Problem With Irons

[RickV1955]

I'm 64 and have been playing golf for about 46 years.  Pretty much been a 12 - 13 handicap over my playing time. About a year ago, I began having major problems hitting irons (mostly shanks or weak right shots..and lots of fat shots).  I can hit my driver very well (230 - 250ish with a draw).  Very good chipper and putter and no problem out of the sand.  I worked with a pro for a couple of months but he didn't seem to be able to straighten it out (several pros even opted out of trying to fix it)

I actually quit the game for 6 months or so, but couldn't stay away.  Lol. I have some games where I think I've found an answer, only to totally unable to make contact with my irons, the next.  I'm incredibly frustrated and searching for any advice.   I don't understand how someone can simply lose the ability to hit irons.  My buddies say my swing doesn't look any different than it always has...and it doesn't feel different to me.  Has anyone had a similar problem or know of someone who has?  If so, how did they "fix" it?  Thanks for any input!

[Vinsk]

Hello and welcome to TST. You’ve got a swing flaw or flaws. If your swing doesn’t feel any different, that’s a problem. Years of compensation with consistent flaws yielding occasional success is a rut we all get into. If you really want to fix this problem I highly recommend you post a video. We have a ‘Members Swing’ thread where you can upload a video to YouTube then copy/paste the link. There are many excellent instructors here who will actually give you free advice. Without seeing your swing we really can’t offer much advice. However I can suggest you start making slow, really slow, no..slower than that, swings and start with the very basics. Here’s a link to get you started:

https://thesandtrap.com/forums/topic/54840-simple-specific-slow-short-and-success-the-five-ss-of-great-practice/

[dennyjones]

Welcome to TST!

[DrvFrShow]

I'll bet your practice swing is really good, though. What's the difference between your real swing and the practice swing? I'll give you a hint.... the ball.

[MarvChamp]

19 minutes ago, DrvFrShow said:

I'll bet your practice swing is really good, though. What's the difference between your real swing and the practice swing? I'll give you a hint.... the ball.

Right...I get "ball-locked" sometimes. Best, -Marv

[AlDena]

I'm 63 now, and had to change my swing a little to compensate for my ever increasing belly. When I get the shanks, for me, it's usually something related to fundamentals, like grip or stance, and my buddy can point it out if somethings really off.