Irons · Lesson
New to Irons? Let the Loft Lift the Ball
Part of our irons programs for topped or thin, fat or chunked. Build a program with it
Here's the big secret for beginners. It's not your job to get the ball in the air. The loft does that. Your job is to drive the ball forward. Let the handle lead the clubhead a little at impact. Don't scoop. But don't chop down hard either. Start with small swings. Learn to keep the club steady so it doesn't flip. Then build up to full swings.
Step by step
- Trust the loft to lift the ball.
- Make small swings with the handle leading.
- Drive the ball forward.
- Avoid chopping down.
- Lengthen your swing as contact improves.
Why it works
An iron's loft is angled to send the ball up, so you do not need to add height with your hands. When the handle leads the clubhead at impact, the club strikes the ball first and the turf second, and the loft then launches the ball. If you try to scoop, the clubhead passes your hands early and the low point moves back behind the ball, which causes fat shots.
Common mistakes
- You try to lift the ball by flicking your wrists through impact.Keep the club steady and let the handle stay ahead of the clubhead as you swing through.
- You chop down hard at the ball with a steep, forceful hit.Use a smooth, shallow swing that brushes the ground just after the ball instead of stabbing into it.
- You go to full swings before your small swings make clean contact.Stay with short swings until contact is clean, then lengthen the swing a little at a time.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts low to medium and climbs on its own without you helping it.
- You strike the ball first and the divot, if any, starts just after where the ball sat.
- Your hands feel ahead of the clubhead at impact and the club does not feel like it flips.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a short swing with a more lofted iron, such as a 7 or 8, and hit from a good lie on a mat or short grass.
Harder: Lengthen the swing in small steps while keeping the same handle-leading contact, or hit from a slightly tighter lie.
Common questions
Why do I hit the ground before the ball with my irons?
Usually the clubhead is passing your hands early because you are trying to scoop the ball up, so the club bottoms out behind the ball. Keep the handle leading at impact and drive the ball forward.
Do I need to help the ball into the air with an iron?
No. The loft on the clubface is built to lift the ball when you strike it with a steady, forward swing.
