Game gone to pot

[AlanN]

I've been playing well until recently. Now I can't hit an iron longer than a 7, or even a f/way wood. My driving is good though. I'm totally lost as to know what is going wrong.

I'm struggling to get the ball in the air with these longer clubs and, quite often, after I've made contact I'm getting a pitch mark about 3-6 inches in front of where the ball was!!! This is often accompanied by the ball going virtually along the ground to the right (I'm a leftie).

Can anyone give me an accurate diagnosis as to what is going on here and how to cure it? Thanks a lot.

[BrianW]

Re: Game gone to pot

Hi Alan,

It sounds like you are swinging off plane. You seem to be swinging too steeply at the ball with your longer clubs, probably striking the top of the ball then thumping the club into the ground.

Try these things to start with:

Don't swing too fast with your long clubs, use a similar tempo to your 7 iron.

With your longer irons and fairway woods imagine a nail sticking out the back of the balls equator at around a 25 deg angle. When you swing have an image in your mind of hitting the nail down through the ball with an easy tempo.

Keep your eyes firmly on the ball until it has gone and keep your head steady and behind the ball..

Make some practice shots with your feet together, this will help with tempo and balance.


I hope this helps you.

[dagosa]

Re: Game gone to pot

Hi Alan,
With your longer irons and fairway woods imagine a nail sticking out the back of the balls equator at around a 25 deg angle. When you swing have an image in your mind of hitting the nail down through the ball with an easy tempo.

Keep your eyes firmly on the ball until it has gone and keep your head steady and behind the ball..
.

This is is the best advice I have ever tried myself.....this imagery keeps the club on plane and your focus on club face control.....imagining your club is a hammer. Single best swing thought I have ever used.

[gatorguy146]

Re: Game gone to pot

Focus on keeping your head down, often times when your hitting those clubs and you haven't been hitting them well you self consciously look up just a little early because you just want to see where it's going without realizing it.

[Sumosid]

Re: Game gone to pot

Man, hard to say what is happening without seeing it. One thing that happens to me that causes simular issues with my golf swing is letting the club get ahead of my hands.

When you drive the ball--you are hitting up and don't notice that the wrists have broken. short irons allow you to get away with all kinds of things. 7-3 iron----well you might find no difference in distance--weak ball flight--slicing...etc... keep the wrist cupped at impact.

[AlanN]

Re: Game gone to pot

Thanks for all your input.

BrianW; the club isn't thumping into the ground after impact. It is, actually, a pitch mark made by the ball.

One of my golfing buddies has ventured the opinion that I might be coming over the top. Could this be a possibility?

[BrianW]

Re: Game gone to pot

Thanks for all your input.

BrianW; the club isn't thumping into the ground after impact. It is, actually, a pitch mark made by the ball.

One of my golfing buddies has ventured the opinion that I might be coming over the top. Could this be a possibility?

Alan,

The ball being driven into the ground will be caused by the same steep swing. Try working on the suggestions I gave, I am sure they will help you.

[cyc53870]

Re: Game gone to pot

Try some half swings and 3/4 swings first.

[GolfJunkieSr]

Re: Game gone to pot

Like the other poster above it sounds like you are not staying on plane in your down swing. The best way I know to be sure you are on plane is at the top of your swing stop and check to be sure your elbows are level with each other. If you have a second person with you, once you get to the top, and are holding that position, have your helper rest a club on the inside/backside of your elbows. If the club is not reasonably level then you are not on plane going back, and will not be on plane on your down swing. If you do not have a helper, you can use a morror if one is available. Just a thought with out actually seeing your swing. GJS