I was playing golf with a friend a few years ago who has what she calls “Driver-phobia.” So, as we prepared to tee off, I was surprised when she pulled a 2-iron from her bag. Then I was shocked when she hit it straight down the fairway about 210 yards.
A guy in the group behind us said “She needs to put on a clinic in how to hit long irons” and I agree.
Any golfer knows that hitting a long iron can be a challenge.
To begin with, the sweet spot on a long iron is smaller than on shorter clubs, which can make it difficult to make solid contact.
In addition, long irons have less loft and tend to have a lower trajectory, which can make it hard to get the ball up in the air.
However, there are a few things that golfers can do to improve their long iron game:
- Practice: Regular practice with long irons will help golfers become more comfortable and confident when using them on the course.
- Swing technique: Golfers should focus on developing a smooth and consistent swing technique when hitting long irons. This includes maintaining proper grip, alignment, and stance.
- Club fitting: Having properly fitted long irons can make a big difference in a golfer’s ability to hit them well. A professional club fitting can help ensure that the golfer has clubs that are the right length, lie angle, and flex for their swing.
- Swing path and clubface alignment: Golfers should focus on hitting the ball with a descending blow, which is crucial for hitting long irons well. Also, they should pay attention to aligning the clubface square to the target line at impact.
- Ball position: Golfers should experiment with different ball positions in their stance to find the one that works best for them when hitting long irons.
- Swing speed: Golfers should work on increasing their swing speed to generate more distance with their long irons.
- Consider using hybrids: Long irons are hard to hit and control for most golfers, if you are struggling consider using a hybrid club that is easier to hit and control.
We’re going to cover each one of these 7 steps in this post so that you’ll be well on your way to flushing those long irons like the pros!
Table of Contents
Why Do I Struggle to Hit Long Irons?
Golfers struggle to hit long irons because they are typically more difficult to control and have a smaller sweet spot compared to other clubs.
Additionally, long irons require a steeper swing angle, which can be harder to execute accurately.
Factors such as a lack of practice or a poor swing technique can also contribute to difficulty hitting long irons.
How to Hit Long Irons: 7 Ways to Improve
Let’s break down each of the 7 suggested ways to improve your long-iron game.
Practice
Practicing with long irons is one of the most important things you can do to improve your long-iron game.
Regular practice allows you to become more comfortable and confident when using long irons on the course. This can help reduce anxiety and nervousness when hitting long irons, which can lead to better performance.
Like my friend, for example, is much more comfortable teeing off with a 2-iron than a driver because she’s used it for so many years. But put a driver in her hand and suddenly she’s shaking and feeling anxiety.
When practicing with long irons, you should focus on developing a consistent swing technique.
This includes maintaining proper grip, alignment, and stance. You should also pay attention to your swing path and clubface alignment, and experiment with different ball positions in your stance to find the one that works best for you.
Additionally, you should work on hitting the ball with a descending blow, which is crucial for hitting long irons well.
Regular practice with long irons will help you develop muscle memory, which can lead to more consistent shots on the course.
Swing Technique
Swing technique is crucial for improving your long-iron game. When hitting long irons, it’s important to maintain a proper grip, alignment, and stance to ensure a smooth and consistent swing.
This includes ensuring that your grip is comfortable and secure, your alignment is square to the target, and your stance is balanced and stable.
You should also focus on your swing path and clubface alignment when hitting long irons.
A proper swing path is a crucial element to hit long irons correctly, making sure that the clubhead is descending through impact, which will help you hit the ball with a crisp and clean contact.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the clubface is square to the target line at impact.
This will help you hit the ball straight and true. By paying attention to your swing technique and making adjustments as necessary, you can improve your long-iron game.
Club Fitting
Having properly fitted long irons can make a big difference in your ability to hit them well. A professional club fitting can help ensure that your clubs are the right length, lie angle, and flex for your swing.
This will allow you to hit the ball with greater accuracy and distance.
During a club fitting, a professional club fitter will measure your swing characteristics and recommend clubs that are tailored to your specific needs. They will also check for any issues with your current clubs and make any necessary adjustments.
It’s a good idea to get fitted for new clubs every couple of years, or if you notice a significant change in your swing. Keep in mind that club fitting can be a bit expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you want to improve your long-iron game.
Swing Path and Clubface Alignment
Swing path and clubface alignment are critical factors when hitting long irons.
To improve your long-iron game, you should focus on hitting the ball with a descending blow.
This means that the clubhead should be descending through impact, which will help you hit the ball with a crisp and clean contact.
This will increase your chances of hitting the ball straight and true, and also generate more distance.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to aligning the clubface square to the target line at impact.
When the clubface is square, the ball will travel straight and true. If the clubface is open or closed at impact, the ball will likely go off course.
To ensure a square clubface, practice your swing and pay attention to the position of the clubface at the top of your backswing, and at impact.
You can also use alignment sticks or training aids to help you visualize a square clubface.
Ball Position
The ball position in your stance plays an important role in hitting long irons well. Finding the right ball position for you can help you hit the ball with more accuracy and distance.
Experimenting with different ball positions in your stance can help you find the one that works best for you.
When experimenting with different ball positions, it’s important to keep in mind that the ball should be positioned slightly forward of center in your stance for long irons.
This will help you hit the ball with a descending blow, which is crucial for hitting long irons well.
You can also try moving the ball slightly back in your stance for a higher trajectory or forward for a lower trajectory.
It’s important to practice with different ball positions and find the one that works best for you and makes you feel most comfortable.
You can also consult with a professional golf instructor who can help you identify the best ball position for you and your swing.
Swing Speed
Increasing your swing speed can help you generate more distance with your long irons.
Swing speed is a combination of your strength and your swing mechanics.
To increase your swing speed, you can work on your overall fitness, and focus on exercises that target the muscles used in your golf swing.
You can also work on your swing mechanics to increase your swing speed.
A good way to do this is by focusing on your takeaway. A smooth and efficient takeaway can help you generate more power and speed in your swing.
Another way to increase your swing speed is by using a heavier club during practice swings, this will help you to develop more strength and speed in your swing.
Additionally, you can work on your release and follow-through.
A smooth release and follow-through will help you generate more speed and power in your swing.
Keep in mind that increasing your swing speed takes time and practice, so be patient and consistent with your training.
Consider Using Hybrids
Using hybrids instead of long irons can be a great solution for golfers who struggle with hitting long irons.
Hybrids are easier to hit and control than long irons, which can help you hit the ball with more accuracy and distance.
Hybrids are designed to be a cross between a fairway wood and an iron.
They have a larger head than long irons and a more upright lie angle, which makes them easier to hit and control.
They also have a larger sweet spot, which makes it easier to hit the ball with the center of the clubface.
Hybrids can be particularly useful for golfers who struggle with hitting long irons off the fairway or out of the rough.
They can also be a good option for golfers who are looking for more distance and forgiveness.
It’s worth trying out a hybrid and comparing it to your long irons and see if it works better for you.
How to Hit Long Irons FAQ
How to Hit Long Irons Straight
Hitting a long iron straight requires a different technique than hitting a shorter iron. First, you need to make sure that you have the correct club. Long irons are designed for greater distance, so using a shorter club will not give you the same results. Second, you need to take a longer swing.
This may seem counterintuitive, but a longer swing gives you more power and increases your chances of making contact with the ball. Finally, you need to be sure to transfer your weight and follow-through. This will help ensure that the ball stays on course and doesn’t veer off to the side. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of hitting a long iron straight and improving your game.
Making Consistent Contact With Long Irons
When hitting long irons in golf, the most important thing is to make consistent contact with the ball. This can be difficult, as long irons require a lot of precision and a high degree of accuracy.
However, there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of making consistent contact. First, make sure that you are using the correct grip. Second, after your pre-shot routine make sure you take a practice swing to get a feel for the shot. Third, focus on your target and make sure that you are swinging through the ball. By following these tips, you will improve your chances of making consistent contact with your long irons and hitting them straight and far.
How to Hit Long Irons From the Rough
One of the most frustrating things for a golfer is hitting a long iron from the rough and not knowing how to get out. Here are some tips on how to hit long irons from the rough.
Take Extra Club
First, when you are in the rough, make sure that you take an extra club. The ball is not going to travel as far when it is in the rough, so you need to make sure that you account for that.
Clip it on the Upswing
When you swing, try to hit the ball on the upswing. This will help to get the ball up in the air and out of the rough.
Follow Through and Don’t Decelerate
Finally, make sure that you attack the ball and follow through with your swing. A lot of golfers tend to slice their shots when they are trying to hit from the rough, so make sure that you focus on speed, form, and follow through with your shot. By following these tips, you should be able to hit long irons from the rough with ease.
Hitting Long Irons Fat?
Hitting long irons fat is a common problem for golfers of all skill levels. If you find yourself chunking your long irons, there are a few simple fixes that can help.
Grip
First, check your grip. A weak grip will cause the clubface to open at impact, leading to a fat shot.
Club Selection
Second, make sure you are using the correct club. If you are struggling to hit your long irons, you may be trying to use a club that is too long for you.
Practice
Finally, take some time to practice your swing. A smooth, controlled swing will produce better results than a choppy, hurried one.
Are Hybrids Better Than Long Irons?
When it comes to golf clubs, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. For longer shots, the two most popular types are hybrids and long irons. Hybrids are a cross between a wood and an iron, and they can be used for a variety of shots. Long irons, on the other hand, are designed for distance and are typically used for tee shots. So, which is the better choice?
There is no easy answer, as it depends on your individual playing style. If you are looking for maximum distance, then long irons are the way to go. However, if you prefer more accuracy, then hybrids might be a better option.
What is the Longest Iron You Should Carry in Your Bag?
Many beginner golfers wonder what the longest iron you should carry in your bag. The answer depends on a few factors, including your skill level and the type of golf course you’re playing.
On average, most beginner golfers carry a 3-iron or 4-iron. These clubs are typically used for longer shots, such as from the fairway or rough. If you’re just starting out, you might find that a 3-iron is too difficult to hit. In this case, a 4-iron would be a better option.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which club works best for your game. Experiment with different clubs on the range before heading out to the course. And don’t forget to ask your pro for help if you’re still not sure which club is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Golf is a game that will challenge you from every angle. Literally!
If you learn to embrace these challenges, as opposed to shying away from them it will help you take your game to new heights. That is why the mental attitude in golf is paramount to your success.
Hitting long irons is simply something that you will need to face each and every round. It’s not easy to do so don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself. That will only lead to stress and tension.. Which is B-A-D Bad!
Like anything else, the best way to get where you want to be is to put in some work.
Don’t expect to figure these things out during your rounds, instead, take the time to hit a range and pound out all 3, 4, and 5 irons until you are feeling comfortable.
It might take multiple trips, but if you follow the tips you read here and take them to the range you will definitely see marked improvements.
Thanks for checking out this masterpiece on the long irons in golf! ????.
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