I bought a new set of irons about 6 yards ago after having my old set for about 15 and could tell a difference in that. Lower ball flight and all my distances changed. The shafts are considerably longer...i should have had them fitted but oh wellThe loft and length of today’s 5 iron is about what a 3 iron used to be I think. Manufacturers have been slowly tweaking this for years in the war for distance.
Not a big Tiger fan but choking in epic fashion that late in the final round at the British Open is damn impressive.