My Journey to Straighter Iron Shots

[MiuraMan]

A few months back I purchased the following swing aid on Amazon ($130). It is solidly made of steel and heavy and stable in use. I use it both at the range and at home. Swing Plate Dual PRO by Jamie Brittain - Swing Analyzer Aid - Fits Standard 8mm Alignment Rod Sticks - Teaching Swing Plane Perfector - Indoor/Outdoor Golfing Practice.

This winter I set a goal for myself to improve my backswing/downswing to be more consistent and on plane. I had a two way miss with my approach shots this past golf season. I have a hitting set-up in my garage, but I needed something to provide feedback while swinging the club. I came across the Swing Plate while browsing YouTube.

 

I set it up with the correct angles for my 8 iron. I started out with just the back rod in place, which prevents me from getting too far inside on the backswing. Started out slow and as I got comfortable increased my swing speed. Now I also came across a YouTube video on building a better backswing and getting more width in the backswing and added that to my practice. That video is here:

 

 This video is a bit wordy since you are basically a fly on the wall as Ian gets a lesson. It took a few replays to be able to get the substance of the instruction. It was well worth the effort.

Over the last two weeks I have been able to get out on the course and gauge how successful my practice has been. Overall, my consistency with approach shots has improved greatly. Incorporating the added width in my swing has also added a few yards to all my clubs. 

What has your off-season training been like?

[ChetlovesMer]

Good luck with your journey toward straighter iron shots. 
I just wanted to add one small suggestion. 
My suggestion is to get data. I suggest shotscope or Arccos. Golf is such an interesting game and lots of factors can influence everything from our score to how many GIR's we get. etc... 

It's been my experience that data helps confirm what we know. Plus, most humans improve on what they track. The process of tracking measurements helps us improve. 

BTW - My off season has been filled with full swing work. A couple of lessons from Yoda, one with, one without GEAR's. Tons of swings in front of a mirror. I've still yet to hit a ball off actual grass so far this year. Hopefully soon.