How To Keep The Long Iron Clubface On Line

Hello Golfer

Sometime ago, I wrote a short article on how to simplify one of the most intimidating shots in golf. There are still many more tips for these clubs. Today I will write on how to keep the clubface on line and flight control.

Turn Around Your Chest

If your upper body and arms can rotate in harmony, you will return the clubface square to the target at impact. What you need to do is to concentrate on keeping your chest fixed over the ball throughout the shot. If you can turn your shoulders around a fixed point (your chest), you will eliminate lateral body movement and keep the clubface on line. Before you hit for real though, please practise swinging your arms through impact and feel your upper and lower body working together.

Flight Control

One of the best ways to control the flight of your long irons is to punch the ball especially if you are playing in windy conditions. For this shot, move the ball towards the middle of your stance. Through impact your weight will be ahead of the ball, taking loft off the clubface and producing a piercing, low flight. The only change you need to make to your swing is to restrict your follow-through. Now, by preventing your hands from releasing into a full finish position, you can stop the ball from climbing into the wind.

Happy Golfing

Chijioke Onwunle

P.S. - Get a good golf instructor and read good golf books. You can't teach yourself golf. Read and practice what you have read under your tutor.Knowledge is power

Long Iron Shots Made Simple For Beginner Golfers

Hello Golfer,

For a while I have been writing about golf swings and playing in difficult terrain especially in the UK. The reason is because they are usually the nightmares of most golfers in this region, especially beginners. The same applies to other countries.

However, this is summer and a lot of golfing is taking place and a lot of golfers are on vacation with their kits looking for links and courses to play on away from their traditional courses.
This has made me remember the tips Greg Owen the 2003 British Masters Champion gave on playing on vast American courses. He said a long- iron game is crucial while playing the vast American courses.

How then do you simplify one of the intimidating shots in golf? Here are some tips......

Posture Pointer

Every golfer should pay attention to his posture at address most especially if you are very tall. Carefully setting your spine at the right angle for every long-iron shot is vital for a consistent strike. Take a comfortable stance ensuring that your knees remain flexed and ready for an athletic movement. Using your hips as a pivot, bend your upper body towards the ball, keeping your back as straight as possible.

Solid Striking

While you will need to commit to a full upper body turn, it is crucial to maintain your spine angle and posture throughout the backswing and down to impact. Similarly, if you dip or lift your head during the downswing, a poor strike is on the cards.

Happy Golfing

Chijioke Onwunle

P.S. - Get a good golf instructor and read good golf books. You can't teach yourself golf. Read and practice what you have read under your tutor.Knowledge is power

How To Hit The Long Irons In Golf Like A Tiger

Hello Golfer

Most golfers believe that hitting the long irons is probably the hardest shot to play in a sport that is already difficult. The first problem is that many golfers have unrealistic expectations. They watch people like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson hit these high, consistent and towering 3 or 4 irons. Then they play theirs or should I say....they hit theirs with a dismal result and wonder why they don’t get that same elevation.

The simple problem is that due to such a shallow angle on the clubface compared to a wedge one needs a large amount of club head speed to keep the ball continuing on its trajectory and get it up high. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to play like the world’s greatest players, however, my advice is for most budding golfers to have a realistic expectation and play their game that way.

Hitting Long Irons

To start with, some golfers suggest that young golfers and mid handicap golfers should where possible avoid hitting long irons in golf at all and take the 3 and 4 iron out of the bag. They should carry the fairway woods which have a lower centre of gravity and are a lot easier to get into the air. By so doing, they will build their confidence and ability until they can go on to the long iron hitting.

This approach notwithstanding, there could be times when you will prefer to hit a long iron shot for a particular situation. Thus, hitting long irons will be an advantage to have in your bag. For example, when you are playing an approach to the green and there is a strong presence of a cross wind, or there is the threat of overhanging branches, then it would be wrong to take a high airy shot. It is much advisable to keep your golf ball low.

Effective Steps for Hitting Long Irons in Golf

Step 1. Set the ball up nearer to the middle of your stance. This is unlike when using the driver. This way, you will be able to produce a more consistent strike hitting the ball in the middle of the club face. Unfortunately, most players put the ball further forward in their stance because of the length of shaft. This only allows for a very minor sweet spot.

Step 2. The game of golf is played mentally. Mentally, you know that the green is at a particular distance away. Then you unconsciously attempt to hit the ball harder to get to the green and that’s when you get out of rhythm. Then all sorts of results appear. You get a bunker, rough etc. Now prepare yourself mentally and endeavour to tell yourself to hit every shot like a 7 iron, and you will naturally swing smoother letting the angle of the club face do the work for you.

Step 3. In hitting the long irons, try to make a full follow through. I learnt that Tiger Wood’s follow through is as long as his back swing. This will make you sweep through the ball and continue club head speed without topping the ball a short distance down the fairway.

Happy Golfing

Chijioke Onwunle

P.S. - Get a good golf instructor and read good golf books. You can't teach yourself golf. Read and practice what you have read under your tutor.Knowledge is power