Iron Play

Many beginner golfers struggle learning how to hit irons well especially the longer irons from the 5 iron and up. During each practice session do not start with hitting a driver but instead start with the shorter clubs like your sand wedge and pitching and slowly work your way up. Here are some simple tips that can help you to become a better iron player:

Tip 1: Learn how to hit wedge shots from 40 to 130 yards

Short wedge shots inside 130 yards are very important to learn and set the foundation for your full swing. If you struggle with these shorter shots then you are almost guaranteed to struggle with hitting longer shots with your full swing. Spend time each practice session hitting a few balls to the 40 yard mark and then the 50 and so on. Practicing these shots consistently is really the only way to develop the feel and distance control necessary to hit these kinds of shots well.

Tip 2: Use a light grip

Too many golfers grip the club far too tightly and this can mess up your swing at many levels. Gripping the club too tightly can result in many swing flaws including a poor release which can cause a slice.

Tip 3: Use proper ball position

The right ball position is very important and the ideal position for the ball for the wedge is at the center of your stance with the ball position moving slowly towards your left foot (right handed players) as the clubs get longer.

Tip 4: Use the right grip

Many beginner players use a baseball or ten finger grip when they first learn how to play golf. While the ten finger can work well for some players most golfers will find either the interlocking or overlapping grips ideal for their game. The interlocking grip involves the small finger of the right hand locking with the index finger of the left hand and this grip is used by most of the top players in the world.

Tip 5: Swing freely

Being cautious or tentative with the full swing usually results in bad swing mechanics and poor golf shots. For a full swing you should put in 90 – 95% of your full power into the shot and do not try to guide the ball. Trusting your shots is critical in order to play well consistently.

Tip 6: Keep the head down

This is a common tip given by most golfers however it is nonetheless true and important to follow. Raising the head up prematurely will usually result in an outside to in swing path which generally causes a sliced golf shot. Your head should only come up due to the momentum created by a full follow through and finish. The ‘Simple Golf System’ can show you a simple approach to golf that can have you shooting lower scores quick. Click here to learn more.