Can't Hit Long Irons? Let's Talk Tips!

Hitting long irons can be one of the trickiest aspects of golf for many players. If you find yourself struggling with these clubs, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips that might help you improve your long iron game:

1. Check Your Stance

  • Make sure you have a balanced stance. Feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in the knees can set a solid foundation.

2. Focus on Your Grip

  • A light grip can provide more control. Ensure that you’re not squeezing too tightly, which can restrict your swing.

3. Ball Position

  • Position the ball slightly forward in your stance. This allows for a sweeping motion that can help make better contact.

4. Swing Thought

  • Instead of focusing on power, think about a smooth, controlled swing. A full follow-through is also crucial for better distance.

5. Practice with Purpose

  • Spend time on the range specifically working on long irons. Use alignment sticks to ensure your swing path and body alignment are correct.

It’s also beneficial to watch some videos or take lessons to further analyze your technique if problems persist. What challenges do you face when hitting long irons? Share your experiences and let’s help each other out!

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I’ve been struggling with long irons too. I realized my stance was too wide and it threw off my balance. Adjusting it really helped me!

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I think a narrower stance can improve accuracy when hitting long irons. Just make sure you’re grounded but not too rigid.

That’s interesting! What width do you recommend for a more stable stance?

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Agreed! It also helps in generating a smoother hip rotation.

I’ve found that poor swing mechanics can really mess with my long iron shots. Focusing on my follow-through has been a game-changer.

What specific drills do you do to work on the follow-through?

I practice swinging in slow motion. It lets me feel each part of my swing, especially the follow-through.

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That’s a great drill! I’ll have to try that. It sounds effective for building muscle memory.

Maintaining a relaxed grip has impacted my swing a lot. Too tight, and I lose control during my downswing.

Totally! I also struggle with grip tension. Maybe we should all just try hitting a few balls without focusing on it.

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What about ball position? I keep reading that it should be more forward for long irons but I’m confused about how much forward exactly.

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I’ve tried having the ball just off my left heel for long irons, and it made a noticeable difference!

Using alignment sticks helps too. It keeps my feet and shoulders lined up correctly with the ball position.

I couldn’t agree more! They’re a simple but effective tool for practicing.

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Has anyone else ever lost confidence with their long irons? I feel like it’s all mental sometimes.

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Absolutely! Sometimes a bad round can make us overthink the simplest aspects.

And remember to have fun! If you’re too focused on perfect swings, you’ll forget why you started playing golf in the first place.

I’ve always struggled with long irons, especially my 3-iron. I recently switched to a club with more loft, and it’s made a world of difference. Has anyone else experienced similar changes?

That’s interesting! I find that shaft flexibility is key too. I switched from a stiff to a regular flex and improved my accuracy significantly. What flex are you using?