Tips For Short to Medium Irons

With short to medium irons, we want to hit the golf ball solid and accurate.  A smooth and easy motion is what is needed to hit the ball straight.  One thing to be avoided is ripping at the ball.  Swing within yourself and take one extra club if you need more distance.  There are a few keys when setting up to a short to medium iron.  The ball position will be approximately in the middle of your stance.  Your arms and hands will be hanging in a relaxed position under your shoulders.  Try to avoid reaching for or crowding the golf ball.  Weight is equally distributed between your right and left foot on the balls of your feet.  As far as the swing goes, the club will swing more up and down.  The club gets vertical as opposed to swinging around your body.  The motion will allow us to strike down for a crisp iron shot.

Drill for consistent iron play:  This drill involves working on your divot.  Tee up a ball.  Make a half or three quarter length swing.  When you swing down and through the ball, try to make your divot after the tee.  If you hit the ground before the tee, you may be scooping the ball and trying to help it in the air.  Instead, we want to strike down and hit the ball then the turf.  A perfect divot is one that is in front of where our golf ball is located on the ground and is shallow – not too deep. 

Rob Charland
Head Golf Professional