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John Crumbley
by Q: Problem hitting long irons
Q: Hey guys, I hit my short (6-P) irons really good however, I have a hell
of a time hitting my long (2-5) irons with any consistency. I can hit a
fade or a draw with my short irons but all hit with my long irons is a low
pull-hook and I don't make solid contact. What may be causing this. I am 5' 6'' and
barrel chested, I have been told that I have an excellent "looking" swing for
an amateur. I am a 16 handicap but sometimes play to a 9-10 when I hit my
long irons decent. My normal ball flight is a fade but I have been working
on hitting a draw consistently. However, this problem was there prior to
me re-working my swing from a fade to a draw. This really hurts my scoring
chances.
- Anonymous
A:
This is not an uncommon problem for many golfers. Just look at the
popularity of the high lofted and low profile fairway woods. But I have
two things for you to look at that should help. First the problem you
describe can be a symptom of the lie angle on your irons being too flat
(toe lower than the heal at impact). When a golfers irons are too flat
he will need to close the club face at impact to hit the shot straight.
When he closes the club face to hit it straight he will be delofting the
club and it will be difficult to get the long irons up in the air. You
should have a local PGA Professional check you lie angles and have them
adjusted. Second potential problem may come from your body type. You
said you are "barrel chested". Men with large or rounded chest find it
difficult to deliver the club to the ball from the inside because there
chest push the left arm out toward the target line early in the down
swing. This results in too steep of a down swing plain or "coming over
the top". Since we can not do anything about your genetics, I suggest
you try pulling your right foot back from square a little (close your
stance). This will allow for the "over the top" move and allow you to
deliver the club on plain to the ball. Of course the best thing to take
a lesson with a PGA Professional, you might be surprised what we can do.
- John Crumbley, Head Pro, Formely @ Towne Lake Hills GC
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