel is enhanced through the precision of the carbon steel used.

Anthony Kim, Paul Casey and KJ Choi are among the other stars on the golf course to have taken a liking to the clubs.

Alternatively, Stewart Cink found that the Nike CCi Forged golf irons were more suited to his game and he was rewarded by winning the 2009 Open Championship.

A minimal offset, a thin topline and the high levels of workability on offer may be the attributes that can help a player reduce their handicap and fire their approach shots closer to the pin.

Among the newer offerings to the iron range are the Nike SQ MachSpeed golf irons, which are deemed to be the fastest Nike golf irons ever.

Distance is bettered by faster ball speeds of the face and a radical new construction provides a wider sweet zone.

Furthermore, a deep undercut to reposition the weight to the base and back of the club face enables a higher launch and a softer landing for shots from distance.

Meanwhile, Trevor Immelman prefers to use Nike Victory Red Forged Split Cavity golf irons, which combines forgiveness and ball control.

A cambered sole ensures better playability from a range of lies, while the club's split back design keeps weight behind the sweet spot of the head.

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