Can't hit my irons

[ayeplussjr]

HELP PLEASE!!!

I'm a beginner to this game as of the last 3 months, but I want to get more serious because the guys that I go out with are pretty good. I'm completely hooked, and I want to get better. Previously I would just go out with my buddies with no serious practice but for the last few weeks I've been going the range a few times a week. I have a few ranges that I go to that I like to practice at. The range by my work has the those turf pads and I can hit with my irons on those all day long. The range by my house does not have the turf pads, but has grass to hit off of. When it comes to the grass I can't hit the ball consistently. I'm topping the ball a lot and hitting the ball fat as well but I will still be able to get off some nice shots. I want to get more consistent with hitting off of the grass. I do plan on taking classes soon, but in the meantime does anybody have any suggestions?

[gboldman23]

Hit off grass as much as you can. IMHO turf mats hide too many swing flaws because the club just bounces on the mat. Also work on a consistent swing which will lead to a more consistent ball flight.

[g8a_golf]

get the heck off of the mats!!! they screw me up, too...

[Big D McGee]

You're probably hitting the ball fat on 90% of your mis-hits. Since the mats are basically foam rubber on top of concrete, the club obviously won't dig. In fact, it will bounce, causing you to hit a shot that's further and straighter than you can even hit on grass. I know this from personal experience, 'cause before I took some refresher lessons, I'd hit my 3W 240 off the mat and couldn't hit it at all on grass.

 

IMHO, ball position, and your proximity to the ball are the most important factors in hitting the ball well. You can have a very technically sound swing, but if you put the ball off your left heel and hit a 7-iron, you'll hit it fat every time. Check your ball position, I bet it's too far forward or behind.

 

The second thing to check is how far you stand from the ball. If you're shanking, or hitting hosel rockets or worm-burners, you're probably standing too far from the ball.

 

I'm a former "scooper" turned "divot" player, and working on these 2 things transformed my game. Hope that helps a little!

[ayeplussjr]

Any rule of thumb on how far away you should stand from the ball? Thanks for the help everyone, I appreciate it!!

[EnglishBob]

I am having the smae exact problems you are, and I blame hitting from mats entirely. I won't be using them again.

 

It is taking me many, many balls to get used to grass and fix my issues.

[tbowles411]

What I like to do is place the ball in the center of my stance with my hands slightly ahead of the ball the strike down on it. The loft of the club will do the work. When woods are involved I place the ball at my left heel or a bit further back and sweep it back and through the ball, not at it. And remember tempo. You can go fast-fast or slow-slow, but not fast-slow IMO. Keeping a solid tempo, whatever it is important.

 

I won't hit off of mats anymore. It actually hurt my development for a while.

[Furrankee]

Aye,

 

Have you played any other sports besides golf? Tennis? Baseball?

[ayeplussjr]

Yes...I have played tennis and baseball. Tennis for just a few years, but I played baseball competitively for about 9 years....from pee-wee's til high school.

[nicfromwash]

I concentrate with keeping most of my weight on my left foot throughout my swing with my irons (WITHOUT a reverse pivot). Keep your lower body 'quiet' throughout your stroke, and remember to keep your right elbow close to your body.

 

After you do all that you can start working on your swingpath:)

[mikpga]

Until you take lessons, I would recommend practicing with the ball slightly teed up. The only thought you should focus on is how you finish your swing. Always finish ALL swings with your body facing the target and in balance. Pay attention to all tour player's finishes!