Told to "hang back"

[jrm1493]

A guy on the range this afternoon told me I should hang back more on my right side... isn't that generally considered wrong advice that would lead to a lot of chunks?

I have been hitting almost punch type shots with my irons recently because I find them to be a lot more controllable and I like to play a low ball with all the wind we have in Texas. I was hitting my 5-iron on the range and he asked me what I was hitting and I told him, and he said I should finish on my right side and I'd get more distance. I was hitting the range balls around 150 carry, 165-170 with roll, not that far but I don't like to go all out with my irons and I like to hit a fade which I can control pretty consistently... shot an 86 using this method on Thursday on a tough course which I think is pretty good for someone of my skill level. I'm sure I could nuke a 5-iron about 180 if I tried and didn't play for the low cut but I could only do it about half the time.

I have to admit this guy was practicing what he preached and hit it a long way with a finish that looked like he was going to fall over backwards - a bit like Tiger when he only had 1 knee... he must have some real fast hands because I can't swing like that and not chunk it half the time. What is it with people giving unsolicited advice?

[wedge player]

What is it with people giving unsolicited advice?

i dont think id be advisable to hang back,btw where you play at?

[jrm1493]

i dont think id be advisable to hang back,btw where you play at?

This was at a beat up old range in Friendswood, SE of Houston.

[wedge player]

This was at a beat up old range in Friendswood, SE of Houston.

i play up in conroe

[iacas]

A guy on the range this afternoon told me I should hang back more on my right side... isn't that generally considered wrong advice that would lead to a lot of chunks?

Your upper body may be going forward and getting ahead of the ball.

Heck if we know, though. We weren't there.

[Slim 11]

I don't think hanging back is ever good advice. You should have your weight forward at contact. 150 with a 5 iron is not that bad.
If it is a contact issue I would advise putting the ball back in your stance a little to help get a more descending strike but, having not seen your swing, I am mostly talking out of my a**.

[billm408]

Your upper body should be behind the ball at impact, but holding your weight back seems counter intuitive to any game where you hit a ball with a stick.

[jorruss]

A guy on the range this afternoon told me I should hang back more on my right side... isn't that generally considered wrong advice that would lead to a lot of chunks?

As a general rule, everything you hear from strangers on the driving range that hand out advice is BS. If his name has PGA after it, then I might listen. If by hanging back he means keeping more weight on the right leg during the downswing, he's crazy. Keep doing what you're doing, and seek the advice of someone who knows the golf swing. Spending $50 for a one hour lesson with a good pro will do more good than taking the word of every driving range wannabe that has advice to give. Now you know why Ben Hogan used to set up on the far right side of the range with his back to everyone.