Losing iron consistency - hands?

[LongIron]

All full swing Irons (3-wedges) are the best part of my game. I would always make solid contact with great distance/control. However, this has changed in my past 3 rounds.

I'm making crappy contact and either pushing it left or slightly hooking it. I've always played with a strong grip and my hands forward of the ball..Could this be part of my problem? Sometimes the club ends up a bit closed at address, which is obviously contributing to the problem. Ive tried to weaken my grip, but it feels completely unnatural and I end up cutting at the ball with an open face and and slicing it.

Also in these past 3 rounds, my short game has gotten 10x better and my distance/accuracy with woods has never been better.

Any ideas?

[sonicblue]

Anytime iron game suffers, it's often due to too much hands. Your hands are actually quite weak, it's only when they stay connected and in rhythm with the arms/shoulders/torso that they really have power. Focus on a smooth, powerful movement with the torso, and just keep the "connection" to the hands intact, let them come along for the ride through the impact zone.