Can't hit long irons!

[JohnP]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

I had a similar problem with 3 and 4 irons too, I tried rescue clubs, 5 woods etc.. but - the answer is what a lot of people are saying here - just swing smoother, the advice about trying to hit the 150 yard board is spot on, do this and it will quickly become much easier to sart hitting longer. The best tip I got was to keep it dead smooth in the transition from backswing to downswing, almost like there is a pause, this should be the smoothest part of the swing and there should be no jerkiness here. This also helps to keep the club coming at the ball from the inside which is essential to good ball striking.

Give it a try it - it made a huge difference to me. Also see the really good link below.

http://www.golftoday.co.uk/proshop/t.../lesson11.html

[nickwbryant]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

IMO the long irons are the toughest clubs in the bag to hit as you don't get to tee it up like you do a driver. I believe quality of long iron play is a direct measure of how good your swing is. There is simply very little margin for error with these clubs. If you are hitting your long irons well you know your swing is on track. For me there is no better feeling in golf than absolutely ripping a long iron into the heart of a green.

My tip for hitting better long irons is to simply swing better! the swing is no real different to a 6, 7 iron. The ball might be a bit more forward. If i had to give one tip though for long iron play (and lots of the tips already in this thread are great) it would be to make sure you complete your backswing. You must get behind the ball at the top of the swing to have any chance if hitting decent long irons.

Having said all that, hybrids are so easy to hit that it feels like cheating - an easy solution if you dont have time or inclination to work at long irons.

nick

[pnearn]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

The best tip I got was to keep it dead smooth in the transition from backswing to downswing, almost like there is a pause, this should be the smoothest part of the swing and there should be no jerkiness here. This also helps to keep the club coming at the ball from the inside which is essential to good ball striking.

Give it a try it - it made a huge difference to me. Also see the really good link below.

http://www.golftoday.co.uk/proshop/t.../lesson11.html

Spot on. I posted something similar in the long game forum. The whole pause thing a-makes you complete your backswing b-allows the body to change direction and c-keeps everything nice and smooth

The slight pause is what makes great swings seem so effortless as theres no viloent change of direction

[leehutchinson]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

Im struggling to hit my 2 iron/hybrid (nikent). The prob is that I dont know where abouts to put the ball. Should it be towards the left foot or in the centre of my stance, so I can hit down on the ball??

Lee.

[bertelsen]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

Im struggling to hit my 2 iron/hybrid (nikent). The prob is that I dont know where abouts to put the ball. Should it be towards the left foot or in the centre of my stance, so I can hit down on the ball??

Lee.

On normal shots it should be towards your left foot. To punch it in the wind put it in the centre.

[BrianW]

Re: Can't hit long irons!

My longest iron is a 5, I now use 7, 5 & 3 fairway woods (Taylormade V Steels) I find the low centre of gravity and ease of use better than long irons. I did try a couple of recovery irons and found them good for getting the ball into the air but could not match the feel and consistency of the woods.

Getting back to the original question: I find a slightly shortened backswing and follow through gives me more consistent hits with longer irons (More of a punch shot), I agree that you must play the ball forward of centre and use the same swing speed as your 7 iron.

Regards
Brian