Hitting your long irons on a consistent basis is a challenge for most recreational golfers. Sure, they might catch a solid a few times per round, but they’ve been sprinkled in. I know that’s been the case in my own game at certain points in my golf career.
If that sounds like you, know that you are not alone. When you stick a long iron in the average player’s hand, they usually have very little shot of hitting one stiff. It can be a daunting feeling, but with a few key swing tweaks you can show improvement.
In the text below, Golftec’s director of educational quality Josh Troyer shares five swing keys to focus on to improve your strike with long irons. Put them to use and you will quickly see improvement.
5 keys for pure long irons
Long irons – the 4, 5 and even 6 iron – can be some of the most satisfying clubs that strike cleanly, but for many amateur golfers they are also the most frustrating. While higher-end hybrids and woods are excellent alternatives for players who struggle with launch and consistency, and club toe-in can absolutely make a difference, the real key to mastering long irons lies in your swing fundamentals.
1. Ball position forward
The first step to success with long irons is putting the ball in the right place. A ball too far back in your stance encourages a steep angle of attack and path too far to the right, while if it is too far forward you will be too shallow and left.
According to Troyer, you should place the ball just in the instep of the lead foot – slightly forward of center, but not as far forward as a driver. This position promotes a slightly downward strike, allowing you to compress the ball while still launching it high.
2. Broaden your stance
You also need to consider the width of your stance when hitting a long iron. With longer clubs you will need a slightly wider stance to maintain balance and create the correct swing arc.
With a long iron, this means your stance increases about an inch more than you would with a 7 or 8 iron. This stabilizes your lower body and accommodates the longer swing arc without sacrificing control.
3. Smooth pace and balance
When golfers struggle to get the ball in the air with their long irons, they will tend to force the problem and try to swing even harder. And while this can be effective for generating clubhead speed, it often comes at the expense of a center strike.
Instead of swinging harder, try to focus on a smooth tempo that allows you to find the center of the club face. If you do that, you will find that it is much easier to not only get the ball in the air, but also direct the ball in the direction you want.
4. Maintain your posture
Another symptom that occurs when golfers struggle to get the ball in the air is that they lose their posture as they come through impact. They do this because they are trying to get under the ball and ‘scoop’ it into the air. This rarely comes true.
Instead of dipping back to help the ball in the air, focus on maintaining your posture and keeping your weight forward. This encourages solid contact and ensures that you deliver the club with the correct angle and loft, which in turn launches the ball into the air.
5. Trust your club
Modern Club Technology is great – but you have to trust the club to do its job if you want to get the most out of it.
“You don’t have to create height by manipulating your body to get the trajectory you want,” says Troyer.
Do not lean back or rotate the wrists at impact to add loft. Let the right installation, solid contact and club technology do the work for you. If you trust all these factors and make a solid pass to the ball, you will be amazed at how much better the ball you hit with your long irons becomes.
If you want to get some expert insights into your swing – and learn how to properly influence your hips – book a swing assessment with Golftec below.
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