Iron play is very challenging at best for many beginners. Trying to understand the mechanics of hitting irons is a bit counterintuitive. We want to have a weight forward, hit higher on the club face, and make a divot after the ball. When we first start playing, most of us play with our weight on our back side, we try to scoop the ball and try to avoid divots. Unless you have taken a lesson (which if fully endorse) it could be a long while before you make solid contact with your irons. Believe it or not, this skill is something I struggle with from time to time, but I do know how to fix it. For today, lets talk about how to make solid contact with our irons and see if we can accelerate our learning curve.
The knowledge and skill that took the longest for me to learn was making my divot after the ball. I taught myself to make contact with the ball and clubface at the same time. Although it has worked out, this engrained skill causes me challenges with respect to ball contact. When I am not perfectly on while playing, I will hit slightly behind the ball which results in a lose of distance on control. Fixing this swing fault is something I continually work on in order to play my best golf.
If you are wondering, Chris Ryan gives a great description of how to hit solid irons:
Due to my swing challenges, I notice the divot left by Chris after the contact. This type of finish always makes me think and as such, I continually work on my game. I challenge is likely in the weight shift, but ball position cannot be excluded. Regardless, working on iron contact will continue to be part of my golfing journey.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I’m trying everything I can. Right now Shot Scope tells me my approach game is what needs the most work. There I lose 11 strokes to a scratch golfer in strokes gained. Overall I make up for half that with finding fairways and with my putting (my best stat) but if I want to get to scratch it’s my approach shots that need the most work. Or so the stats tell me.
The 7 wood will help but it’s time to get out and get more range practice in even if that means less playing (heaven forbid).
It seems it’s my irons & hybrids that are my weakest link at present. I don’t remember ever thinking that was the case before but the stats tell me it is.
So I’ll be hitting lots more balls over the next few weeks. Our weather is perfect for it again thankfully. It’s officially golf season in Florida again.
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Kevin,
I am glad you found a way to focus in on your areas of improvement. I think that irons, especially 5, 4, and 3 iron are hardest for most players to hit. Hybrids cured that challenge for most players including myself. Regardless, it is fun trying to find a way to shave a few strokes off our score.
Cheers Jim
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The thing that helps me the most in getting ball first contact is focusing my eyes on where I want the club to bottom out instead of on the ball.
On the range I’ll sometimes stick a tee in the ground and focus on it instead of the ball. It works for both irons and driver though the position I put the tee changes from after to before the ball for the driver to promote hitting up on the ball.
On the course we can’t use a tee like that, but there I just pick a blade of grass to focus on and the training takes over.
Got me a new weapon. I bought a Cobra Darkspeed 7 wood and replaced the 4 hybrid from the bag. It’s got a very different flight. Much, much higher though both clubs are 21 degrees. And it’s more forgiving too. On the course yesterday I used it twice from about 190 yards out and put both on the green. Eagled a par 5 after the first one stopped just 6 feet short of the pin. I’m pretty sure my 4 hybrid, had I struck it as well, would have skipped off both greens.
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Kevin,
Great tip about the tee in front of the ball. Anything that reminds me to hit the ball first is helpful.
A 7 wood, nice. I have not ventured down that path yet. I am sure in time.
Cheers Jim
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