Best Drill to Pure Your Irons

Finding the Fix for Heavy and Thin Shots

Do you ever have an issue on the course with hitting shots heavy? Or do you overcorrect and strike it thin? We have the solution for you because the same drill can fix both problems. In this edition of Fix My Fault, GOLFTEC’s Patrick Nuber demonstrates how to get professional golfer Hannah Gregg in the correct position for hitting pure irons and clean contact.

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Head and Hip Position for Clean Contact

Patrick explains that making great contact starts with your head and hip position. Using OptiMotion, Patrick shows that Hannah’s head should remain in the same position when she takes the club back. Additionally, her trail leg should stay inside the line. When both of these things line up, she is on her way to great contact.

In contrast, look at the image of Hannah on the right side of the screen. Her head has moved back and out of the circle, and her trail leg has moved back and past the line. From this position, it is tough to recover and make a solid strike on the ball.

The OptiMotion numbers continue to tell the story. On the right, the numbers in red indicate that Hannah’s shoulder sway has moved back 5.1 inches and her hip sway has moved back 1.5 inches. On the left, the green numbers indicate that Hannah is moving toward the target 3 inches with her shoulder sway and 2.1 inches with her hip sway.

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The Drill to Fix Heavy and Thin Shots

This drill is as simple as using a prop to ensure you aren’t moving the wrong way when you take the club back.

1. Use a Prop: Have a coach or friend hold an alignment stick or pool noodle just off your trail ear about an inch, as demonstrated by Patrick.
2. Take the Club Back: When you take the club back, make sure you don’t hit the alignment stick with your head. This will ensure you’re not swaying back off the ball.
3. Downswing Movement: On the downswing, not only should your head not touch the alignment stick, it should actually be moving even further from the stick and towards the target.

Using a physical object like an alignment stick is the best way to train yourself not to move away from the target. Getting good at this drill will help your impact, as it ensures your body position stays over the ball instead of swaying back off of it.

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Understanding the Proper Golf Swing for Pure Iron Shots

Balance and Stability

For hitting pure irons and consistent golf shots, maintaining balance and stability throughout the swing is crucial. This involves a proper stance, weight distribution, and minimal lateral movement.

• Stance: Position your feet shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees. Your weight should be balanced on the balls of your feet.
• Weight Distribution: At address, your weight should be evenly distributed. As you take the club back, your weight shifts to your trail foot, and then back to your lead foot on the downswing.
• Minimal Lateral Movement: Avoid excessive lateral movement of your hips and head. This helps maintain stability and ensures you hit the ball before the ground.

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Swing Path and Clubface Control

Achieving a proper golf swing for pure iron shots requires a consistent swing path and precise control of the clubface.

• Swing Path: Your swing path should be slightly inside-out. This encourages solid contact and promotes a slight draw, which is ideal for most iron shots.
• Clubface Control: Ensure that your clubface is square at impact. An open or closed clubface can lead to slices or hooks, resulting in inconsistent shots.

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Importance of a Solid Follow-Through

A proper golf swing doesn’t end at impact. Your follow-through plays a significant role in the quality of your golf shots.

• Complete the Swing: After impact, continue your swing to a full finish. This helps maintain balance and control.
• Hold Your Finish: Ensure that your weight is fully transferred to your lead foot, and your chest is facing the target. Holding your finish position indicates a well-executed swing.

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Additional Drills for Hitting Pure Irons

Impact Bag Drill

This drill helps you focus on making solid contact and improving your swing path.

1. Set Up: Place an impact bag (or a similar object) in front of your lead foot.
2. Take Swings: Practice hitting the bag, ensuring your hands are ahead of the clubhead at impact.
3. Focus on Contact: This drill emphasizes the importance of a proper impact position and helps eliminate fat or thin shots.

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Gate Drill

The gate drill is excellent for improving your swing path and ensuring you hit the center of the clubface.

1. Set Up Gates: Place two tees in the ground, slightly wider than the width of your clubhead, forming a "gate."
2. Practice Swings: Swing through the gate without touching the tees. This encourages a straight swing path and solid contact.

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Tips from Professional Golfers

Rory McIlroy’s Focus on Balance

Rory McIlroy emphasizes the importance of balance in every golf shot. He ensures that his weight is correctly distributed and maintains stability throughout his swing. By focusing on balance, Rory achieves consistent contact and distance control.

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Tiger Woods’ Drill for Solid Contact

Tiger Woods often uses the impact bag drill to work on his impact position. By practicing with an impact bag, Tiger ensures that his hands are ahead of the clubhead at impact, resulting in pure iron shots and consistent golf shots.

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Justin Thomas’ Swing Path Drill

Justin Thomas uses the gate drill to perfect his swing path. By swinging through a gate of tees, Justin ensures that his swing path is straight, leading to solid contact and accurate golf shots.

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