Question about inside/out & parallel with irons

[Big D McGee]

So the other night at the range I was trying to cure my recurrent slice. I managed to turn it into a slight fade by working on ball position and proximity to the ball.

 

I wasn't satisfied with my distance or shape, though. I kept thinking about everyone here talking about the proper swing being "inside out". All of the sudden, something clicked in my head, and I was able to not only visualize the correct inside-out swing, but I immediately put it into practice. Bingo! Slice/Fade was GONE, replaced by a super straight shot.

 

Now, I've never been able to get my driver even close to parallel on the backswing. I always thought it was a lack of flexibility. But it was the result of a very upright swing. Basically I was swinging square-to-square, not around my body. Once I figured out the proper inside out path, reaching parallel (and, indeed, beyond parallel) was a snap. I hit a couple of drives like that and added-no kidding-at least 25 yards to my drives! I was boomin' them out there places I'd never been!

 

Now, I've been hitting my irons very well lately, but honestly not with a ton of distance. 5-iron carry is about 160, and so forth down the line. Also, the higher the loft, the shorter the distance. My 9-iron only goes about 115. My swing path with my irons is also very upright, not in-to-out. I am compressing the ball nicely, though, and taking a divot with all but my 5- and 6-irons. I'm also very accurate with my irons in that they always go straight.

 

Should I use the same in-to-out swing with my irons? Is that the "preferred" swing path for optimal ballstriking? I'd like a bit more distance from my mid and short irons, and I feel like getting the club to parallel, or at least close, would net me 5-10 extra yards per club. I'd love to hit a 5-iron on the longish (185-190) par-3's at the club I play most frequently!

 

Any help or advice you could give me is most appreciated!

[Big D McGee]

Anyone??

[adjulian]

The short answer to your question is yes. I ascribe to the idea that the longer clubs, i.e., woods, travel on a flatter plane vs. irons (more upright plane). However, I personally still strive, and work on it with my instructor a great deal, to feel like I am swinging to "right field". This helps me be sure I am getting proper extension with my arms and effectively releasing the clubface through the impact area which should help impart a right to left spin, i.e., a draw. I still struggle with hitting draws but my ball striking has been much more consistent.

 

Pay attention to your divots, they don't lie. If you have really affected your swing, your divots should obviously be pointing straight to your target. If your divots point left, then you're dealing with an "over the top" move which will create that "right to left" ball spin, i.e., a slice.

 

Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about distance as I would be about control right now. Also, while it might make you feel better that you can hit a 5 iron 190 yds, does it really matter that you can hit a 5 iron 190yds or a 3 hybrid 190 yds? Distance will come from proper ball striking. And remember, that's why we carry 14 clubs in our bag - to make sure we have all the distances covered. Have you considered a 3 or 4 hybrid to cover those 190 yd par 3s?

 

Also, while you're grooving your swing, think about spending time with your 100 yds and in "short game". That's where scoring happens!

 

Good luck with your swing changes. And go see a pro if you have a chance to validate your changes!

[Big D McGee]

^^Thanks for the thoughtful response, I really appreciate it!

 

I'll certainly try the inside-out path with my irons on the driving range first. And I'll be sure to check my divots.

 

To answer your question about hybrids, I did carry a 3&4 hybrid. But my Nickents are lofted such that most 3 (and all 4) hybrids have a higher loft than the 5-iron (which is 22*). So I carry a 17* Orlimar TriMetal that I hit very well. It's good for around 180.

 

I guess I'd like more distance with my short irons more than anything. The two courses I play most frequently have very firm, very fast greens. Basically, unless you hit an 8-iron or less into them, the ball will release. So I end up trying to run the ball up to the green, which is usually ineffective.

 

Oh, and I will absolutely work more on my short game 100-yards and in. I realize I waste-just flat out WASTE-around 10 shots per round because my chipping is horrendous! I need to get the ball within 10 feet on a consistent basis, especially since I miss so many GIR. I'm re-reading alot of my past GD issues to focus on Dave Pelz' articles.

 

Finally, a question: will the average teacher be willing to work on short game only? It's where I need a lot of help, I could use a lesson.

 

Thanks again for your thoughtful response, I appreciate it!

[adjulian]

Go interview some teachers and see if they are willing to work on short game only. Also, check out the Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz. I'm going through it again myself right now.

 

Also, as I understand it, the Nickent 3DXs have stronger lofts than other traditional irons. Again, I wouldn't be so concerned about which club you are using to hold the green, just so long as you're holding the green.

 

Good luck!