Tip From the Archives

Iron Control

Problem

You want to improve your ability to predict your iron shots.

Cure

For an average player, the fuller the swing, the more loft and spin they will see, increasing the chances for an inconsistent ball flight. An easy or slightly shortened finish is likely to keep the ball on a lower ball flight and give you extra yardage. Take some extra time to practice and learn how reducing or applying power to your swing will affect your shots.

Therapy

Practice hitting each iron in your bag at least ten times. Right down on a scale from one to ten, with ten being the highest, to record how high the ball flies with each club. After taking average swings, record if the balls tend to fly to the left or right. Now add power to your swing and then take an easy swing with the same club. Chart the results to see how far, high, and accurate your shots are depending on the power applied. Put the results on a set of flash cards in your bag to use as a reference when you play your next round.

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15 votes

 
Linda | 4 years ago, mid-July

Flash cards? I can just see my playing partners rolling their eyes as I decide between the 9 iron that always falls short and the 8 iron that always flies left...unless I use less power in which case it behaves more like my putter, etc, etc. This game is slow enough as it is...don't give people more ways to slow down play!

Diane | 4 years ago, mid-July

How many times do you get stuck behind someone standing next to their bag, trying to decide which club to play? Then they have to discuss it with their friends. I only wish these players had a card in their bag that reminded them how they play each club! Besides, I'd feel less like an idiot if could look at a card in my bag, instead of asking someone else how I should play the shot and then mess it up completely due to a dumb choice. Whatever lowers my score, makes me look and feel great out on the course.

curtis | 3 years ago, mid-July

I would rather you look at the card, hit the shot and put it on the green than to miss it then mess up the chip or pitch then putt three times. This is where the time is wasted. I have a small book that has all of my yardages in it. Knowing how far you hit a half swing wedge and a 3/4 swing wedge is an example of what this article is talking about. It applies to all irons. Keep the card in a back pocket and pull it out as you are moving up to the ball.



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