Articles

Chickipedia

How To Hit Iron Shots In Golf

By: JBTodd

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you want to lower your handicap, you need to know how to hit iron shots in golf. The distance to the flag will determine the type of iron you should use for your shot. You will have to dedicate yourself to hitting many buckets of balls on the practice range to find out how far you can hit with each of the different irons in your golf bag. Mastering the various iron shots in golf will make the sport more enjoyable, and keep you from wasting a lot of  time searching in the woods for lost golf balls.

  1. Head to the driving range with your golf clubs. Buy a few buckets of balls and then loosen up with some stretching exercises. When you hit iron shots in golf, bend your knees slightly and relax. You want to be as smooth as possible as you begin your swing, and then keep your arms in tight as you hit the ball. The amount of follow through should be based on your momentum, and should not feel forced.
  2. Hit at least 25 balls with each iron. Try to get a feel for the average distance you are getting with each club, and write the yardage down in a notebook. Experiment with your grip, closing the face of the club for a few swings and then opening it for a few more swings. Pay attention to how the ball hooks or slices depending on your grip when you hit your iron shots.
  3. As you progress, try to shape your iron shots. You do not just want to make solid contact, you want the ball to go where you need it to in order to set up your next shot. Adjust your stance, and alternate opening and closing the club face to shape the golf shot. Make sure your swing tempo is smooth and not jerky, or you may shank the ball.
  4. Take a few lessons if you are still spraying the ball all over the course. Have an instructor analyze your swing as you hit iron shots in golf. He will make the necessary corrections to your grip and body positioning to enhance your swing. Practice what you are shown back on the driving range until your stroke improves.
Posted on: Jul. 13, 2010