Golf Tips For The Long Irons

I got a couple of questions recently from golfers who have difficulty hitting their long irons.  And I can definitely relate to that.  So I am very interested in hearing from you mid to high handicappers out there on what you do about your long irons.  Please email me at thegolfnut@the-golf-nut.com.   And in the meantime I have a few tips to help you if you are going to try and use those difficult sticks.My first tip is to seriously think about not using your standard 3, 4, or 5 irons.  Seriously! For a of amateurs, these are the absolute hardest clubs to hit.  With all the new technology like hybrids for example, you don’t have to struggle with the long irons if you just can’t seem to make them work.

But if you don’t find them impossible, if maybe you just have some inconsistency or you want to make a little better contact with these golf clubs, then read on.

My first tip is swing really easy and smooth.  Although this is a constant theme in my golf tips, for the long irons I really encourage you to swing easier than you do with any other clubs in your golf bag.  Think of swinging at about 50% of your normal swing speed.

Second, really concentrate on the golf ball.  The longer the iron, the more a small mishit affects you.  Make a distinct effort to concentrate on watching your golf club make contact with the back of the ball.  Don’t stiffen up your neck, but make sure to see the club though impact. Stay with the shot!

Last,  make sure to finish your follow through.  I see a lot of golfers who finish their long iron shots very much like they might a pitching wedge.  Finish the swing with the full follow through just like a driver or 3 wood. Otherwise you open yourself up more to hitting a fade or slice.

If you are going to keep trying those long irons, these tips may help you hit them a little better.

Good golfing!