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| weak iron shots |
dbutcher |
05/28/07 |
Last year I played to a solid 5-6 handicap throughout the season. On average, I would hit my driver about 235-255 yards, and that is still true this year (no problems there). Last year, though, my iron distances were about as follows: 6-iron, 155-60 yds.; 7-iron, 145-50 yds.; 8-iron, 135-40 yds; 9-iron, 120-127; and PW, 105-115 yds.
I used to struggle with weak iron shots, and last year I gained significant distance by moving the ball back in my stance with every iron from the 6-iron up through my wedges. (I used to play the ball near the center, or slightly forward of center, and last year I successfully played it a little behind the center of my stance, contrary to the advice in most instructional articles.)
This year, I shanked a couple of iron shots and began worrying that I was playing the ball too far back, so I moved it up a little. Then my iron shots suddenly got weaker, even though my divots still seemed to be ahead of the ball (although sometimes I pick it pretty clean). I tried moving the ball back again, but would occasionally shank it again. I tried backing off the ball a bit, thinking I was standing too close at address -- that hasn't worked.
Now I'm a mess. I used to average between 75-80 every round, and would occasionally shoot in the low 70s (I've shot my best score, 72, about six different times). I've only broken 80 once in the last month (79).
My iron distances have dropped precipitously. My 6-iron is down to about 142 yds.; 7-iron, 125-132 yds; 8-iron, 115-120 yds., 9-iron, 105-112 yds., and PW, 85-95 yds.
It's hard to adjust to the discrepancy when I'm playing. If I have a 120 yard shot, I think I should hit a smooth 9-iron, because that's what worked last year. But I really need a full 8-iron, because that's what it takes right now. The problem is, it's hard to convince myself to swing all-out with an 8-iron from that close because I'm afraid I'll suddenly hit one of my crisp iron shots of last year and send the ball sailing over the green. So I end up either over-swinging the 9-iron and making terrible contact, or under-swinging the 8-iron (and making terrible contact).
On some shots, it feels like I'm catching the ball on the upswing, which I know is a power drain. But even on the shots that feel solid -- with a nice clean divot ahead of the ball -- it's still not the same as last year.
If it helps, I'm 6 feet, 160 lbs., and only 36 yrs. old -- too young to be getting such paltry distances out of my irons. (My irons are a very pedestrian 12-yr. old set of Excalibur ELTs with True-Temper steel shafts, but I hesitate to blame my problem on equipment, given my success with the same clubs last year. Besides, I've tried hitting brand new clubs on the range, and of course the problem is the operator, not the vehicle.) I'm using up to 3 clubs more than most of the guys I play with, and it's driving me crazy. Any advice, tips, or drills, would be much appreciated. Thanks. . . hope this wasn't too long. (By the way, I'm left handed, so please keep that in mind when using "left" and "right" in your reply.) |
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