Do long irons strokes require a different technique?

[HandyCapped]

Hi all.

I've taken up golf very recently. I'm reasonably satisfied with my improvement on short iron strokes. Although I've still got a mountain to climb, I've acquired a reasonable grasp of the fundamentals of the golf swing. My problem is everything falls apart from about a 7i down.

Do long iron shots require a different technique or is there simply a smaller margin for error? I get thrown off by the fact that the ball needs to be further forward. I read that long iron shots are played into the turf to generate extra lift from the bounce. Not sure if that's a myth.

Please advise.

[LowPost42]

Re: Do long irons strokes require a different technique?

For the average player, the long irons are simply too long. Start by gripping (choking) down.

Otherwise, irons are meant to be hit with a decending blow - all irons.

[CrossGolfPro]

Re: Do long irons strokes require a different technique?

Handy,

Try to avoid making a different swing. What you will want to do is back away from the ball just slightly. Typically you will reposition the ball forward the longer the club. I actually tend to play everything towards my front heel unless I try to change the arc of the shot. How do you tend to hit the ball with your long irons?

[HandyCapped]

Re: Do long irons strokes require a different technique?

I tend to strike the ball with the club face moving in a half circle. Because the ball is further forward, I feel I need to change the line of my stroke to make contact and I end up hitting the ball to the left or in most cases topping it. It feels as though I need to change my aiming point which throws me off.

[HandyCapped]

Re: Do long irons strokes require a different technique?

Thanks for the tips guys. I saw an improvement. I was lucky enough to meet a South-African pro at a popular driving range (Although I did not recognize him embarrassingly). He was kind enough to help me out. Maybe this could help other beginners (Although your problems may be unique). My first problem was my stance was too narrow for long irons so I never had a solid posture over the ball. My grip was a big issue as I released my right palm from my left thumb at the top of my back swing causing my club to twist and this became more aggravated with the longer irons. My left arm was dominant during my back swing instead of my right arm causing all sorts of problems. I started my swing too violently causing my swing's energy to be spent by the time my club head is supposed to be accelerating further through the ball. (He showed me a simple test. Turn the club upside down pretending the grip is the club head and take a practice swing. You should hear a 'swoosh' at the fastest part of your swing. Make sure that sound is prominent as you accelerate through the imaginary ball and not on your down swing.) Finally as per the previous posts your swing should not change whether you're hitting a SW or 3i.