How to Hit Long Irons
Do you avoid hitting your long irons at all costs? And when you do hit them, are they costing you more strokes than they’re saving you?
Your long irons are among the most difficult clubs in your bag to hit, because the shafts are long, making them harder to control, and the loft is low, making them less forgiving and more likely to veer offline.
However, with a little practice and sticking to the fundamentals, you can pull long irons with confidence and pure them consistently. Gary Gilchrest, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, is here to teach you how to hit long irons.
Three Keys to Hitting Better Long Irons
Gilchrist highlights three keys to hitting better long irons. First, address the ball with a good set up. Make sure the ball is forward in your stance. Playing it off your lead ear is a good reference point. Also, make sure to grip the club in your fingers, not your palms. This will help you replace those chunked mis-hits with pure strikes.
When you take the club back, make a smooth takeaway and wind up into the top of your backswing. Maintaining great balance throughout the swing will help you improve consistency with your long irons.
From there, make a smooth transition into your downswing and turn through the ball. It’s very important you don’t rush your transition into your downswing. Keep it smooth and balanced.
Practicing Pure Long Irons
To put these fundamentals into action, start by practicing small swings with your long irons.
Gilchrist instructs to start with a narrow stance with the ball position forward, and make nice half-swings. Turn back and through.
Gilchrist highlights that if you make a good half-swing, you won’t sway off the ball, instead you’ll learn how to turn between your feet. As a result, you’ll start seeing the ball fly straight and feel good contact with your long irons.
Once you’re comfortable with that, it’s time to start making the swing bigger. Take a little wider stance and, while keeping both heels on the ground, make the swing a little longer than your half-swings, still focusing on turning back and through. Be sure to stay down and rotate, don’t thrust your hips towards the ball in your downswing.
Finally, you’re ready for full swings, while maintaining the concepts you just learned.
With a wider stance and the ball forward, make a smooth full swing, turning back and through while maintaining balance. Resist the temptation to swing hard and fast when you get to the top of your swing. Instead, focus on smooth rhythm and tempo.
Make Your Long Irons a Strength
With a little practice and extra focus on the fundamentals, you can transform your long irons from a part of your bag you avoid, to one you embrace. Having confidence in your long irons -- and the skills to back it up -- will give you more options on narrow par 4s, long par 3s, and your second shot on par 5s.
Driving Iron Fundamentals: 5 Signs You Should Add One