Irons

Now you've hit the middle of the faiirway it's time to find the green!

Long Irons

One of the most intimidating shots in golf is a Long iron to a green. To make it easier, try opening the stance a little to allow for a fade and give the shot a higher percentage chance of coming off. Ball position should be midway between the inside of the left heel and centre of the stance. Gripping down on the club will give more control but have a small effect on distance.

DRILL –With a full backswing and downswing, try to hit the ball just 100 yards (or swing at a speed 50 percent of normal). You'll be surprised at how solidly you'll hit the ball.

Try to make a big shoulder turn and create a sweeping motion by maintaining good width on your backswing and follow-through. Finish high, with your weight moving in the same direction as the ball.

Mid Iron

Entering the scoring zone requires your weight shift to assist rather than hinder your accuracy as it is very easy for pulls and pushes to result in missed greens, which will put great pressure on your short game. Even when on the course there are ways to keep the rhythm and tempo of your weight transfer in check whilst a delay in play occurs.

DRILL - Improper weight shift is the major cause of lack of distance. Assume a narrow stance using a mid-iron. Take several practice swings. Begin your backswing by lifting your left foot slightly off the ground. As you initiate your downswing replace your left foot and then lift your right foot as you follow-through. Trouble with this drill may indicate a weight transfer problem. You will know immediately if you are not shifting your weight back and then forward properly.

Short Irons / Wedges

Accelerate Accelerate Accelerate!!! The most common problem with short iron shots in Amateurs is not accelerating through impact. Slowing down or trying to finesse the shot will likely result in erratic distances or even a “fat”. Furthermore, accelerating will give you addition backspin to help stop the ball on the green.

DRILL - Go to a part of your practice ground where there is deep rough. Nestle the club down in it and swing back. Accelerate through the impact area cutting through the heavy rough. Without stopping, swing back again and this time try to start your divot where the last one ended, repeat this with a third swing.

This will get you shifting weight forward and also accelerating through impact. Two key areas of good wedges.