Hitting a 3 iron

[Kooga61]

Hi,

I've had problems hitting my irons from day one. But since I had advice here, my short iron game has improved greatly.

But now I need help again. I can't seem to nail a 3 iron (and my 4 iron mostly too). I can hit my woods off the deck no problem, but I would love to be able to nail a 3 iron.

As a foot note. I took my daughter's new boyfriend out for a hit the other day. Only his 6th game ever. He was terrible with his woods, but boy could he hit a 3 iron! Dead straight and as long as I can hit a 3 wood! I don't know how he does it? ...and he's half my weight and size ringing wet too!

I usually club about the same as him on the lower irons, but.....

Any advice?

[KrudlerAce]

Long Irons

I have always had success with long irons just by following a few basic principles.

(1) I play the ball forward in my stance
(2) I ensure I hit down on the golf ball at impact (a must with all irons)
(3) I also make sure I stay down on the shot a fraction longer than the other irons because of the lesser loft.

I avoid 'lifting' or 'scooping' the ball at impact.

Lastly, I swing a fraction easier than the other irons and let the club head do the work.

These tips work for me and should hopefully work for you to.

All the best.

[bill reed]

Re: Hitting a 3 iron

hi
like KurdlerAce i play the ball forward in my stance and with the long iron's (1,2,3 and 4 irons) its more a sweeping shot where your just clipping the grass, shaving it and not taking a divot, i have no problems hitting my one iron of the fairways as long as i don't try and hit to hard or swing to fast, i try to make a clean contact on the ball and to do that i have to swing at about 90% if i swing at 100% then i don't make clean contact and half the shot dont go where i want them too.
try putting talc or impact tape on the face and see where you making contact with the ball. you could be just playing it a bit to far back in your stance and catching it to much on the downswing.
Cheers
Bill

[BrianW]

Re: Hitting a 3 iron

I would suggest replacing your 3 and 4 irons with 3 and 4 hybrids, they are easier to use and more versatile.

With longer clubs dont swing too fast, it is a temptation to swing faster because you expect the ball to travel further, this will tend to create poor ball contact. Swing all clubs like you were swinging a 9 iron.

[bill reed]

Re: Hitting a 3 iron

Hi
i agree with Brian about the use of Hybrids, if you put the ball in the rough a lot of the tee then there no way you will hit a 3 or 4 iron out the rough with any consistancy. most times a 7 iron to much club.
using a Hybrids 3 or 4 then you have at least a 50/50 chance of getting the club on the back of the ball without the rough gripping the hosel. also goes for a poot lie on the fairway. a bad lie even on the fairway if a hard shot to play with a 3 iron but easer with a 3 wood or a 3 Hybrid
cheers
Bill