How to Fix a Low Launch Angle for Irons?

[Redheaddude62]

Hello everyone! New member here and I’ve been trying to research how to increase my launch angle for irons, but most advice on the web pertains to decreasing launch angle, and as such Ive decided to turn to golf forums for help.

 

I’m looking to increase my launch angle because my shots run far too much and have medium height. When I use trackman at PGA Superstore, my launch angle for all of my irons are relatively similar. My 6-8 irons generally have a launch angle of between 12-14.5 degrees, and my 5 and 4 are 9-10 usually. From using painters tape and trackman, I know I’m generally not hitting too low on the face, and my AoA is usually between 3-5 degrees on my irons, depending on the number. My ball speed today was 116-120 for my 8 iron, and my spin rates were high 5k- low 6k. It will jump up only marginally when I cut or slice the ball, but I still usually have 8 yards of run with my 8 iron and the max height was about 22 yards.

 

Given this data and some research I’ve done, it seems like increasing my launch angle will help increase spin, increase carry distance, and decrease run. However, I’m not actually sure how I should go about doing this.

 

logically, I expect I have a low launch angle due to too much shaft lean, but from watching videos of my swing that doesn’t seem to be the case (though I know that’s hard to tell). Also, I’m hesitant to work on drills that decrease shaft lean since that will likely give me a worse strike and bring in a whole host of other problems.

 

So given this, how would you all suggest going about increasing launch angle? Has anyone had similar issues with this, and if so, what did you do to address it? I strike the ball relatively well, but not being able to have shots stay on the green is very frustrating.

 

Also I am currently taking lessons, but I’ve so far been unhappy with them as the various “pros” barely listen to what I say, only watch me hit a few balls, and then talk for the remainder of the time.

[iacas]

What's your ball position like? What's your smash factor, on average, say… with a 7I?

[Redheaddude62]

My ball position for a 7 iron is about a ball lengths forward of center, and my smash factor is usually 1.4-1.46 depending on strike, though sometimes of course it’s lower.

[iacas]

24 minutes ago, Redheaddude62 said:

My ball position for a 7 iron is about a ball lengths forward of center, and my smash factor is usually 1.4-1.46 depending on strike, though sometimes of course it’s lower.

So, yeah, that smash should be in the 1.37 neighborhood. You're de-lofting too much… or something.

[Redheaddude62]

1 minute ago, iacas said:

So, yeah, that smash should be in the 1.37 neighborhood. You're de-lofting too much… or something.

So potentially I should try and deloft less, but my current swing doesn’t feel unnatural or forced. Should I just try releasing the club sooner? or would that just be flipping the hands? Or should I just open the club face more at address (it’s currently square to the target and so is my setup). I can also post a video or pictures of my swing from pga (tomorrow when I go back I mean). Though I don’t want to accidentally turn this into a members swing analysis, as I know there is a specific forum for that.

 

I also just got a 5 pack lesson with a pro and have only used one. During my first lesson I explained these various issues to him but he wasn’t very helpful. I really want to be able to give him relevant info after trying to fix the problem myself so I can share with him pitfalls I’m having in correcting this issue.

[iacas]

1 minute ago, Redheaddude62 said:

So potentially I should try and deloft less, but my current swing doesn’t feel unnatural or forced.

I don't know. I haven't seen your swing.

https://thesandtrap.com/forums/forum/13-member-swings/

1 minute ago, Redheaddude62 said:

Should I just try releasing the club sooner? or would that just be flipping the hands? Or should I just open the club face more at address (it’s currently square to the target and so is my setup). I can also post a video or pictures of my swing from pga (tomorrow when I go back I mean). Though I don’t want to accidentally turn this into a members swing analysis, as I know there is a specific forum for that.

Yeah, just use that forum for that. Maybe link to your post in Member Swings here, so we can follow up.

1 minute ago, Redheaddude62 said:

I also just got a 5 pack lesson with a pro and have only used one. During my first lesson I explained these various issues to him but he wasn’t very helpful. I really want to be able to give him relevant info after trying to fix the problem myself so I can share with him pitfalls I’m having in correcting this issue.

Well… not every instructor is a good or great instructor.

Just keep communicating with him.

[Redheaddude62]

20 minutes ago, iacas said:

I don't know. I haven't seen your swing.

https://thesandtrap.com/forums/forum/13-member-swings/

Yeah, just use that forum for that. Maybe link to your post in Member Swings here, so we can follow up.

Well… not every instructor is a good or great instructor.

Just keep communicating with him.

I appreciate the advice and will definitely just post in the member swing section when I re-record my swing tomorrow at pga. Thanks!

[iacas]

https://thesandtrap.com/b/playing_tips/filming_your_swing

Slow mo, too.