GET HOT WITH YOUR IRON PLAY
For the golfer looking to break 100, the most important element of iron play is strike. Golfers shooting in the 100s typically catch the ball either heavy or thin. If you can learn to get the face cleanly on the ball more often, your iron play will take a big leap forward. A great way to do that is to set up the ideal impact position… and start the swing from there.
1 Address Face on
Take your regular address, as square as possible to your target. Now push your trail knee – the right knee for the right-hander – subtly towards the target. Allow this move to set some extra weight under your lead foot and push your hands just ahead of the ball. This helps you pre-set a slight downward attack angle, ideal for striking irons.
2 Address Up the line
As you push that trail knee towards the target, feel your lead hip turn a touch to the left (righthanders). You should also feel some extra pressure moving under the heel of your lead foot. By doing this you are presetting the hip and pelvis rotation that allows you to release the club powerfully down the target line.
3 Impact Return to address
Before you start the swing itself, give yourself a moment to take in this set-up. Feel how the extra weight under your front foot and your hands ahead of the clubface might encourage a squeezing, compressing strike on the ball. Note how that slight opening of your lead hip could promote rotation at speed.
Feel the squeeze
Now make your swing with only one thought or intention – to swing powerfully through that same address position at impact. Try to avoid swaying or lateral movement as you swing back, instead holding a central, over-the-ball position. Trust the clubface loft and try to squeeze down on the back of the ball. Repeat this exercise until your striking becomes clean and powerful.