The five-iron is a very flexible instrument. Choking up on the grip can produce an effect of a nine-iron, or a full grip can produce a surprisingly long shot. The weight of the head is less than the pitching wedge, which would produce greater head speed and quicker action. It is not a club like the putter, and the object of use should be a whip motion rather than a strength motion.
Isn't taking a pitching wedge to a gunfight a tactical error?
In his case I believe it IS his parents fault. Every child should be taught gunmanship as part of them becoming an adult.
Never know when it will come in handy.