How To Hit Long Irons With Confidence And Precision
The longer clubs are the most troublesome to hit the ball consistently well with because of their design. You are more likely to have bad shots with your longer irons. The confidence most players have with their 9 iron isn’t there when it comes to hitting long irons. The club is longer and has less loft but if you make exactly the same swing with each club you can attain consistent results.
If you are having problems hitting long irons a simple practice drill may restore your confidence. With your 3 iron and 9 iron, hit alternate shots on the practice fairway. Begin with the 9 iron as it is easier to hit. After a good shot change to the 3 iron – hitting long irons straight away after a good shot will give you the confidence to conquer the club you dread most. Endeavour to keep the same rhythm and make the same swing for every shot.
Most golfers understand the principle that you need to hit down on the ball to gain height on a shot. Carrying this out on the golf course is more tricky to achieve. From when you start the downswing make sure that your hands lead the club head into the ball. If you let the club head get ahead of your hands you’ve got difficulty as from this position it is impossible to put the club on a downward path into impact.
If the leading edge of the club head strikes the middle of the ball you hit a thin (also called a sculled shot). The ball will skip across the ground and can run a long way. The ball can travel as far as a good shot in dry conditions and can finish close to the intended target. If the ground ahead is level this shot is not such a problem. However, if there is a hazard in front of you, you may have a problem. A thin is more likely to happen when you attempt to hit the ball hard. This shot can occur with your longest to your shortest irons.
If the trajectory of your shots are too low even though you are striking the ball well, go back to basics and check your address position. Ensure that the club face is aligned square to the ball to target line. The further you are from the hole, and therefore a longer shot, the more alignment faults are exaggerated.
One of the most neglected basics in golf is correct ball placement. Incorrect ball placement may be the reason when a shot goes wayward and not the players swing which is what many players look at for answers. As small as half a ball width can make the difference between striking off the heel, toe or sweet spot of the club. For your long irons the ideal position is opposite your left heel. As the club length shortens the ball should be nearer the middle of your stance.
These are just a few hints and tips on how to hit long irons which should help you to learn to hit long irons with confidence and precision.