The Magnificent 7 Tips Of Long Iron Control

Learning how to hit long irons takes time, practice, and
patience. Of all the clubs in the standard golf bag, the 1
through 4 are widely considered the most difficult to
master. Here are some tips to help you learn how to hit
long irons with confidence and precision.

The Key Elements:

While there are hundreds of tips concerning iron-play,
four key elements must be a incorporated in each shot:
good balance, smooth tempo, club head acceleration, and
careful targeting. If any of these are lacking or absent,
the shot will be less than successful.

The Key Goal:

When you are first learning how to hit long irons, your
main goal is to strike the ball crisply and cleanly on the
sweet spot of the club face. Here is how you can
accomplish this goal.

1. Make sure you have a good solid stance when you take
your address. A slight flex in your knees will help steady
you as you go through your swing.

2. It is imperative that you bring your club back smoothly
and continue this smooth swing throughout, especially as
you move from backswing to downswing. A smooth swing does
two things for you: it helps keep your club face aligned
correctly, and helps you accelerate the club, which is
crucial for distance.

3. As you learn how to hit long irons, remember to unwind
from your hips and feet once you get to the top of your
backswing. Do not let your hands take control of the
swing, which is a common mistake. By uncoiling your lower
body, you’ll get the power needed to move the ball down
the range.

4. Anyone who has ever been taught a golf lesson has
received the instructions to keep the head down. This is
important with all shots, but especially when learning how
to hit long irons. There is little room for error with
these clubs, and you must keep your head still.

If your head moves too much or comes up, the club head
will most likely bottom out before it strikes the ball,
ruining your shot.

5. Your left arm needs to remain straight (for right
handed golfers) bend your forward arm during the
swing, you change the distance between the club head and
the ball, and this has to be brought back to hit the ball
cleanly. Keep that forward arm straight and you will not
have to worry about making that adjustment.

6. Many golfers who are learning how to hit long irons
believe they have to hit the ground first to scoop the
ball off the fairway. In reality, this is the exact
opposite of what you should do.

Of all the tips presented here, hitting the ball first,
ground second is the most important. This means that you
must hit the ball with a descending arc. Ignore the fact
that these clubs have very little loft. Let the club do
what it is designed to do, and do your part to make sure
that happens.

7. The last tip is to make sure you complete the swing
with your follow through. The club should follow a path
right to the target as you finish up.

“The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is
so you can’t see him laughing.” (Phyllis Diller)

Use these tips when you are learning how to hit long irons
and you will soon see dramatic improvements.