Playing the Long Game in Golf

The long game in golf is critical to low golf scores.

Hitting the ball long off the tee has it benefits. Anytime my opponents are consistently out driving me by 20+ yards, I wonder if I am missing out on an opportunity to improve my scores. Of course most golfers understand the benefit of the long game as they are closer to the green for their approach shot. There is merit to this logic, however the long game is not only about hitting your driver or 3 wood; it is about you mid to long irons that are hit as often as the woods. The mid to long irons are most ignored clubs in golf and warrant some attention. Continue reading

Your Long Iron of Choice

Long irons are hard to hit! It is one part of my game that I always need to work on because of my ongoing inconsistency. A few years back, I wrote an article on the importance of long irons. It still applies today and is worth the read (in my opinion). However, I recently asked the question which was the long iron of choice and I have to say, I am not surprised by the results. Continue reading

Which Golf Club First?

The golf season is fast approaching. Some of my friends are heading south to get a jump on things and others will head indoors somewhere to warm up their swing. Personally, neither option is open to me, but I know spring is just around the corner.

When I head to the first open practice area, I always have a bit of a dilemma on which club to use first. The excitement of hitting golf balls sometimes overshadows my logic on preparing for the season. I am sure many of you feel the exact same way! Continue reading

Are Long Irons Important?

Long Irons are the most misunderstood clubs in a golfer’s bag.  In some cases, these tools are dusty and look like brand new.  Most beginners look at their long irons with fear and contempt because they find them difficult to hit and very unforgiving.  Regardless of what your fears are associated with your long game; there are no secrets to success from 200 yards out.

There are many pundits who have the answers on long irons.  Some will tell you to move your hands forward, others move them back.  Experts talk about where to place the ball; forward, backward, or centre.  Even your buddies talk about swing plane, releasing your hands early, weight shift, and on and on.  Talk about white noise….please make it stop!

The basic mechanics of a golf swing are not supposed to change regardless of which club is in your hands.  Most players take that to mean that exactly everything remains exactly the same. Unfortunately, that is not true.  Using long irons is a perfect example.  Below are two short videos that focus on a couple of aspects when hitting long irons.  They advice is simple and easy to follow.

The discussion about posture and maintaining balance is very important when hitting long irons.  It is important not to over swing, but maintain your normal rhythm.

Hand placement is very important with long irons.  Most players reach when trying to hit long irons and that is a result of improper hand position.

If you are still having difficulty hitting your long irons, take the fear out of your came and consider switching to hybrids.  There are some unique advantages to hybrids over irons especially for a higher handicap player. Although I was not trying to break 100, I switched to hybrids two years ago.  This switch increased my confidence from 200 yards out and help lower my score.

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!