Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

[jacej]

My 5I and 7I are ok, fairly straight with distances of about 120m and 100m respectively. However when i switch to my 3W, i either top it or duff it, and slice it most of the time (95%)..i am using the New Golf Swing.
Is there something i am missing here? How should i be hitting my wood differently from my Irons? Thanks for any help

[shootin4par]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

if you are an adult male and hitting your five iron only 120 then you have some swing isues and that is why you have a problem with your 3 wood. you should be hitting them all the same

[jacej]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

i guess its time for me to meet up with a pro or a single handicapper... i wonder if my problems are caused by my address weight being on the balls of my feet...i am also kinda confused coz i have also read that the weight should be at the heel...so which one shud i do?

[vp27519]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

J,

Woods and irons are hit differently.

Irons' ( 5 thru to wedges) are struck by hitting down on the ball. The ball should be in the middle of your stance. Woods are struck with a sweeping motion. The ball played from the inner left heel (right handers). With the sweeping motion and ball position you are hitting up to the ball so to speak.

Think smooth. Far too many people including myself at times try and rip into the ball. Let the club do the work and swing at 80 percent.

Accelarate through the ball J.

You should seek a pro and have instruction. When you find one you like. Stick with him, be patient and committed.

[jacej]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

Hey vp...
thanks a lot for the advice...now that u mention it...i hit down to the ball when i use my wood, as if i am hitting my irons...and yes..i also sometimes try to rip the ball apart!! there was once when i could relax a bit and just swing my arms thru the ball...and let the wood does the job...i was doing ok at that time..but i am not able to repeat that again so far...maybe i am trying too hard to kill the ball...

[jamesh]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

[quote=vp27519]J,

Woods and irons are hit differently.

Irons' ( 5 thru to wedges) are struck by hitting down on the ball....

I'm just curious.... what about 4i, 3i etc...

I was reading Tiger hits he low iron with a sweeping motion..

Thanks

[johnq]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

Take time to set up properly, check your grip, get it right. Relax, ensure that your back swing is not too upright (what do you mean about a new swing - one plane or 2 plane?). The ball should be placed just inside your left heel, maybe a ball width back toward centre. Easy and slow with the back swing making sure you keep the left arm as straight as possible, without being ridiculous about it, with body weight moving to the right side. Don't over swing the back swing. Start your down swing the the hands (ringing of the bell) as if pulling the end of the handle down towards the ball. Weight now coming forward into the swing. Initially try to hit slightly down onto the ball (but not like an iron) until you are sure of the stroke and then move to just sweep the ball into the air. Ensure that you follow through completely on the shot. The 3W is my favourite club but I need to be warmed up before I start using it. Treat the 5W the same way and there is no shame is taking a small divet in front of the ball with that club. Because the longer clubs can seem to be more difficult to manage, 3 & 5Ws, & 2-4 irons I practice with them a lot more that with my driver and short irons. This way I always feel comfortable when using them and don't try to kill the poor old ball. Remember to keep the right elbow in close to the right hip on the down swing to help with the inside/inside swing and avoid slicing. I like to have my weight on my heels this allows me greater swing thrust thru the ball without coming off balance.
Hope some of this helps. A few coaching lessons will be money well spent though.
Cheers,
JQ

[jacej]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

JQ,
i really appreciate your detailed advice...will try that tonite when i go to the driving range...

[vp27519]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

Jamesh,

My understanding is that woods, hybrids, 3 and 4 irons are with a sweeping motion. Ball position for these clubs vary. Driver closer to your inner left heel and say the 4 iron a ball width (approx.) left of centre (for right handers).

Five iron and higher is more of an upright (steeper) swing. You hit down on the ball.

Nicole

[jamesh]

Re: Problem with my 3 Wood Fairway Wood

[quote=vp27519]Jamesh,

My understanding is that woods, hybrids, 3 and 4 irons are with a sweeping motion. Ball position for these clubs vary. Driver closer to your inner left heel and say the 4 iron a ball width (approx.) left of centre (for right handers).

Five iron and higher is more of an upright (steeper) swing. You hit down on the ball.

Thanks for the info - I will give it a shot. I usually try and hit down on the ball - for the long irons - they look ill suited for a sweeping type hit on the ball - especially when compared to a utility wood...

Many thanks!

James