Iron out the Basics

 Improving iron play is the key to making more birdies!! 🐦




Stance and Setup

  • Feet Position: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. For shorter irons your feet can be slightly closer together, while for longer irons they should be slightly wider.
  • Ball Position: Place the ball in the middle for mid-irons. The ball should be slightly behind the centre of your stance for shorter irons and progressively closer to the front foot for longer irons.
  • Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight evenly between both feet, with slightly more pressure on your front foot (about 55% front, 45% back). This helps promote a descending strike on the ball.

Grip

  • Hold the Club: Position your hands so that your lead hand (left hand for right-handed players) has a "V" formed between the thumb and forefinger pointing toward your back shoulder. Your trail hand (right hand for right-handed players) should complement the lead hand, gripping lightly but securely.
  • Hand Position: The hands should be slightly ahead of the ball at address, with the club shaft leaning slightly forward.

Posture

  • Back Straight and Hips Hinged: Stand tall with your back straight, then hinge from the hips to bend forward slightly. Your knees should be flexed slightly.
  • Arms and Hands: Let your arms hang naturally, with a slight bend in your elbows.

Swing Mechanics

  • Takeaway: Start the backswing by turning your shoulders and chest, keeping your hands and arms relaxed. Your clubhead should remain low to the ground as you initiate the takeaway.
  • Backswing: Rotate your shoulders, keeping your arms connected to your body. For a consistent swing, avoid lifting the club too steeply. The club should be at about a 90-degree angle to your arms at the top of the backswing.
  • Downswing: Start your downswing by shifting your weight toward your front foot and rotating your hips. Your hands and arms should naturally follow, and the club should strike the ball after the low point of the swing making contact with the ball first, then the ground.
  • Impact: At impact, your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball, and the club should descend through the ball for a crisp strike. This creates the desired compression of the ball.
  • Follow-through: Continue rotating your body through the shot, allowing the club to swing around your body. Your weight should finish mostly on your front foot, with your body facing the target.



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